Crackly Top Sourdough Brownies

Name: Crackly Top Sourdough Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 cup sourdough starter, unfed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Oven Inspiration

I can’t get over how satisfying these Crackly Top Sourdough Brownies are! The combination of rich chocolate and a distinctive sourdough tang takes this classic dessert to a whole new level. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the chewiness of the brownie and the unique crackly top, which always catches everyone's eye. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household, and I'm excited to share the joy of baking these with you. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to whip up a batch for every occasion!

Created by

Sybil Hawkes

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:49:35.315Z

Every time I bake these brownies, I'm reminded of the delicious smells wafting through my kitchen. The unique ingredient of sourdough starter adds an unexpected depth and flavor that is absolutely divine! While testing various recipes, I found that the key to achieving that perfectly crackly top is to let the batter rest. It allows the sugars to hydrate properly and forms that coveted crunchy layer on top.

As I perfected this recipe, I learned the importance of using good quality chocolate. It truly makes a noticeable difference in flavor. I recommend using at least 60% cacao chocolate to balance the sweetness of the brownies while still enjoying deep, rich chocolate notes. Pairing these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a crowd pleaser!

Why You'll Love These Brownies
The unexpected tang of sourdough adds a unique twist to classic brownies.
An irresistible crackly top that will wow your friends and family.
Rich, fudgy texture that pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream.

The Role of Sourdough Starter

The addition of sourdough starter in these brownies not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to their unique texture. The fermentation process involved in the sourdough gives the brownies a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the chocolate. If you’ve never baked with sourdough before, you’ll find that it adds depth and complexity to baked goods that is hard to replicate with other ingredients.

Additionally, using an unfed sourdough starter—meaning it hasn’t been refreshed recently—allows for a more pronounced sour flavor while also adding moisture. If you don’t have a starter on hand, you could substitute it with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk, but that will give you a different taste profile.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

For that signature crackly top, it's crucial not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a cake-like texture rather than the desired fudgy brownie. Stir the flour into the wet mixture gently until just combined—this helps maintain the dense, chewy consistency that makes these brownies irresistible.

When baking, keep an eye on the brownies during the last few minutes. They should have a slightly glossy surface and pull away from the edges of the pan. Using a toothpick to test the center is ideal; it should come out with a few moist crumbs—this indicates perfectly baked brownies that are fudgy but not undercooked.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once cooled, these brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping individual squares in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their quality for up to three months, and you can thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

These brownies are indulgent on their own, but they can be enhanced even further. Consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert. You can also experiment by adding nuts or flavored extracts to the batter for a personal twist!

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup unsalted butter
8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup sourdough starter, unfed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Melt Butter and Chocolate

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and dark chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Mix the Sugars and Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

Combine Ingredients

Add the melted chocolate mixture and sourdough starter to the egg mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour, salt, and optional chocolate chips until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!

For best results, allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the flavors.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your brownies come out too dry, this could indicate that they were overbaked or that the oven temperature was too high. It’s essential to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking and pull them when they still have a slight jiggle in the center. If you do end up with dry brownies, consider slathering a layer of chocolate ganache or frosting on top to help add moisture back.

On the other hand, if they appear underbaked, don’t be alarmed! Return them to the oven for a few additional minutes, checking every minute or so to avoid overbaking. Remember, brownies are meant to be fudgy, and they will continue to set as they cool, so a little extra moisture is usually okay.

Variations to Try

There are so many ways to customize these brownies! For a richer chocolate flavor, you can replace half of the dark chocolate with unsweetened cocoa powder. Just be sure to compensate by reducing the flour slightly to maintain the right consistency. Another fun variation is to add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella on top of the batter before baking, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

If you want to introduce a bit of crunch, consider mixing in 1 cup of toasted nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture. Not only do they complement the chocolate, but they also add a nice flavor contrast that works beautifully with the slight tang from the sourdough.

Perfect Pairings

These brownies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or espresso, making them an excellent choice for afternoon tea or dessert after a meal. The bitterness of the coffee helps to balance the sweetness, making each bite more enjoyable. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a flavored coffee, such as hazelnut or mocha—perfect for a cozy dessert experience.

For something a bit more whimsical, serve these brownies with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a delightful explosion of flavors that enhances the overall dessert experience. Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate according to your preference. The flavor may vary slightly.

→ What can I substitute for sourdough starter?

If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can use 1/2 cup of plain yogurt or 1/2 cup of buttermilk.

→ How should I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the brownies in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.