Nutty Brownie Sourdough Bites

Name: Nutty Brownie Sourdough Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 bites
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough starter, fed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love baking and have recently discovered how delightful Nutty Brownie Sourdough Bites can be! The combination of the rich brownie flavor with the tangy notes of sourdough creates a unique taste that is more than just a treat. These bites are packed with nuts for a satisfying crunch and are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on cozy evenings. I love the way they bring together two worlds—classic brownies and the wonderful art of sourdough baking. Give these a try, and you’ll know exactly what I mean!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T11:49:28.553Z

Baking these Nutty Brownie Sourdough Bites became a delicious adventure for me. One day, I had some sourdough starter left over and thought of incorporating it into a brownie recipe. The result was surprising—a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The sourdough adds depth and a subtle tang that elevates the rich chocolate experience.

As I experimented with nuts, I found that walnuts provided the perfect crunch and flavor contrast to the fudge-like brownie base. Using quality chocolate made a substantial difference in the final taste. I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer, more complex flavor profile.

Why You'll Love These Bites
Unique flavor from the combination of sourdough and rich brownie mix
Crunchy nuts add texture and enhance the chocolate experience
Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert tray at gatherings

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of Nutty Brownie Sourdough Bites is the sourdough starter. Using a well-fed starter introduces a hint of tang and depth to the brownies, enhancing the chocolate's richness. It's vital to ensure that your starter is active and bubbly; if it hasn’t been fed in a while, consider giving it a feeding the night before to achieve optimal results. This will also help the brownies rise slightly while baking, creating a pleasing texture.

The choice of nuts significantly impacts the overall flavor and texture of the bites. Walnuts provide a classic crunch and a slightly bitter note that complements the sweetness of the brownie mix, while pecans offer a rich, buttery flavor. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can substitute with chocolate chips for added sweetness without losing the delightful texture.

Baking and Texture Tips

Baking the brownies requires close attention to time and temperature. I recommend setting your oven for 350°F (175°C) and monitoring them closely after about 20 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges look set while the center might still look slightly underdone. This helps achieve that decadent, fudgy consistency that is characteristic of brownies, especially when they cool down and firm up.

To ensure even baking, consider rotating your pan halfway through the baking time. This can prevent hot spots in your oven from causing uneven baking, leading to a more uniform texture. If your brownies appear to puff up too much in the middle, a gentle press with the back of a spatula can help maintain evenness as they bake.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider placing them in the fridge, where they can last for about a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag—this prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab a few for a snack.

If you want to elevate your serving experience, consider drizzling the bites with a simple chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate and a touch of cream. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the bites visually appealing for gatherings. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert duo!

Ingredients

For the Brownie Mixture

1 cup sourdough starter, fed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fed sourdough starter, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add the Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool in the pan.

Cut into Bites

Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into bite-sized squares and serve.

Pro Tips

Make sure your sourdough starter is active for the best flavor. Experiment with different nuts or even chocolate chips for a variation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your brownies come out too cakey, it might indicate that they were overmixed. Be cautious while folding in the dry ingredients, as the goal is to combine them until just mixed without any flour streaks. This approach will maintain that fudgy texture you're aiming for in these sourdough bites.

In case your brownies don't rise well and appear dense, it could be due to a weak or inactive sourdough starter. Regularly checking the vitality of your starter and ensuring it is fresh and vigorous will help you achieve a better lift in your baking.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor further. These spices not only deepen the richness but can add an intriguing warmth to your Nutty Brownie Sourdough Bites that your guests will love!

You can also experiment with different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate can substitute in for semi-sweet chocolate variations. This not only changes the flavor profile but can also make the bites more visually appealing with delightful contrasting colors.

Enjoying Your Sourdough Bites

These Nutty Brownie Sourdough Bites are perfect for any cozy evening, but they also shine at parties. Arrange them on a dessert platter with fresh fruit or other baked goods for a delightful spread. I often pair them with a rich, dark roast coffee or a glass of cold milk to complement the chocolate and nutty flavors delightfully.

For a party or gathering, consider making mini versions by baking the batter in a smaller, greased muffin tin for bite-sized treats that are easy to grab. This mini version keeps the indulgence of the original recipe while also being convenient for social settings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! You can use any nut you prefer, such as almonds or hazelnuts.

→ Is it necessary to have a sourdough starter?

While it’s recommended for the recipe’s unique flavor, you could substitute it with applesauce or yogurt for a similar texture.

→ How should I store the leftover bites?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to two months.