Description
These homemade granola bars are a delicious and wholesome snack, combining the rich flavors of peanut butter, honey, and sourdough discard. With a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, these bars are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, making them an ideal treat for on-the-go or a healthy snack option.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 57 grams butter, melted (1/4 cup)
- 65 grams peanut butter (1/4 cup)
- 120 grams honey (1/2 cup)
- 120 grams sourdough discard (1/2 cup)
- 5 grams vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
Dry Ingredients
- 55 grams brown sugar (1/4 cup)
- 360 grams rolled oats (4 cups)
- 3 grams salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- 163 grams mini chocolate chips (optional) (1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325℉ (163℃) to prepare for baking the granola bars.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and butter together for about 30 seconds until smooth. Then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the honey, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract thoroughly to create a uniform wet mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in the brown sugar, rolled oats, and salt. Fold in the mini chocolate chips if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan.
- Press Mixture Firmly: Using a piece of parchment paper, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. This step is crucial to ensure the bars hold together well after baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes at 325℉ (163℃) until the bars are golden and set.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2 hours, to help them firm up.
- Cut and Store: Cut the cooled granola into 12 equal bars. Wrap them individually with plastic wrap, beeswax wrap, or store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key for bars that hold together and don’t crumble.
- Sourdough discard adds a slight tang and moisture which enhances flavor and texture.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add a delightful sweetness and texture contrast.
- Store wrapped bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness.
- If you prefer, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American