Sourdough Discard Brownies with Hazelnut Spread

Highlighted under: Simple Sweet Recipes

Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these Sourdough Discard Brownies enhanced with creamy hazelnut spread. Perfect for using up that leftover sourdough starter, these brownies are a delightful treat that combines unique flavors and textures.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-27T20:58:28.465Z

These Sourdough Discard Brownies with Hazelnut Spread are not just a delicious dessert but also a sustainable way to use leftover sourdough starter. With a rich chocolate flavor and a hint of nuttiness from the hazelnut spread, they are perfect for any chocolate lover.

Why You'll Love These Brownies

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy hazelnut spread
  • Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Great way to use sourdough discard
  • Perfect for sharing or indulging yourself

The Perfect Use for Sourdough Discard

Sourdough discard often finds itself left behind after feeding your starter, but it doesn’t have to go to waste. Incorporating it into recipes like these brownies not only reduces food waste but also adds a unique tangy flavor that elevates the dish. This is a wonderful way to ensure that your sourdough starter remains active and useful, turning what might otherwise be a discard into a delicious treat.

Using sourdough discard in brownies introduces a subtle complexity that sets them apart from traditional recipes. The fermentation process of the sourdough adds depth and richness, making these brownies not just another chocolate dessert, but a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Hazelnut Spread: A Creamy Delight

The addition of hazelnut spread to these brownies brings a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor. Whether you use a store-bought brand or homemade hazelnut spread, the nutty undertones enhance the overall taste and texture of the brownies. This creamy element creates a delightful contrast to the fudgy brownie base.

Hazelnut spread is not just a treat; it’s versatile and can be used in countless desserts. When swirled into brownie batter, it creates beautiful marbling, making the brownies visually appealing as well. Each bite offers a surprise of nutty richness, ensuring that these brownies are a standout dessert.

Why These Brownies Are a Must-Try

These Sourdough Discard Brownies with Hazelnut Spread are more than just a delicious treat; they embody the essence of comfort food. They are easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. With simple steps and a short baking time, you can have a batch of these fudgy delights ready in no time.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for an afternoon snack, or simply indulging yourself, these brownies fit the bill perfectly. Their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them irresistible. Plus, sharing a batch with friends or family is sure to earn you rave reviews and requests for the recipe!

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Brownies

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup hazelnut spread

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for a rich brownie batter.

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the sourdough discard and vanilla extract.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Add Hazelnut Spread

Fold in the hazelnut spread gently, leaving some swirls for a marbled effect.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your delicious brownies with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of extra hazelnut spread!

Storing Your Brownies

To keep your brownies fresh and fudgy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, although they are often devoured much quicker! If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the brownies. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying a delicious, gooey treat.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these brownies to suit your taste! You can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch. Alternatively, toss in some chocolate chips for an even more decadent experience. If you prefer a salted flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.

For a twist on the classic flavor, consider adding a splash of espresso or coffee to the wet ingredients. This addition will intensify the chocolate, making it even richer and more satisfying. Experimenting with different mix-ins can transform your brownies and keep the recipe fresh and exciting.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use melted chocolate, but adjust the amount of sugar as needed.

→ How should I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I use instead of hazelnut spread?

You can use peanut butter or almond butter for a different flavor.

Sourdough Discard Brownies with Hazelnut Spread

Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these Sourdough Discard Brownies enhanced with creamy hazelnut spread. Perfect for using up that leftover sourdough starter, these brownies are a delightful treat that combines unique flavors and textures.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Simple Sweet Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 brownies

What You'll Need

For the Brownies

  1. 1 cup sourdough discard
  2. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  4. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  5. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  6. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  9. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  10. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  11. 1/2 cup hazelnut spread

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the sourdough discard and vanilla extract.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 05

Fold in the hazelnut spread gently, leaving some swirls for a marbled effect.

Step 06

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 07

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g