Sourdough Dessert Recipes: Creative Ways to Use Your Sourdough Starter

If you're an avid sourdough baker, you know the joy of crafting a perfect loaf of bread. But did you know that your sourdough starter can also be used to create delectable desserts? In this article, we'll explore a variety of sourdough dessert recipes that will add a tangy twist to your sweet treats.

Sourdough Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) active sourdough starter: Adds a subtle tang.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
• 2 large eggs: Adds structure and richness.
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk: Enhances the moist texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour: The base of the cake.
• 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder: For a rich chocolate flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: For leavening.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, sugar, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) active sourdough starter: For a tangy flavor.
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk: Warmed to about 110°F (43°C).
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness.
• 1 large egg: Adds structure.
• 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour: The base of the dough.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor.
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar: For the filling.
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: For the filling.
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened: For the filling.

Instructions

1. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 3-4 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Shape Rolls: Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
5. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 1-2 hours, or until puffy.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk.

Sourdough Brownies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter: Melted.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) active sourdough starter: Adds a subtle tang.
• 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder: For a rich chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour: The base of the brownies.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: For leavening.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Add Sourdough Starter: Stir in the sourdough starter until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Using your sourdough starter in desserts adds a unique flavor profile to your baked goods. These sourdough dessert recipes are a great way to make the most of your starter and impress your friends and family with something different. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the tangy twist on your favorite sweets.

Ready to explore the world of sourdough desserts? Gather your ingredients and start baking! For more creative recipes and baking tips, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Happy baking!