Don't toss your sourdough discard in the garbage! If you've been baking along with me for a while, you already know sourdough isn't just for bread. From cookies to cakes, there are so many ways to turn extra starter into simple sweet treats or desserts that feel a little special. My mission is to help you turn every bit of starter into something delicious instead of throwing it away.
These sourdough discard dessert recipes grew out of my desire to turn my discard into desserts that are delicious, and that I'd want to bake again and again. From fudgy brownies to simple snack cakes, sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness and deepens the flavor. It's a practical way to turn what feels like waste into something you'll be proud to bake and happy to share with the people you love.
Storing Your Sourdough Discard
You'll find that you end up with a lot of extra sourdough starter after your daily feeding. I like to store my excess starter in a glass jar or food-safe plastic container in the refrigerator. This sourdough discard acidifies, prevents mold growth, and can be stored without being fed for months.
Overflowing sourdough discard jar? Check out my collection of Sourdough Recipes That Aren't Bread.
Tip
Fuzzy growth on the surface of your sourdough discard is mold. If you see this, throw it away immediately! You'll also want to watch out for any discoloration, traces of beige and pink are a sign that a harmful pathogen has taken over your discard.
Sourdough Discard Dessert Recipes
These recipes are perfect for a special occasion but are easy and simple enough to make on a weekday.
Easy One Bowl Sourdough Discard Brownie Recipe
Rich, and chewy with an irresistible shiny top, this Sourdough Brownie recipe is pretty darn close to perfect. Sourdough discard adds a delicious tang that makes this ultimate chocolate treat even more satisfying.
Sourdough Blueberry Jam Bars
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, tender, there truly aren't enough adjectives to describe how delicious these Sourdough Blueberry Jam Bars are. Made with a homemade blueberry jam baked on top of a sourdough discard shortbread crust, these are a great way to use excess sourdough starter and packed with berry flavor.
Soft and Fudgy Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cookies
Soft and fudgy, these Sourdough Chocolate Cookies are made with three types of chocolate. Sourdough discard adds a delicious tang that perfectly balances the rich flavor of chocolate.
Homemade Sourdough Pop Tarts
These Homemade Sourdough Pop Tarts put a fresh, tangy twist on a breakfast classic. Made with a sourdough crust from scratch and a fresh strawberry filling with a delicious glaze.
Sourdough Discard Banana Snack Cake
With a lighter crumb, intense banana and a rich peanut butter flavor, this Sourdough Discard Banana Snack Cake will be your new favorite way to use up overripe bananas and excess discard.
Soft and Fluffy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Soft and pillowy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls with a gooey cinnamon sugar filling. By using commercial yeast with sourdough discard, you'll have fluffy cinnamon rolls ready in just over 2 hours.
Lemon Thyme Sourdough Biscotti
Sourdough Lemon Thyme Biscotti are light and crisp, twice baked cookies made with sourdough discard. Lemon zest and fresh thyme add a bright and herby flavor to these delicious cookies. Biscotti are the best excuse to eat dessert for breakfast and are delicious with coffee or tea.
Moist Sourdough Discard Banana Bread Recipe
Use your unfed starter and overripe bananas to make this moist banana bread recipe. This quick bread recipe comes together in one bowl and in less than 2 hours.
Sourdough Crinkle Cookies
Light, airy with a rich chocolate flavor, these Sourdough Crinkles are quick and easy to make. Rolled in powdered sugar with a crackly top, these cookies are perfect for gift giving.
Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Sourdough Red Velvet Cookies are soft and cakey with a striking deep red hue from all-natural beet powder. Made with sourdough discard, they have a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Soft and Chewy Sourdough Discard Sugar Cookies
Sourdough discard adds a delicious tang that complements the sugary sweetness of these Chewy Sourdough Sugar Cookies. Enjoy fresh-baked cookies in just 30 minutes, without the need for chilling!
Chewy Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies
These Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside with a great flavor thanks to browned butter and sourdough discard.
Sourdough Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
A true retro classic, this Sourdough Pineapple Upside Down Cake is moist and soft with a brown sugar caramel pineapple and cherry topping that soaks into a buttery yellow cake.
Rich and Chewy Sourdough Discard Blondies
Gooey with a crackly top, and decadent brown sugar flavor, these sourdough blondies are out of this world. The flavor of sourdough adds a much-needed complexity that tames and perfectly complements the sweetness of this sugary treat.
Sourdough Biscotti
Don't throw away your excess starter, use it to make these Sourdough Biscotti. Crisp and wonderfully crunchy, these biscotti are delicious and taste delightful with a cup of coffee. These twice-baked cookies are easy to make and are the best excuse to eat dessert for breakfast!
Sweet Potato Sourdough Tea Cake
Inspired by Irish Tea Cake, this Sourdough Sweet Potato Tea Cake is a simple yet flavorful bake that comes together quickly. The natural tang of sourdough enhances the earthy sweetness of sweet potato, creating a cake that needs nothing more than a dusting of powdered sugar.
Sourdough Chocolate Muffins
These Sourdough Chocolate Muffins are decadent, with a light and delicate texture. Sourdough discard and sour cream keep these muffins tender with a delicious tang that complements their rich chocolate flavor. These are perfect for an indulgent breakfast or a rich dessert.
The Softest Sourdough Discard Apple Cake
Plush and velvety with tart cinnamon apples and a crunchy brown sugar streusel, this Sourdough Apple Cake is the most comforting fall bake.
Moist Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake
If you want an intensely rich, fudgy and tender Chocolate Cake made completely from scratch using sourdough discard, then look no further. This Sourdough Chocolate Cake is so decadent, you won't believe how simple it is to make.
Sourdough Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream Frosting
These Sourdough Pumpkin Cupcakes are moist, plush and tender with a comforting mix of warm spices.
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Sourdough Dessert FAQs
Sourdough discard is any portion of your starter that is removed during the feeding process or any part that is not used to make bread. You can use it in other bakes and dishes or store it in the refrigerator for future use.
Sourdough discard recipes are dishes and bakes that do not use sourdough for its leavening abilities. These can be breads that use commercial yeast for leavening and sourdough discard for flavor and fermentation. These recipes may also use chemical leaveners like baking powder or baking soda to make baked goods rise.
Sourdough discard adds a delicious tang that balances the sugary sweetness of desserts. The intensity of this flavor depends on the unique acidity of your sourdough discard. If you've been keeping your discard in the fridge for a long time, then it will impart a more pronounced flavor in your bakes.
Did you make this recipe? Do you have questions? Let me know below!