Sourdough Brownies with Walnuts

Name: Sourdough Brownies with Walnuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sourdough starter, active and bubbly; 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

I’m absolutely in love with these Sourdough Brownies with Walnuts. The tangy flavor from the sourdough starter combined with the rich chocolate creates a unique twist on traditional brownies. I always find that using sourdough not only enhances the depth of flavor but also gives the brownies a wonderfully chewy texture. Whether I’m enjoying them as a late-night snack or serving them at a gathering, these brownies never fail to impress with their fudgy consistency and delightful crunch from the walnuts. They’re simply irresistible!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T12:17:27.939Z

When I first made these Sourdough Brownies with Walnuts, I was surprised by how the sourness from the starter harmonized beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate. I experimented with different types of chocolate and ultimately settled on a mix of dark and semi-sweet, which resulted in a perfect balance. The walnuts add an extra layer of texture, and I love to toast them beforehand for a more intense flavor. Trust me, this is a game changer when it comes to brownies!

One tip I’ve learned through my baking adventures is to always let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps achieve clean edges and prevents them from falling apart. I also recommend serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. It’s a dessert that never goes out of style!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Tangy flavor paired with rich chocolate creates a unique treat
Decadent texture with a delightful crunch from toasted walnuts
Easy to make and sure to impress family and friends

      

Understanding Ingredients

The unique tangy flavor of these brownies comes from the sourdough starter. This ingredient not only adds a depth of flavor but also contributes to the chewy texture that is a hallmark of great brownies. Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly; a less active starter may not achieve the same tang and chewiness. If you don’t have sourdough on hand, you can create a similar acidity by replacing half of the sourdough with Greek yogurt or applesauce, maintaining the same amount of liquid in the recipe.

Using a mix of granulated and brown sugar is crucial for balancing sweetness and achieving that fudgy texture. The granulated sugar contributes to a slightly crisp crust, while the brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. If you prefer, you can swap the sugars for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but keep in mind that this might alter the texture slightly. Experimenting with sugars can lead to delicious variations!

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

When mixing the brownie batter, be cautious not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to a cakier texture, which is not ideal for brownies. The goal is to mix just until the flour and cocoa are incorporated for a fudgy outcome. Look for a batter that is thick and slightly glossy. Once you pour it into the prepared pan, you can gently tap the pan on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles.

For the best baking results, consider checking your brownies a few minutes before the stated baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want to catch them just at the right point where a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter or completely dry. If they are overbaked, the brownies will lose their signature fudgy consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious brownies:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sourdough starter, active and bubbly
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Once you’ve prepped these ingredients, you’re ready to start making your brownies!

Instructions

Follow these steps for baking perfection:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until well blended. Then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sourdough starter.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Walnuts

Fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Enjoy your homemade brownies with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream!

Pro Tips

For best results, use high-quality chocolate and ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Sourdough Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored to enjoy later. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you're looking to preserve them for longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a piece!

For optimal texture after freezing, reheat the brownies gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore some of the fudginess that may be lost in the freezing process, and it also enhances the flavors, making them taste freshly baked.

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them further with some serving suggestions. Try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Drizzling melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving can also add a deliciously sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the tangy sourdough flavor.

If you enjoy experimenting, consider adding different mix-ins or toppings to the batter before baking. Dark chocolate chips, sea salt sprinkles, or even a hint of espresso powder can enhance both flavor and visual appeal. For a twist, swap walnuts for pecans or almonds based on your preference, or frequently spice things up by integrating spices like cinnamon or chili powder for an unexpected kick!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully as substitutes.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of sourdough starter?

If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can use an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk, adjusting the flour slightly.