Delicious Sourdough Granola Bars (Nutty & Super Crunchy!)
The first time I discovered the magic of sourdough discard, I was deep into my sourdough baking phase.
After weeks of perfecting my loaves, I found myself with an ever-growing stash of discard. It felt wasteful to throw it away, so I started experimenting with creative ways to use it.
One chilly morning, with a warm cup of coffee in hand, I decided to test a granola bar recipe using my discard.
The result? Chewy, flavorful bars filled with crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit, and just the right touch of tangy richness.
They quickly became a household favorite—perfect for busy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even a post-workout pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Granola Bars
- A delicious way to use sourdough discard — no waste!
- Chewy, crunchy, and naturally sweetened — the perfect texture balance.
- Customizable — add your favorite nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Easy to make — one bowl, simple ingredients, and minimal prep.
- A nutritious snack — packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup sourdough discard (or plain yogurt)
- ½ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup (for better binding)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (for chewiness)
- 1 egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water, let sit 5 min)
- ½ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates)
- ½ cup mixed nuts or seeds (almonds, pecans, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
How to Make Sourdough Granola Bars
- Preheat and toast: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread oats and nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats, nuts, dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together sourdough discard, nut butter, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Mix everything: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Press into pan: Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and pressing firmly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes or until golden around the edges.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting. This ensures they hold their shape!
Expert Tips for Perfect Granola Bars
- Pack the mixture tightly: Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan prevents crumbly bars.
- Let them fully cool: Cutting too early may result in messy, broken bars.
- Customize the flavors: Try adding chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a dash of cinnamon.
- Store properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For softer bars: Use a touch more nut butter or honey to increase moisture content.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 5g |
FAQs About Sourdough Granola Bars
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your nut butter is plant-based.
What’s the best way to store them?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free oats in place of regular oats.
What add-ins work well in this recipe?
Chopped dark chocolate, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or even a teaspoon of cinnamon are great options. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle salt or sugar for a burst of flavor.
Enjoy Every Bite!
Sourdough granola bars are a delightful way to turn leftover starter into a wholesome snack.
Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee, as a midday pick-me-up, or packed in a lunchbox, they’re guaranteed to bring a satisfying crunch and delicious flavor.
I hope you love them as much as my family does. Happy baking!
