Description
These chewy sourdough granola bars are a healthier, budget-friendly alternative to store-bought bars. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, sourdough discard, and maple syrup (or honey), they’re soft, satisfying, and completely customizable. Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a quick snack on the go!
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 300g rolled oats (~3 ⅓ cups), toasted
- 110g salted butter (~½ cup) (or 90g butter + 20g nut butter or seed butter)
- 200g maple syrup or honey (~⅔ cup) (maple for deeper caramel flavor, honey is slightly sweeter)
- 50g brown sugar (~¼ cup)
- 80g sourdough discard (~⅓ cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins:
- 50–75g (~½ cup) chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips
Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):
- 100g dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (~½ cup)
- 10g coconut oil (2 tsp)
Instructions
- Toast the Oats: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Spread oats on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in maple syrup (or honey), brown sugar, and sourdough discard. Remove from heat, then add vanilla extract.
- Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine toasted oats and mix-ins. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to hydrate.
- Press & Bake: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Firmly press the mixture into the pan. Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden.
- Cool & Cut: Let cool for at least 2 hours (or refrigerate for 30 minutes) before cutting into 8 bars.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars and let set.
Notes
- If using unsalted butter, add ½ tsp salt to the dry ingredients.
- For a crunchier texture, bake at 300°F for 35 minutes.
- Brown sugar helps with chew and binding—omit for a more crumbly texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Sourdough
- Method: Baking