Name: Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sourdough starter discard, unfed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk

Hey y’all! Got some sourdough discard hanging around and not sure what to do with it? This sourdough discard Chocolate Cake is a decadent, fudgy, and incredibly moist treat that turns kitchen waste into chocolatey bliss. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, a birthday surprise, or a cozy weekend indulgence, this Cake never disappoints. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Ultra moist and rich, thanks to the sourdough discard.
Reduces kitchen waste by giving leftover discard a delicious second life.
One-bowl recipe makes cleanup a breeze.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime chocolate cravings.
Customizable with fun add-ins or frosting options.

Ingredients

1 cup (240g) sourdough discard (unfed, 100% hydration)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (64g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk (or non-dairy milk)
1/2 cup (120ml) hot coffee (or hot water)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional: 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips

Directions

Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan or a 9×9 inch (23x23cm) square pan with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and oil until smooth. Stir in the sourdough discard, milk, and vanilla extract.

Bring It All Together

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated (don’t overmix!).

Add Hot Coffee & Chocolate Chips

Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or water), mixing until the batter is even—don’t worry, it’ll be runny! Stir in chocolate chips, if using.

Bake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 32–38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool & Enjoy

Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing or frosting with your favorite icing.

Notes

Room temperature eggs and milk ensure a smoother batter.
Cake batter will be runnier than traditional batter—this is normal!
Bake time can vary, so check at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Variations

Vegan Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake: Use flaxseed eggs and non-dairy milk.
Mocha Cake: Add 1 tablespoon espresso powder with the dry ingredients.
Nutty Chocolate Cake: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans) for crunch.

Required Equipment

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or electric mixer
Rubber spatula
8-inch round or 9×9 inch square cake pan
Parchment paper
Wire rack

Storage Instructions

Store cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Cake can be refrigerated, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, rich chocolate ganache, or classic cream cheese frosting.
Pair with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra treat.
Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a glass of cold milk.

Pro Tips

Weigh your ingredients for the most consistent, tender crumb.
Don’t skip the hot coffee—it intensifies the chocolate flavor!
Let the cake cool completely before slicing for the neatest pieces.

FAQ

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Yes! An active starter will work just as well; it might add a slight tang but won’t impact texture.

Can I halve or double this recipe?

Absolutely—halve for a smaller batch (use a loaf pan) or double for a layer cake, adjusting bake time as needed.

Why is my cake dense or gummy?

This usually means the batter was overmixed or underbaked. Mix until just combined and check doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Cake

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients