If you’re an avid sourdough baker, you know that maintaining a sourdough starter often leads to an abundance of discard. Rather than toss it, why not turn it into mouthwatering desserts? Today, I’m sharing a variety of sweet treats that make use of sourdough discard, from cookies and cakes to pancakes and more. Get ready to indulge in some irresistible creations that will have you looking at sourdough discard in a whole new light.
Jumping on the Sourdough Bandwagon
Back around Covid when I first started noticing the sourdough craze beginning to surface… you know, when you weren’t sure you’d be able to get bread (or toilet paper).
Everyone seemed to become sourdough bakers overnight – and that was when I made my first sourdough bread loaf.
Well, life got back to normal, I stopped baking, and just recently, more for health than survival, I jumped back into sourdough baking again.
And I kinda remembered why I stopped.
It was a LOT of work to keep up with the daily feeding of the starter. And there was SO much discard.
Enter, sourdough discard recipes.
The Beauty of Sourdough Discard Recipes
I love that there’s a way to use all that discard without wasting it. Until I discovered discard recipes, it was a real internal conflict for me!
Beyond different varieties of sourdough bread, I’ve made discard tortillas which are a staple at my house.
But soon (thanks, Instagram,) I definitely became intrigued by the idea of using sourdough discard in desserts.
In the spectrum of health, homemade is better than store-bought. And if you can include some sourdough in your dessert also, it raises the health meter just a little bit.
Desserts are such a great way to use up that discard – and you can feel just a little bit better about indulging in a sweet treating knowing some healthy sourdough is in the mix.
I’m assuming y’all know about sourdough since you’re here looking for discard recipes, but I’ll throw in a few FAQ if you’re new to all this.
Sourdough Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Sourdough Discard and How is it Different Than Starter?
Active sourdough starter (or mature starter) has been fed within the past 6-8 hours, has doubled, and is bubbly and ready to use in recipes that call for active sourdough starter. It has the leavening agent in it and no other yeast or leavening ingredient is required.
Sourdough discard is a byproduct of maintaining a sourdough starter, typically removed and discarded during the feeding process to keep the starter healthy.
Sourdough discard is also referred to as inactive or unfed sourdough starter – it has passed the mature stage and is in a dormant stage.
Recipes with discard require some other leavening ingredient, such as yeast, baking soda, or baking powder. Or you can use it for recipes like crackers, that don’t need to rise.
Be aware when you’re looking at recipes to see if active starter is needed or sourdough discard.
All of these recipes can be made with discard, though it is recommended to let it reach room temperature if coming right out of the fridge.
Why Make Sourdough Discard Recipes?
Instead of wasting this discard, discard is great to use in all kinds of recipes, including desserts.
The discard adds a unique tangy flavor and also contributes to the texture and rise of baked goods.
Another added benefit of using sourdough discard in desserts is that helps reduce food waste and us a chance to creatively use every part of their sourdough starter.
Why Make Sourdough at All?
Sourdough bread is often considered a healthier option compared to commercial bread due to the fermentation process it undergoes.
Sourdough also produces mayprebiotics, which feed the good bacteria in your gut, improving your gut health.
The fermentation of sourdough starter helps break down gluten and phytic acid (which inhibits your body’s ability to absorb nutrients), making it easier to digest for some individuals.
Sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index compared to other breads, which means it may lead to smaller spikes in blood sugar levels and can help with weight management.
The fermentation process also increases the bioavailability of nutrients, making it easier for the body to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.
Last but not least, sourdough bread has a more complex and, to many, a more satisfying flavor, which can contribute to a more enjoyable eating experience.
OK, let’s get to these amazing recipes!
45 Sourdough Starter Discard Recipes – Dessert Edition
Are you ready for delicious dessert recipes?
This is your ultimate guide for all of the treats you love with a sourdough twist!
You’ll see recipes with a lot of your typical dry ingredients such a little flour, baking powder, and sugar.
You’ll alson see the wet ingredients such as eggs and vanilla extract as well.
But the sourdough discard is where the magic happens.
You’ll find sourdough brownies, cookies, cakes, sweet breads, and more. Included a few quick breads in this list, as I definitely serve them as desserts.
All of these sourdough desserts use discard; however – some can be also made active sourdough starter.
Let’s get to it!
1
Double-Crumb Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake
Photo Credit:thegoodheartedwoman.com
Refreshing with a layer of berries, all of the comfort of a nutty streusel.
2
Sourdough Apple Cobbler
Photo Credit:madeinmotherhood.com
This recipe sounds absolutely delightful for a cozy evening on the couch. Or share with friends. Your choice.
3
Sourdough Blueberry Crumb Cake
Photo Credit:simplifylivelove.com
Crumb cakes are always a delicious treat - this one is sure to please with the tangy sweetness of blueberries and sourdough.
4
Cranberry Sourdough Coffee Cake
Photo Credit:outoftheboxbaking.com
Loosely based on Amish Friendship Bread, this one has all the rich, welcoming flavors to share with your favorite people.
5
Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
Photo Credit:www.goodgriefcook.com
Not only does this recipe have bananas, but more natural sweetness is added with dates and honey. Oh yum!
6
Sourdough Discard Brownies
Photo Credit:jamilghar.com
This fudgy, decadent treat includes not only sourdough discard but browned butter, which is that extra we all want! You gotta try this sourdough brownie recipe if you have a chocolate craving!
7
Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
Photo Credit:jenaroundtheworld.com
With no rise time, you don't have to wait to enjoy these amazing treats. Sourdough cinnamon rolls are perfect for dessert or a breakfast splurge!
8
Sourdough Blueberry Scones
Photo Credit:www.raspberriesandkohlrabi.com
Crispy edges, juicy blueberries - a perfect dessert to serve with brunch or afternoon tea.
9
Old Fashioned Sourdough Gingerbread
Photo Credit:www.scotchandscones.com
Spicy, sweet, an old-fashioned treat! Gingerbread is not just for Christmas, y'all.
10
Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
Photo Credit:sourdoughbrandon.com
Ooey, gooey chocolate mixed with touches of salt, sweet, and tangy. Sourdough chocolate chip cookies are even better!
11
Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies
Photo Credit:dirtanddough.com
Moist, chewy and a delightful treat. The oats are an extra bonus nutritious ingredient.
12
Sourdough Snickerdoodle Cookies
Photo Credit:andeesapron.com
Snickerdoodles are one of my all times favorite cookies. Baking them with sourdough adds to the soft and chewy texture with a little bit of tang.
13
Sourdough White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Photo Credit:foragersofhappiness.com
There is never a wrong time for white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. This sourdough discard recipe is no exception.
14
Deep Fried Sourdough Dandelion Flowers Recipe
Photo Credit:potterinthewild.com
This is not a treat you see every day! Perfect for all the nature lovers - serve this one with a summer co*cktail, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of maple syrup.
15
Sourdough Discard Toasted Almond Biscotti
Photo Credit:dirtanddough.com
Made with toasted almonds and melted chocolate, this is the perfect after-dinner treat to enjoy with a nice cup of coffee or tea.
16
Chocolate Sourdough Biscotti
Photo Credit:foragersofhappiness.com
Reminiscent of brownie brittle, this is another take on biscotti that is perfect for the chocolate lover (and perfect for dunking).
17
Chocolate Chip Biscotti With Sourdough Discard!
Photo Credit:lynnswayoflife.com
Chocolate chip biscotti are amazing in their own right. As a sourdough discard recipe now laced with yummy chocolate chips? Absolutely delightful.
18
Sourdough Graham Crackers for S'mores
Photo Credit:littlespoonfarm.com
This one absolutely counts as dessert! Add chocolate and marshmallows, and you've got a treat even your kids will love.
19
Sourdough Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Photo Credit:growingdawn.com
Yes, you can enjoy this sweet bread as a dessert! It's made with natural honey, cinnamon, and sea salt for the swirl, so no guilt in indulging in this one!
20
Sourdough Zucchini Bread
Photo Credit:dirtanddough.com
Not only does the sourdough discard contribute to the healthy profile of this recipe, the zucchini and Greek yogurt raises the healthy meter as well.
21
Sourdough Discard Blueberry and Lemon Quick Bread
Photo Credit:stretchandfolds.com
Lemon and blueberries are one of my most favorite flavor combinations... this is one to try for sure.
22
Super Simple Jam-Filled Sourdough Hand Pies
Photo Credit:stretchandfolds.com
When you don't want to commit to the whole pie, these hand pies are the answer! Made with sourdough discard pie crust and jam or preserve of your choice. These are also great for individually served desserts or a grab-and-go.
23
Sourdough Sugar Cookie Bars
Photo Credit:littlespoonfarm.com
I've never met a cookie bar I didn't love! The sugar cookie version of this one is topped with vanilla icing and the sprinkles of your choice.
24
Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Photo Credit:ourzestylife.com
A sourdough chocolate chip cookie bar? Oh my. Yes, please!
25
Moist Vanilla Sourdough Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
Photo Credit:foodovercomfort.com
Moist, tender, and absolutely rival bakery quality cupcakes. Try these for your next birthday or celebration.
26
Best Sourdough Apple Fritters With Sourdough Discard
Photo Credit:foodovercomfort.com
Skip the donut shop and make these yummy treats yourself. Another excellent choice for a grab-and-go sweet treat.
27
Sourdough Crumb Cake
Photo Credit:www.knowyourproduce.com
Reminiscent of New York style crumb cake, this is pure comfort, nostalgia, and deliciousness.
28
Perfect Sourdough Sugar Cookies
Photo Credit:thegingeredwhisk.com
Sugar cookies are some of the most versatile you can make, for any season or holiday! This recipe doesn't need to be chilled before baking and would be so fun to do with the littles or the grandkids.
29
Sourdough Monster Cookies
Photo Credit:www.twopinkpeonies.com
There's nothing like a monster cookie to satisfy a sweet tooth! This is an amazing choice for a kids' party. Grownups won't be able to resist them either.
30
Sourdough Coffee Cookies With Mascarpone Filling
Photo Credit:apinchofzest.com
These soft, chewy delights are made with instant coffee powder on the outside and mascarponeon the inside. Think 'handheld tiramisu' and you're moving in the right direction.
31
Sourdough Discard Peanut Butter Cookies
Photo Credit:kneadedthat.com
A mix of sweet, salty, and reminiscent of childhood. It's the fork-flattening that does it for me!
32
Sourdough Lemon Ricotta Cookies
Photo Credit:breadsandsweets.com
Anything with ricotta hits my Italian soul, but mixing it together with lemon and sourdough? Absolutely heavenly.
33
Sourdough Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies
Photo Credit:kneadedthat.com
Chocolate and peanut butter is a classic combo that you can't go wrong with. How amazing to have it in the sourdough variety. Ideal for chocolate lovers!
34
Sourdough Apple Scones With Cinnamon Glaze
Photo Credit:ablossominglife.com
Another delicious dessert that is fruity and feels fancy.
35
Lavender Sourdough Discard Scones with Lemon Glaze
Photo Credit:emilyfabulous.com
A touch of a floral flavor with the tang of lemon and sourdough makes this an amazingly creative and fresh treat.
36
The Best Banana Walnut Muffins
Photo Credit:www.bessiebakes.com
A muffin that eats more like a cake - just consider them a hand-held sweet treat.
37
The Best Sourdough Chocolate Cake Recipe
Photo Credit:homegrownhappiness.com
A classic like chocolate cake is only made better with sourdough. This favorite is finished with creamy chocolate frosting and a rich chocolate ganache on top.
38
Sourdough Doughnuts
Photo Credit:morethanmeatandpotatoes.com
Pan-fried, dipped in cinnamon sugar, these cake-like donuts are perfect for dessert, breakfast, any time you want something sweet.
39
Sourdough Blondies
Photo Credit:www.baking-sense.com
Blondies are one of most favorite treats - I'm so excited to see this in a sourdough discard recipe! The hint of butterscotch just puts it over the top for me!
40
Sourdough Banana Cake
Photo Credit:www.twopinkpeonies.com
The natural sweetness of banana is unmatched. Added bonus is that you have an absolutely delicious use for not just your discard but bananas that are on their way out.
41
Fried Sourdough Discard Funnel Cakes
Photo Credit:thepracticalkitchen.com
Light, fluffy, and fried? This is an absolute winner and so fun.
42
Sourdough Carrot Cake
Photo Credit:thegingeredwhisk.com
Your favorite things about carrot cake - cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger - with a little bit of sourdough thrown in. Delicious.
43
Sourdough Vanilla Cake
Photo Credit:thegingeredwhisk.com
Elevate your typical vanilla cake with depth of flavor and a tender texture that will just absolutely impress.
44
Sourdough Crepes
Photo Credit:www.barleyandsage.com
Crepes are an outstanding choice for a light and elegant dessert - add some powdered sugar, a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream, combined with a sweet tang. Absolutely delightful.
45
Sourdough Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Photo Credit:heartscontentfarmhouse.com
Made with pure pumpkin and sourdough discard, this cake has extra health benefits than your standard cake!
Sourdough Discard Desserts for the Win!
Did you love these sourdough dessert recipes?
All of your traditional recipes with a sourdough twist! You dont’ need a special occasion to make these – any day is a great time of year for your family to enjoy these amazing desserts.
Sourdough baking is definitely a popular trend! If you have some extra sourdough starter, pass it one to a friend and have them join in!
I hope you found a great recipe you love! Desserts are a wonderful way to use your leftover discard and share the love through a yummy treat!
And if you’re looking for amazing sourdough recipes in general, Farmhouse on Boone and Little Spoon Farm blog are my go-tos!
More Healthy Treats
If you’re looking to include more healthy recipes for sweets to your life, check out some other posts that might interest you!
So Delicious Pumpkin Pie Frozen Greek Yogurt Bark {Healthy, Too!}
35 Healthy and Delicious Holiday Dessert Recipes {All Clean or Paleo}
If you tried any of these recipes, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram @100affections and I’ll share in my stories!
If you enjoyed these recipes, I’d be so grateful if you pin or share this post!
Other thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
