25+ Sourdough Discard Desserts You Don't Want To Miss!
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If you're a dessert lover and you've got a sourdough starter sitting on your counter, you are going to love this collection of sourdough discard desserts!
Rather than tossing out that extra starter, why not transform it into something sweet? In this roundup, we'll explore loads of tantalizing desserts that make use of sourdough discard, turning what might have been waste into delectable treats that will have you reaching for seconds.
From the most delicious sourdough cookie skillet, to sourdough vanilla cupcakes and sourdough brioche blueberry tarts, there's something here that's sure to tempt your tastebuds.
Why Use Sourdough Discard in Desserts
Sourdough discard is the portion of unfed starter that you remove before feeding. It might seem like an afterthought, but it's packed with flavor and potential. Incorporating discard into desserts not only reduces waste but also adds complexity and depth to sweet treats.
The natural fermentation process in sourdough discard contributes a unique tanginess that complements the sweetness of desserts, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Furthermore, using discard in desserts allows you to experiment with texture and moisture, resulting in moist cakes, tender cookies, and fluffy pancakes that are sure to delight the palate.
You can read more about the differences between sourdough discard and sourdough starter here.
Best Tips for Using Sourdough Discard in Desserts
Plan Ahead - As you maintain your sourdough starter, collect and store discard in a separate container in the refrigerator until you have enough for your chosen recipe. You could also feed your sourdough starter extra to ensure that you have the start you need. And of course, you can always use active sourdough starter in place of discard in any of these recipes.
Watch The Sour - while adding sourdough discard to desserts can add a subtle tang, moisture and texture, just be careful not to use sourdough discard that's too old. Older discard that has been stored too long can develop an unpleasant sour flavor which could ruin your favorite sourdough dessert.
Experiment Freely - Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of desserts. Sourdough discard can be incorporated into a wide range of recipes, including cakes, cookies, muffins, and pancakes. You might enjoy this guide to adding sourdough discard to any recipe! It will help you convert your favorite non sourdough dessert recipes too.
Combine with Other Ingredients - Get creative with flavor combinations by incorporating ingredients like chocolate, fruits, nuts, and spices. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating unique and delicious desserts with sourdough discard.
25+ Sourdough Discard Dessert Recipes
Let's get into the sourdough discard dessert recipes!
Sourdough Chocolate Star Bread
This sourdough chocolate star bread is one of the most popular sourdough dessert recipes on The Pantry Mama website. A buttery brioche dough filled with Nutella (plus there's some different filling ideas in the post as well). It is the perfect centrepiece for your next dessert occasion.
Sourdough Apple Crisp
A delightful sourdough dessert made with Granny Smith apples, rolled oats, pecans and 200g of sourdough starter! It's so easy, you can have it on the table in around an hour.
Sourdough Skillet Cookie
A giant cookie baked in a skillet, featuring the tangy flavor of sourdough discard, loaded with chocolate chips or chunks for a gooey and satisfying sourdough dessert that's perfect for sharing.
Sourdough Berry Cobbler
This delightfully easy sourdough berry cobbler is so simple, you'll wonder how you made dessert without it! Sweet, jammy berries topped with a crunchy, buttery topping. It's sourdough dessert heaven!
Sourdough Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe
The perfect dessert to share among a crowd, this sourdough vanilla sheet cake recipe can be decorated in lots of different ways to suit any occasion.
Sourdough Berry Sheet Pan Shortcake
A delicious sourdough dessert to feed a crowd! An unfussy sourdough shortcake topped with whipped cream and berries!
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Decadent sourdough cinnamon rolls smothered in vanilla cream cheese. These are a decadent sourdough discard dessert that can be enjoyed with family and friends for any occasion.
Sourdough Discard Brownie Bites
Bite sized sourdough brownies, topped with whipped cream ... the perfect little indulgence for any dessert occasion!
Sourdough Blueberry Brioche Tarts
These sourdough brioche blueberry cheesecake tarts are something a little different to bake with your sourdough starter discard. This delicious dessert features a creamy cheesecake filling topped with juicy blueberries, all nestled in a buttery brioche dough.
Ice Cream Sandwich with Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of the most delicious desserts you could make with sourdough are sourdough ice cream sandwiches! Take your 2 sourdough cookies and sandwich them together with good quality vanilla ice cream. I love doing this with sourdough chocolate chip cookies and spiced pecan chocolate chip cookies. These sourdough cowboy cookies work really well too! It's so good!
Sourdough Chocolate Cobbler (Self Saucing Pudding)
This deliciously rich sourdough chocolate cobbler is so easy to make, you'll want to have it every night!
Sourdough Apple Fritters
Sweet apple fritters made with sourdough starter are such a lovely dessert! And they're even better served with cinnamon sugar and vanilla ice cream!
Sourdough Apple Cobbler
This delicious sourdough apple cobbler uses a golden sponge cake topping made with sourdough starter and is just perfect topped with vanilla ice cream.
Sourdough Vanilla Cupcakes
Moist and buttery cupcakes with a hint of tanginess from sourdough discard, enhanced with fragrant vanilla and topped with a creamy cream cheese or butter cream frosting for a simple yet irresistible sourdough discard dessert.
Sourdough Strawberry Shortcakes
Tender shortcakes made with sourdough discard, layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a delightful summer dessert that celebrates the sweetness of seasonal berries.
Sourdough Strawberry Cake
This gorgeously light sourdough cake, studded with sweet strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar. This is a sweet sourdough dessert that can be served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Sourdough Strawberry Rolls
These sourdough strawberry rolls are a fresh and fruity take on sourdough cinnamon rolls and make the most delicious summery dessert for lots of occasions!
Sourdough Mug Cake
Quick and easy individual mug cake, infused with sourdough discard for a unique twist on the classic chocolate cake, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
Sourdough Carrot Cake
Moist and spiced carrot cake enriched with sourdough discard, adding depth of flavor and moisture to this classic dessert, topped with the best vanilla cream cheese frosting.
Sourdough Chocolate Waffles
Sourdough Banana Fritters
Crispy fried sourdough banana fritters made with sourdough discard. Serve them with vanilla ice cream for a dessert you really won't want to miss!
Sourdough Brioche Donuts filled with Chocolate
Sourdough Apple Cake
A gorgeously light sourdough sponge cake topped with sweet apples and flaked almonds. Served with vanilla ice cream, this sweet sourdough cake makes a delightful dessert.
Fried Sourdough Donuts with Vanilla Glaze
These fried sourdough donuts with vanilla glaze provide a decadent, nostalgic dessert. They remind me of the delicious fried donuts we would eat at the annual town show (fun fair).
Sourdough Apple Pie
This decadent dessert is made with sourdough discard in the form a flaky sourdough pie crust. Cinnamon kissed apples fill this old fashioned delight that will warm the hearts and bellies of all that try it.
Sourdough Pumpkin Pie
A traditional pumpkin based dessert with a sourdough discard twist! Flaky sourdough discard pie crust filled with velvety smooth pumpkin custard, also thickened with sourdough discard.
Sourdough Chocolate Brownies
Rich and fudgy brownies infused with a subtle tang from sourdough discard, offering a delightful contrast to the decadent chocolate flavor. These can be topped with fresh raspberries, whipped cream ... and of course ... more chocolate!
