20 Sourdough Discard Dessert Recipes
Sourdough discard doesn’t have to go to waste especially when it can be turned into something sweet and satisfying.
These 20 sourdough discard dessert recipes are the perfect way to use up that extra starter while treating yourself to rich, tangy flavor.
From cookies and brownies to muffins and cakes, each dessert brings a unique twist thanks to the discard’s natural depth and texture.
Let your sourdough shine beyond bread!
Sourdough Discard Dessert Recipes
1. Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re craving something cozy and classic, these sourdough chocolate chip cookies hit the spot.
The sourdough discard gives the cookies a subtle tang that deepens the flavor and balances the sweetness of the chocolate.
They’re perfectly chewy with slightly crisp edges just the way a chocolate chip cookie should be.
2. Sourdough Brownies
Brownie lovers, get ready. These sourdough brownies are ultra-fudgy and irresistibly rich with a gooey center and crinkly top.
The discard gives them a soft chew and just enough tang to cut through the dense chocolate.
You won’t need much effort to whip these up, and they’re perfect for making ahead.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy one straight from the fridge they taste amazing either way.
3. Sourdough Banana Bread
This moist and flavorful sourdough banana bread is a match made in heaven for overripe bananas and leftover discard.
The starter helps the bread rise beautifully and adds a hint of tanginess that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
It has that dense, cake-like texture but still feels light enough for an anytime snack.
Toss in some chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for added indulgence. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition with a treat.
4. Sourdough Lemon Bars
Bright and buttery, these sourdough lemon bars have a sharp citrusy zing layered over a tangy, melt-in-your-mouth crust made from discard.
The lemon curd is silky and bold, contrasting beautifully with the sturdy, slightly sour shortbread base.
The sourdough gives the crust a richer, deeper flavor than traditional versions.
Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar and you’ve got a bakery-quality dessert that’s equal parts refreshing and indulgent.
5. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
These sourdough cinnamon rolls are tender, gooey, and totally addictive.
The discard brings a soft, flavorful dough that bakes into pillowy spirals filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.
The slight tang in the dough enhances the warm spice and balances the sweet icing. They’re great for dessert or a cozy brunch treat.
And the best part? They taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
6. Sourdough Chocolate Cake
This rich sourdough chocolate cake is proof that discard can make dessert even better.
The cake is decadently moist with a slight tang that enhances the deep cocoa flavor.
It has a fluffy, almost mousse-like crumb that stays soft for days.
Whether you top it with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or fresh berries, this cake delivers restaurant-quality flavor from simple ingredients.
7. Sourdough Apple Crumb Cake
A slice of this sourdough apple crumb cake feels like fall in dessert form.
It’s moist, cinnamon-spiced, and topped with a sweet, buttery crumble that makes each bite a treat.
The discard adds complexity to the base without overpowering the delicate apple flavor.
Serve it warm with whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel.
8. Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins
These soft, spiced sourdough pumpkin muffins are cozy, flavorful, and freezer-friendly.
The pumpkin purée keeps them moist, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give them a classic fall vibe.
The discard makes the muffins fluffier and slightly tangy, creating a unique balance with the sweetness.
They’re great on their own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese. Bake a batch and enjoy them as dessert, breakfast, or an afternoon snack.
9. Sourdough Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chocolate chip lovers will adore these sourdough muffins.
They’re fluffy, moist, and just the right amount of sweet.
The sourdough discard works behind the scenes to create a soft, tender texture and brings out the richness in the chocolate.
These muffins rise beautifully and keep well for a few days, making them ideal for lunchboxes or grab-and-go treats.
10. Sourdough Blondies
Buttery, chewy, and golden brown, these sourdough blondies are a caramel-lover’s dream.
They’re loaded with brown sugar and vanilla, creating a rich toffee flavor that’s beautifully enhanced by the slight tang from the discard.
The texture is perfectly gooey in the center with crisp edge exactly what you want in a blondie.
Add chocolate chips or white chocolate for an extra treat. These are easy to mix, hard to stop eating.
11. Sourdough Snickerdoodles
These sourdough snickerdoodles take the classic cinnamon-sugar cookie and give it an irresistible upgrade.
The discard adds just the right touch of tang, making the cookies more flavorful than usual.
They stay pillowy soft in the center with a lightly crisp, sugary coating.
The cinnamon spice shines without being overpowering, and the texture is perfect for dunking in coffee or enjoying as a sweet snack.
12. Sourdough Sugar Cookies
Classic sourdough sugar cookies are buttery, tender, and full of character.
The discard brings a rich, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with icing, chocolate drizzle, or even just plain sugar on top.
They hold their shape well if you’re into cookie cutters, making them great for festive decorating.
These cookies bake up with golden edges and soft centers ideal for when you want a foolproof, feel-good dessert that’s anything but boring.
13. Sourdough Coffee Cake
This sourdough coffee cake is the ultimate dessert-meets-breakfast kind of treat.
The discard gives the crumb a subtle sourness that enhances the buttery base.
It’s topped with a brown sugar-cinnamon streusel that bakes into a delicious, crunchy layer.
Moist, tender, and just sweet enough, it pairs perfectly with a morning coffee or an evening cup of tea.
14. Sourdough Chocolate Chip Scones
These sourdough chocolate chip scones strike a beautiful balance between soft and crumbly.
The discard makes them lighter than traditional scones while still keeping that signature biscuit-like texture.
Rich chocolate chips melt into the dough, creating sweet pockets in every bite.
Enjoy them warm with a smear of butter or even a touch of jam.
15. Sourdough Carrot Cake
A rich and spiced sourdough carrot cake is a beautiful way to use up discard.
It’s moist from shredded carrots and just the right amount of oil, with cinnamon and nutmeg adding warmth.
The sourdough discard deepens the flavor and enhances the soft, dense crumb.
Add in walnuts or raisins for a little texture, and don’t skip the cream cheese frosting it brings everything together.
16. Sourdough Oatmeal Cookies
These sourdough oatmeal cookies are hearty, chewy, and full of comforting texture.
The oats give them a rustic vibe, while the discard brings a slight tang that keeps the sweetness in check.
Add-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped pecans make them easy to customize.
They’re soft in the middle, just crisp at the edges, and perfect with a cup of milk or coffee. If you like a cookie that feels both snacky and satisfying these are it.
17. Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies
Soft, rich, and packed with nutty goodness, these sourdough peanut butter cookies are a dream for peanut butter fans.
The discard subtly enhances the flavor, giving the cookies depth without overpowering the classic peanut butter taste.
They have that melt-in-your-mouth texture with a crisp bite on the outside.
They’re just sweet enough, and perfect with a sprinkle of flaky salt on top. You won’t want to go back to regular peanut butter cookies after these.
18. Sourdough Coconut Macaroons
These sourdough coconut macaroons are chewy, golden, and naturally gluten-free.
The discard adds a light tang that complements the sweetness of the coconut, making the flavor more complex and less cloying.
They bake up with crisp edges and soft centers and are super easy to throw together.
Dip the bottoms in dark chocolate for an extra treat. These are great for gifting or just snacking on one after another without guilt.
19. Sourdough Skillet Cookie
If you’ve never made a sourdough skillet cookie, now’s the time.
It’s gooey, chocolatey, and meant to be eaten warm right from the pan.
The discard adds a slight chew to the center and keeps the cookie from tasting overly sweet.
You get crisp, caramelized edges and a soft, cake-like middle.
20. Sourdough Chocolate Pudding Cake
This sourdough chocolate pudding cake is magic in a pan.
As it bakes, it separates into a fluffy cake layer on top and a rich pudding sauce underneath.
The discard helps create a super tender cake while balancing the intense chocolate flavor with a bit of tang.
It’s best served warm, spooned into bowls, and topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
