Sourdough Berry Crumble Brownies

Name: Sourdough Berry Crumble Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/4 cups sugar; 1 cup active sourdough starter; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Flour & Frosting Recipes

When I first crafted these Sourdough Berry Crumble Brownies, I was blown away by how the sourdough starter elevated the flavor and texture of a classic brownie. I love how the tanginess from the sourdough balances the sweetness of the berries, creating a delightful taste experience. The crispy crumble on top adds a lovely texture contrast, making each bite remarkably satisfying. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, these brownies brighten my day, and I can't wait for you to try them out. Your friends and family will be asking for more!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-27T10:29:27.866Z

Each time I make these brownies, I can’t help but reminisce about the first time I combined sourdough with dessert. It was an experiment that turned into a sweet revelation! The rich dark chocolate and fresh berries work beautifully together, and the classic brownie flavor is given a unique twist by the sourdough. I experimented with different berries, and found that raspberries and blueberries create the best balance of sweetness and tartness.

What I’ve learned is that the key to achieving the perfect texture is ensuring your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. This moisture really enhances the fudginess of the brownies. Plus, the crumble topping made from leftover sourdough adds an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch that makes these brownies truly irresistible!

You Will Love These Brownies Because:
Tangy sourdough enhances the richness of chocolate
Fresh berries add bursts of flavor in every bite
Crunchy crumble topping provides delightful texture

The Magic of Sourdough in Desserts

Sourdough isn't just for bread; it brings a unique tang and depth to baked goods like these brownies. The acidity in the sourdough starter reacts with the baking soda in the batter, helping the brownies rise and create a lighter texture. This results in a brownie that is not only chewy but also has a delightful crumb that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor.

Additionally, the fermentation process of sourdough can break down gluten, making these brownies easier to digest. If you’re wary of gluten but still want a rich chocolate experience, using sourdough as a base allows for a softer and more tender treat while still delivering on that satisfying brownie crave.

Choosing the Right Berries

Using mixed berries enhances the flavor profile of these brownies, but it's essential to choose berries at their peak ripeness for optimal sweetness. Raspberries and blueberries work particularly well, as their tartness complements the sweetness of the brownie base.

If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen berries are an excellent substitute. Just remember to thaw and drain them before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the batter. A quick tip: when using frozen berries, dust them with a bit of flour before incorporating them to help keep them from clumping together during baking.

Expert Tips for Perfecting the Crumble Topping

The crumble topping adds a flavorful crunch that contrasts nicely with the fudgy brownie. To achieve that perfect crumbly texture, make sure your butter is very cold when cutting it into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips helps create those desired pebbly bits. This mixture should be crumbly but still hold together when pressed lightly.

If you prefer a sweeter crumble, consider adding more brown sugar or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors. You can also experiment with spices such as nutmeg or ginger to add warmth and complexity to the topping, tailoring it to your taste preferences and making these brownies even more irresistible.

Ingredients for Sourdough Berry Crumble Brownies

Brownies

1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup active sourdough starter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries)

Crumble Topping

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation Instructions

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious Sourdough Berry Crumble Brownies.

Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined. Next, add the sourdough starter, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the mixed berries.

Prepare the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes and use a fork or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the brownie batter. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow brownies to cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Enjoy your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Pro Tips

For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder. Ensure your sourdough starter is fed and active for best results.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Sourdough Berry Crumble Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. To keep them fresh, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need them to last longer, consider freezing them; simply place the wrapped brownies in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to indulge, just let the brownies thaw in the refrigerator overnight or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This will revive their fudgy texture and melt the chocolate for a delightful experience reminiscent of fresh baked goodness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to take them to the next level. The cold creaminess balances the warm, fudgy texture and the tartness of the berries, making it a truly indulgent treat. You could also drizzle them with chocolate sauce or sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a more decadent presentation.

For a fun twist, serve the brownies with a fruit compote made from fresh berries. Simply heat mixed berries with a bit of sugar in a saucepan until they break down into a sauce. Spoon it over the brownies for an extra burst of berry flavor that enhances every bite.

Substitutions and Dietary Variations

If you're looking to make these brownies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Consider checking the blend's recommendations for best results, as some may require additional moisture or adjustment of baking times. Remember, the texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still shine through.

For a dairy-free option, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Ensure your chocolate also complies with your dietary needs. Not only does this adjustment cater to those with dietary restrictions, but it introduces unique flavors that can further enhance your brownies!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the sourdough starter?

Yes, you can use yogurt or buttermilk, but the taste will be different.

→ What kind of berries work best?

I recommend raspberries and blueberries for their balance of tartness and sweetness.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months.