If you’re a dessert lover like me, you’re in for a treat! I’ve discovered that sourdough isn’t just for bread; it can elevate your sweet treats in the most delightful ways. In this list, I’m sharing my top five sourdough dessert recipes that will add a unique twist to your baking routine. Get ready to indulge in rich Sourdough Brownies, soft and chewy Sourdough Oatmeal Cream Pies, and even Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or satisfy your own sweet tooth, these recipes will not only delight your taste buds but also make use of your sourdough starter in creative ways. Let’s dive in and explore the delicious world of sourdough desserts!
1. Sourdough Oatmeal Cream Pies

Ingredients
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (brown butter)
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vanilla buttercream frosting
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. In another bowl, mix the oatmeal, flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until incorporated.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough on a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let the cookies cool completely.
9. Once cooled, spread vanilla buttercream frosting between two cookies to form a sandwich.
10. Enjoy your homemade oatmeal cream pies!
2. Sourdough Brownies

Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, sourdough starter, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
3. Sourdough Coffee Cake Muffins

Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cups sourdough discard or active starter
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1½ cup brown sugar
- 5 Tablespoons flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½-1 Tablespoon milk
Directions
- Cinnamon Sugar Filling + Topping
- Sourdough Coffee Cake Batter
- Vanilla Glaze
4. Sourdough Dessert Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix together the sourdough starter, cocoa powder, flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan.
4. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture over the brownie layer.
5. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer.
6. Swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
5. Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

Ingredients
- 200 g active sourdough starter (about 1 cup)
- 400 g warm water (about 1 ⅔ cups (warm water between 100℉ – 110℉, no hotter))
- 10 g salt (1 ½ teaspoons)
- 510 g unbleached flour (about 3 ½ cups)
- avocado cooking spray or cooking spray of choice (for spraying 2nd mixing bowl and baking dish)
- 113 g salted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick)
- 250 g brown sugar (about 3/4 cup)
- 4 g vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon)
- 6.5 g ground cinnamon (about 2 ½ teaspoons)
- 120 g powdered sugar (about 1 cup)
- 4 g vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon )
- 30-45 g milk or cream (2-3 Tablespoons (more for thinner glaze, less for thicker glaze))
Directions
- Sourdough Focaccia Dough
- Cinnamon Roll Focaccia Topping
- Vanilla Icing Glaze