Homemade Sourdough Granola Bars

Chewy, Nutty & Naturally Sweet! 🍫🌾

If you’re looking for a wholesome, delicious, and easy homemade snack, these Sourdough Granola Bars are a must-try! Made with rolled oats, sourdough discard (or active starter), nut butter, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, they are the perfect balance of chewy, slightly crispy, and full of flavor.

The sourdough discard (or active starter) gives them a subtle tang and helps bind everything together—plus, it’s a great way to use up extra starter!

Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Granola Bars

✔ No Waste! – Uses sourdough discard for a unique twist.✔ Customizable – Swap in your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate.✔ Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar, just honey or maple syrup!✔ Perfect Snack or Breakfast – Great for meal prep and on-the-go!

The Recipe: Sourdough Granola Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• ½ cup sourdough discard (unfed or active both work!)

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• ⅓ cup dates & prunes (for natural sweetness)

• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for added fiber and nutrients)

• ¼ cup nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter)

• 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dates & Prunes

1. Soak the dates and prunes in hot water for 5 minutes.

2. Drain and place them in a stand mixer with the beater attachment.

3. Beat for about 2 minutes until they break down into a paste.

📌 No Mixer? No Problem! You can mash the dates & prunes by hand, but the mixer makes the texture smoother and blends the flavors better.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

4. Add all the remaining ingredients (oats, sourdough discard, chocolate chips, nut butter, honey, salt, and vanilla) into the bowl.

5. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.

📌 Mixer Method: A stand mixer will create a smoother, more uniform texture.📌 By Hand: If mixing by hand, stir vigorously to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Shape & Bake

6. Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan and press the mixture evenly into it.

7. Or double the recipe and bake in a greased 9x13 baking sheet.

8. Make sure to pack down the mixture that creates the granola bar texture; if it is not packed in tightly, it'll end up more like granola.

9. Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, or until slightly golden on top.

10. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into snack-sized granola bars using a knife or bench scraper.

📌 Pro Tip: Cooling completely ensures they hold their shape and don’t crumble!

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

🥡 Store in the fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. I like to cut mine and then either put them into baggies or wrap in wax paper in a container. ❄️ To Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Ways to Customize Your Granola Bars

Want to change things up? Here are some fun add-in ideas!

🌰 Add Nuts – Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch!🍓 Swap the Fruit – Use dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins instead of dates & prunes.🍯 Make Them Sweeter – Drizzle extra honey or add coconut flakes.🍫 Extra Chocolatey – Melt chocolate and drizzle on top after baking!

Why These Sourdough Granola Bars Are a Must-Try!

These homemade granola bars are a healthy, delicious, and satisfying way to use your sourdough discard while making a naturally sweet snack with whole ingredients. Whether you eat them for breakfast, as a midday snack, or post-workout fuel, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep!

If you make these, tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker—I’d love to see your creations!

Happy baking! 

💛Lauren

The Weeknight Homemaker