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I came up with these sourdough discard granola bars during a particularly prolific sourdough baking week when my discard jar was threatening to take over the refrigerator. Looking at the ingredients in the store-bought granola bars my kids were devouring (and the price tag that came with them), I wondered if I could create something more wholesome that would also use up some of that discard. After several sticky-fingered experiments, these chocolate peanut butter bars became an instant family favorite.
Last week, my son actually chose these over a packaged cookie in his lunch box. Sometimes the best parenting wins come from the most unexpected places.
Essential Ingredients
- Sourdough Discard: Adds moisture and subtle tang
- Natural Peanut Butter: Creates richness and binding power
- Local Honey: Sweetens naturally while helping everything stick together
- Rolled Oats: The hearty base that makes these truly satisfying
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Because let's be honest, the chocolate sells it to the kids
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Creating Your Bars
- Start by melting your butter and peanut butter together - this creates that rich base that makes everything hold together and taste amazing.
- Sweet Additions:
- Mix in the honey and vanilla, then fold in your sourdough discard. This is where that jar of starter finally gets its moment to shine in something other than bread.
- Dry Matters:
- Add your oats, brown sugar, and salt, stirring until everything is coated in that sticky-sweet mixture. Then fold in those chocolate chips and peanuts.
- The Press and Bake:
- Press the mixture firmly into your parchment-lined pan. The more firmly you press, the better your bars will hold together.
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Through countless lunchboxes and afternoon snack emergencies, these granola bars have become our family's go-to recipe. They prove that sometimes the best solutions come from ingredients we might otherwise throw away.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do I need active sourdough starter?
- No, this recipe specifically uses sourdough discard that's flat and runny, not active bubbly starter.
- → What if I don't have sourdough discard?
- You could substitute with 1/4 cup yogurt plus 1/4 cup flour, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- → Can I make these bars less sweet?
- You can reduce the honey, but note that the bars may be more crumbly as honey helps bind them together.
- → What other mix-ins work well?
- Try dark chocolate chips, pecans, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, or almonds instead of or alongside the peanuts.
- → Why do they need to be chilled?
- Chilling for at least two hours helps the bars firm up, making them easier to cut and less likely to crumble.