By Julia Anne Favaro, Photo By Debbie Widjaja (Unsplash)

Sourdough bread is a naturally leavened bread made from just flour, water, and salt. The leavening process relies on the sourdough starter, made from whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, and water. This is the key to the bread’s classic tang. Using this flavor can easily elevate your recipes. To learn all about sourdough starters and how to make yours, follow this sourdough starter guide. Not only does it add another dimension to the taste of a recipe, it also adds health benefits such as improved digestion and gut health, due to its prebiotics from fermentation. 

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recipe Credit: Sugar Spun Run

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter

1 cup light brown sugar packed

⅔ cup granulated sugar

2 large egg yolks

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

⅔ cup sourdough discard

2 ¾ cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

¾ tsp salt

1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

Flaky salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

1) In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Increase heat to medium and cook while stirring. Once butter turns golden brown, remove from heat. Set aside to cool.

2) Mix together the browned butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, and stir until combined

3) Add the sourdough discard. Mix well.

4) In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5) Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Stir until combined. 

6) Fold in chocolate chips.

7) Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30-60 minutes or overnight.

8) Preheat oven to 350 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

9) Scoop the dough into balls and place on sheet. 

10) Bake for 10-12 minutes and sprinkle with flaky salt. 

Sourdough Brownies

Recipe Credit: Make it Dough

Ingredients:

5 Tbsp softened unsalted butter

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar

1 egg yolk

⅓ cup vegetable oil

⅔ cup cocoa powder

¼ cup sourdough discard 

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

⅛ tsp baking soda

1 Tbsp cornstarch

½ tsp salt 

¾ cup chocolate chips

Pinch of flaky salt

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 325 F. Line an 8 by 8 baking pan with parchment paper.

2) Combine butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until combined.

3) Whisk in the egg and egg yolks until the sugar is dissolved.

4) Whisk in cocoa powder and vegetable oil. Stir in sourdough discard until completely combined.

5) Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.

6) Fold in chocolate chips.

7) Pour batter into pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until brownies are set. Sprinkle with flaky salt. 

Banana Bread

Recipe Credit: King Arthur Baking Company

Ingredients:

8 Tbsp unsalted butter room temp

⅔ cup brown sugar packed

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 ¾ cups mashed ripe banana 

¼ cup honey

2 large eggs

½ cup sourdough starter

2 cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup chopped nuts, optional

Instructions:

1) Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease loaf pan.

2) In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat until smooth.

3) Add the mashed bananas, honey, eggs, and sourdough starter. Beat until smooth.

4) Add the flour and nuts. Stir until smooth.

5) Transfer batter to the loaf pan. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

6) Bake the bread for 45 minutes. Lay a piece of aluminum foil across the top to prevent over-browning. Bake for another 20-25 minutes.