Sourdough Brownies with Almonds

Name: Sourdough Brownies with Almonds
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup sourdough starter; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped almonds

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I’ve always been a brownie enthusiast, but adding sourdough to the mix has elevated my baking game. The tanginess of the sourdough perfectly balances the rich chocolate, creating a uniquely delicious treat. I love how the almonds add a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall texture. These brownies are great for any occasion, and they’re a fantastic way to use up extra sourdough starter. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness that awaits in every bite!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-27T14:22:28.444Z

When I first decided to add sourdough starter to my brownies, I had my doubts. Would the sour flavor overpower the chocolate? To my surprise, the result was outstanding! The sourdough adds a subtle tang that makes these brownies truly exceptional. I’ve also found that using high-quality cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making the brownies rich and fudgy.

To achieve the perfect texture, I recommend slightly underbaking them. This ensures they stay moist and chewy, which is exactly how I love my brownies. Each time I make them, I tweak little elements to suit my taste, and the possibilities feel endless!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
The unique tang from sourdough enhances the chocolate flavor.
Almonds provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
They're easy to make with pantry staples, yet feel gourmet.

Understanding the Role of Sourdough

The addition of sourdough starter in these brownies contributes both moisture and a subtle tangy flavor that elevates the typical chocolate experience. The acidity from the sourdough interacts with the cocoa powder, enhancing its depth and richness. This is particularly beneficial in brownies, where a well-balanced flavor profile can make or break the dessert. If you’re new to using sourdough, ensure your starter is active and bubbly for the best results.

Using sourdough also provides a unique leavening effect. Combined with baking powder, it creates a light texture, resulting in brownies that are fudgy yet airy. Be cautious, however; too much sourdough can lead to overly tangy brownies. Stick to the half-cup measurement for a perfect balance that highlights the chocolate without overpowering it.

Choosing and Preparing Your Ingredients

To achieve the best texture, using high-quality cocoa powder is essential. Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a richer, darker flavor. If you're in a pinch, natural cocoa works, but the final taste will differ slightly. When measuring the flour, consider using the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag, as this prevents compacting and ensures light, fluffy brownies.

Chopped almonds add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complement the chocolate beautifully. You can toast them lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes before incorporating them into the batter. This minor step can significantly enhance their flavor, adding complexity to each bite.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sourdough starter
2 large eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped almonds

Mix well until smooth and pour into a greased baking pan.

Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

Mix the Sugars and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, sourdough starter, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until creamy.

Combine and Pour

Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped almonds. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.

Bake the Brownies

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate.

Storing and Freezing Brownies

Once cooled, these brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

To maintain freshness, it's best to avoid stacking them directly on top of one another unless separated by parchment paper. This will help preserve their texture and prevent them from sticking together.

Customizing Your Brownies

Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins! While almonds provide a great texture, you can substitute or add other nuts like walnuts or pecans. For a chewy variation, consider folding in some chocolate chips or caramel pieces. If you're looking for a boost of flavor, a teaspoon of espresso powder mixed into the dry ingredients will enhance the chocolate experience without making the brownies taste like coffee.

To make these brownies a bit healthier, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. This modification can keep the brownies moist while reducing fat content. Just keep in mind that this may alter the final texture slightly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ How can I store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute the nuts?

Absolutely! You can use walnuts, pecans, or leave them out if you prefer nut-free.

→ What should I do if I don't have sourdough starter?

You can try using plain yogurt or applesauce as a substitute, but the flavor will vary.