The Best Vegan Brownies with Sourdough and Raspberries

What did you say? Sourdough in brownies? Seriously??? Yes, this was my reaction as soon as I saw a recipe calling for sourdough in brownies on the Internet. Why do you need to add sourdough to brownies, that sounds so strange! I have been pondering that ever since and it is slowly making more sense. If you think about it, sourdough is basically fermented flour, which is much easier to digest than regular flour. IDuring Corona times it looks like everybody was making bread and I had heard of people lamenting the fact that they had to discard so much sourdough, so why not use instead? After a while I was sold and thought, if the sourdough is a little old and may smell just a little like alcohol, even better, I definitely wanted to give these brownies a try!

I like that these brownies are very fudgy. However, it is still possible to eat them with only one hand, which also counts for something. I also like the fact that eggs are not replaced with chia seeds or something similar, but that aquafaba, the leftover liquid of chickpeas, is used. It has the same properties as egg white and can also be beaten into meringue. You will need to beat the aquafaba separately, but I do think it is worth the extra effort.

If you are looking for futher vegan inspiration, how about this vegan raspberry chocolate layer cake (my favorite combination) or this vegan Oreo cake. I am definitely not a seasoned vegan baker, I do find it challenging, however, I have to admit that vegan baking has much more to offer than I ever thought, these brownies are just as good as their original. And yes, I do have non-vegan brownie recipes on my blog. This is still my  favorite brownie recipe and I also love brownies with salted caramel. But since I love anything with fruit, these vegan brownies made it to the top of the list as well, that’s how good they are. At least in my opinion.

Credit: Top with cinnamon

Print Recipe

Vegan Brownies with Sourdough and Raspberries

Serves: About 9-12 brownies, depending on size

Prep Time: 30min – Cooking Time: 25min – Total Time: 55min

These vegan brownies are prepared with leftover sourdough and whipped aquafaba.

Ingredients

• Brownies
• 150 grams of vegan chocolate with high cocoa content (I used 60%)
• 100 grams of vegan butter (I used Alsan bio)
• 120 grams of aquafaba (which is the leftover water from a chickpea or bean can of 400 grams)
• 250 grams of regular sugar
• 200 grams of leftover sourdough
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, see here how to make your own
• 50 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 70 grams of ground almonds
• 30 grams of cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 
  
• Glaze
• 30 grams of vegan butter
• 20 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 20 grams of molasses, maple syrup, or another sweetener
• About 150 grams of fresh raspberries

Instructions

1

For the brownies line a brownie pan (mine is 24x24cm) with parchment paper and heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2

Roughly chop the chocolate and melt with the butter in a large pot either on low on the stovetop or in 30-seconds increments in the microwave, stirring regularly. Set aside to cool.

3

Meanwhile beat the aquafaba with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. This takes a little longer than with regular egg whites. Add the sugar and beat on high for another five minutes. You should get stiffer peaks and a more glossy texture. Don't worry if it doesn't get fully stiff.

4

Mix the sourdough and vanilla extract into the chocolate mix. Add about 1/4 of the beaten aquafaba. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

5

Now add the remaining beaten aquafaba and only gently fold it without loosing too much air. Pour immediately into prepared baking pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The top should look dry and the brownies shouldn't wobble when shaking the pan. Your oven may need longer, mine were done in 23 minutes. Let cool.

6

For the glaze melt the butter and stir in cocoa and molasses. Spread on brownies and immediately and decorate with raspberries. If your raspberries are large, cut in half.

7

Brownies taste best chilled and are also much easier to cut into pieces.