Name: Chewy Sourdough Granola Bars {Easy Discard Recipe}
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sourdough discard (active sourdough starter is ok too); 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup crisp rice cereal; 1/2 cup chopped nuts; 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)

Jump to Recipe

No-bake sourdough granola bars are delicious, so quick and easy, and make the perfect, healthy snack.

If you’re always on the lookout for new ways to use your sourdough starter – this recipe is for you. Adding discard starter to homemade granola bars gives them tangy sourdough notes and acts as a natural binders for the perfect, soft, chewy, granola bar consistency.

This base granola bar recipe can be modified to include all your favorite add-ins like peanut butter, dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or whatever you have in mind. A box of 12 healthy granola bars at the store runs at least $10, and if you have a lot of kids like I do – you know that box won’t last long! These sourdough discard granola bars are healthier and cheaper – a great alternative to the store-bought stuff, and they take very little time and skill to make. This is one of those sourdough discard recipes you’re going to want to keep in your regular rotation.

sourdough granola bars on parchment paper

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making this sourdough granola bar recipe is a great way to use up extra starter or discard when you have it. It’s super easy with only 5-10 minutes of hands-on time, no long fermentation necessary.
This base recipe is very easy to customize according to your preference or the season – you can come up with various recipes using wholesome ingredients to make sourdough granola bars your family will love. You can omit the nuts if you prefer chewy granola bars over chunky sourdough granola bars.
One double batch of these homemade sourdough granola bars lasts a week as an easy-to-grab snack for my family of 7.

In this video, I’m spending the day preparing for springtime on our homestead and making a batch of these granola bars to have an hand for a busy week.

What You’ll Need

INGREDIENTS

yield: 12 granola bars

1/4 cup sourdough discard (active sourdough starter is ok too)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup chopped nuts
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)

TOOLS

small saucepan and whisk
cutting board
large bowl
wooden spoon or spatula
9×9-inch dish greased or lined with parchment paper

Step-By-Step Instructions

Add the coconut oil, sourdough discard, maple syrup, and brown sugar to a small saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and add whisk in the vanilla extract and salt.

2. Combine the rolled oats, crisp rice cereal, and chopped nuts in a large mixing bowl and pour the sourdough mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the granola bar mixture until well combined.

rolled oats and other ingredients in a bowl

3. Press the granola bar mixture into a 9×9-inch dish lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the mixture and press them in.

4. Place the granola bars in the fridge and allow them to set for a couple of hours before serving.

FAQ

Do sourdough granola bars taste sour?
- This is a great question! If you’re a sourdough bread lover, chances are you won’t mind the sour taste – but might actually enjoy it! However, others might not share your affinity for sour granola bars. Luckily, the sourdough flavor is typically subtle and balanced with the sweetness of other ingredients like maple syrup and sugar.
Do I need to let the sourdough granola mixture ferment before refrigerating?
- This is a no-wait recipe, so you don’t have to allow for any extra fermentation time. However, if you do want to allow for fermentation time to make this bars more easily digestible, you definitely can!
Can I customize the ingredients in sourdough granola bars?
- Absolutely! You can add in additional ingredients you and your family will love. Additional ingredients to consider are things like hemp hearts, chia seeds, golden raisins or even fresh fruit.
Can I make sourdough granola bars gluten-free?
- If you or your loved ones suffer from gluten sensitivities or preferences, you can adapt the recipe to use gluten-free oats and alternative flours such as almond flour or oat flour.
Are sourdough granola bars healthier than regular granola bars?
- Homemade granola bars don’t contain any seed oils or preservatives that are commonly found in store-bought bars. They are also lower in sugar and fully customizable to fit your specific dietary needs.

Tips

Balance flavors: Sourdough granola bars should have a balanced flavor profile. While the sourdough adds a slightly tangy note, make sure to balance it with sweetness from ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or dried fruits.
Experiment with fermentation: Consider fermenting the granola mixture for a few hours or overnight before refrigerating. This can enhance the flavor complexity and improve digestibility. However, don’t ferment for too long, as it may lead to overly sour bars.
Press firmly into the pan: After spreading the granola mixture into the baking pan, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it firmly and evenly. This helps compact the ingredients, resulting in bars that hold together better once baked and cooled.
Get creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sourdough granola bar recipe! Experiment with different flavor combinations, add-ins, and textures to tailor the bars to your preferences. Have fun and enjoy the process!

Storage

When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade sourdough granola bars can last at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the fridge for a week, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.