Peanut Butter Cup Sourdough Brownies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love these Peanut Butter Cup Sourdough Brownies! They are a delightful blend of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the tangy goodness of sourdough. I decided to incorporate sourdough starter into my brownie recipe to add moisture and depth of flavor. The result is fudgy, dense brownies that are utterly addictive. Whether for a special gathering or a cozy night in, these brownies are always a hit, and the unique twist of sourdough sets them apart from traditional recipes.
When I first made these brownies, I was skeptical about using sourdough. But after experimenting, I found that the tangy flavor beautifully complemented the sweetness of the chocolate and the creaminess of the peanut butter. The result was decadent brownies that surprised everyone at my gathering with their unique twist.
One specific tip I recommend is to use a high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. The combination of melted chocolate and peanut butter creates a truly indulgent treat. Plus, giving them a few hours to cool before slicing results in perfect, clean edges!
Why You'll Love These Brownies
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter
- Unique addition of sourdough adds depth of flavor
- Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for both casual and special occasions
The Role of Sourdough in Brownies
Incorporating sourdough starter into brownies not only provides moisture but also introduces a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of chocolate and peanut butter. The fermentation process of sourdough develops unique flavors, enhancing the overall richness of the dessert. Using 'discard' from your sourdough starter means you’re not just minimizing waste; you're actively boosting the complexity of your brownies.
When mixing in the sourdough, ensure it’s at room temperature for maximum integration into the batter. Cold starter can affect the melting of the butter, leading to a denser texture. The goal is to create a batter that’s smooth and glossy, which signals that the ingredients have melded properly, ensuring that the final product is fudgy rather than cake-like.
Achieving the Perfect Brownie Texture
For perfectly fudgy brownies, avoid overmixing once you incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt. Overmixing can lead to the development of gluten, resulting in a tougher texture. Instead, fold these dry ingredients gently until just combined—small lumps are okay. This approach preserves that coveted dense and melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Baking at the right temperature is also critical. Oven thermometers can be useful to ensure your oven is correctly calibrated. A good visual cue to look for is the edges of the brownies turning golden brown while the center remains slightly unset. Remember, the brownies will continue to cook in the pan after you take them out, so erring on the side of underbaking is often wise.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Melt the Butter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
Combine the Ingredients
Once the mixture is cool, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sourdough starter until fully combined. Then, add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing well. Finally, fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before slicing.
These brownies taste even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make them ahead of time!
Pro Tips
- For cleaner cuts, use a plastic knife to slice the brownies. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Cup Sourdough Brownies store exceptionally well. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer, making them perfect for a delightful treat anytime.
When it comes to serving, these brownies shine on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance the flavor, contrasting beautifully with the sweetness and creaminess of the peanut butter.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Feel free to mix in other ingredients to customize your brownies. Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and complement both the chocolate and peanut butter. If you're looking for a more indulgent treat, consider adding a layer of brownie batter at the bottom of the pan, then a layer of peanut butter cups, and topping it with the remaining batter for a stunning baked good.
For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum in it for structure. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option, although this may impart a slight caramel flavor that could work well with the brownie base.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought sourdough starter?
Yes, store-bought sourdough starter works perfectly for this recipe!
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative if you prefer.
→ How should I store leftover brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition.
Peanut Butter Cup Sourdough Brownies
I absolutely love these Peanut Butter Cup Sourdough Brownies! They are a delightful blend of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the tangy goodness of sourdough. I decided to incorporate sourdough starter into my brownie recipe to add moisture and depth of flavor. The result is fudgy, dense brownies that are utterly addictive. Whether for a special gathering or a cozy night in, these brownies are always a hit, and the unique twist of sourdough sets them apart from traditional recipes.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
Brownie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sourdough starter (discard is fine)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
Once the mixture is cool, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sourdough starter until fully combined. Then, add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing well. Finally, fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.
Pour the batter into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before slicing.
Extra Tips
- For cleaner cuts, use a plastic knife to slice the brownies. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
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