Sourdough Discard Granola Bars are a wholesome, chewy, and satisfying snack that turns leftover sourdough discard into something truly useful and delicious. These bars are lightly sweet, packed with oats, and customizable with your favorite nuts, seeds, and mix-ins. The sourdough discard adds moisture and structure without making the bars taste sour, helping them hold together beautifully while staying soft and chewy. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, lunchbox snacks, afternoon energy boosts, or even a healthier dessert option you can feel good about making at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses up sourdough discard in a practical way
- Soft, chewy texture that doesn’t crumble
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
- Great for meal prep and make-ahead snacks
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 2½ cups rolled oats
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- ½ cup mix-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thick.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and mix-ins to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated and no dry pockets remain. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
Step 4: Press into the Pan
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Pressing firmly is key to helping the granola bars hold together after baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. The bars should feel firm to the touch but not dry.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Remove from the oven and let the granola bars cool completely in the pan. Once fully cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into bars.
Variations
- Use peanut butter or almond butter for extra protein
- Add shredded coconut for more texture
- Use raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for natural sweetness
- Make them chocolatey with cocoa powder and chocolate chips
Cooking Notes
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling
- Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges
- Rolled oats work best; avoid quick oats
- Baking time affects chewiness, so don’t overbake
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a grab-and-go breakfast
- Pack into lunchboxes or picnic baskets
- Serve with yogurt and fruit for a balanced snack
- Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
Tips
- Line the pan well for easy removal
- Use room-temperature discard for smoother mixing
- Store bars tightly covered to keep them soft
- Double the batch for weekly meal prep
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
Approximate values: 190 calories – 5g protein – 8g fat – 26g carbs
FAQs
Do these granola bars taste sour?
No, the sourdough discard adds structure and moisture without a sour flavor.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey and replace the egg with a flax egg.
How do I store them?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Why are my bars crumbly?
They may not have been pressed firmly enough or fully cooled before slicing.
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Granola Bars are a smart, delicious way to reduce waste while creating a nourishing snack you’ll want to keep on hand at all times. Chewy, customizable, and easy to make, they’re perfect for busy days when you need something filling and homemade without a lot of effort.