Fudgy Sourdough Brownies Sea Salt (Print Version)

Decadent, fudgy brownies featuring a hint of sourdough tang and a sprinkle of sea salt.

# Components:

→ Chocolate & Fats

01 - 6 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
03 - ¼ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)

→ Sugars

04 - 1 cup granulated sugar
05 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

→ Eggs & Sourdough

06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 large egg yolk
08 - ½ cup sourdough discard, unfed and room temperature
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

10 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
11 - ⅓ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
12 - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Topping

13 - Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
02 - Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Add chopped chocolate and cubed butter, stirring until completely smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in neutral oil.
03 - Whisk in granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until glossy and fully combined.
04 - Add eggs and egg yolk one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Whisk vigorously for 1–2 minutes until mixture becomes thick and shiny.
05 - Stir in sourdough discard and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
06 - Sift flour, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt together. Fold gently into wet mixture using a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.
07 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
08 - Bake for 28–32 minutes until edges are set but center remains slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and slicing into 16 squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Transforms sourdough discard into an irresistible dessert with minimal effort
  • Ultra-fudgy texture that's perfectly balanced with a subtle tangy depth
  • The flaky sea salt topping creates an addictive sweet-salty contrast
  • Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
  • Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions
02 -
  • Use unfed sourdough discard straight from the fridge—just bring it to room temperature first
  • Dutch-process cocoa powder creates a darker, richer color and smoother chocolate flavor
  • The flaky sea salt isn't optional—it's what makes these brownies extraordinary
  • Let brownies cool completely before cutting for the cleanest edges and best texture
  • A double boiler ensures gentle melting without burning the chocolate
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