Delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Category: Quick Bites for Every Gathering

Quick sourdough discard bars with chocolate and peanut butter. Ready in 45 minutes, plus chilling time. Yields 12 bars that taste way better than store ones.
Clare Greco
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 17:51:05 GMT
Homemade Granola Bars with Sourdough Discard Save
Homemade Granola Bars with Sourdough Discard | homebitesbyana.com

These chewy bars came out of a wild week of non-stop sourdough baking when my fridge was dangerously close to overflowing with discard. Scanning the snack labels in my pantry, I figured there had to be a better, less pricey treat for my kids that would also use up some extra sourdough starter. After a few trial runs (and a kitchen full of chocolate smears), these chocolate peanut butter bars were the runaway hit in our house.

Funny thing, last week my kid picked these for his lunch instead of grabbing a packaged cookie. Unexpected parent wins like this always make my day.

Tasty Key Ingredients

  • Sourdough Discard: Brings a mild tang and keeps things soft
  • Natural Peanut Butter: Gives creaminess and helps everything stick
  • Local Honey: Adds sweetness and helps bind the mix
  • Rolled Oats: Fills you up and gives that classic chew
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Real talk, the kids are here for the chocolate
Sourdough Discard Granola Bars Snack Save
Sourdough Discard Granola Bars Snack | homebitesbyana.com

How to Whip Up Your Bars

The Pan and Bake:
Once you've got your mix together, press it tight into your parchment-lined pan. A good press keeps those bars from crumbling.
Time for Dry Stuff:
Scoop in the oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt—mix until it's all sticky and well-coated. Fold in the chocolate chips and peanuts last.
Sweeten It Up:
Stir in honey and vanilla, then swirl in your discard. This is where sourdough starter gets its moment to shine.
Kick Things Off:
Melt together the butter and peanut butter—this gooey mix is what gives the bars their rich taste and keeps them from falling apart.
Simple Sourdough Discard Granola Bars Snack Save
Simple Sourdough Discard Granola Bars Snack | homebitesbyana.com

We've relied on these bars for fast snacks and lunchbox surprises more times than I can count. It just goes to show, turning leftovers into something good can be a game-changer for busy families.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use bubbly sourdough for this?
Nope, this works with flat, runny discard and not an active sourdough starter.
→ What can I use if I’m out of sourdough discard?
You can replace it with 1/4 cup of flour and the same amount of yogurt. It'll have a slightly different taste, though.
→ How do I make them less sugary?
Cutting down on honey is an option. Just keep in mind they might fall apart more since honey helps hold everything together.
→ Can I switch up the mix-ins?
Sure! Swap or add in things like pecans, almonds, dark chocolate chunks, dried fruit, or even pumpkin seeds.
→ Why’s chilling needed?
Letting them chill for at least two hours ensures they firm up enough, which makes slicing and handling much easier.

Granola Bars with Sourdough

Soft, easy-to-make bars using sourdough discard, oats, honey, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. A sweet and handy snack for anytime!

Prep Time
20 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
By: Ana


Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 12 Servings (12 bars)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup sourdough discard (thin consistency)
02 1/2 tsp salt
03 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
04 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped (optional)
05 1/4 cup melted butter
06 3.5 cups oats (rolled)
07 1 cup mini chocolate chips
08 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
10 1/2 cup honey

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 325°F and let it preheat.

Step 02

Heat up the peanut butter and butter in the microwave until melted. Stir them together, then move the mixture to a big bowl. Mix the honey and salt in next.

Step 03

Toss the sourdough discard, vanilla, brown sugar, and oats into the butter-honey mix. Stir everything until it looks evenly mixed.

Step 04

Add the peanuts (optional) and mini chocolate chips to the mixture. Stir gently to spread them evenly.

Step 05

Put the mix in the oven for 25 minutes. Let it cool down a bit before lifting it out with the parchment paper. Transfer to the fridge for at least one or two hours to chill.

Step 06

If you'd like, melt some chocolate in the microwave and drizzle it over the top. Slice everything into 12 bars before serving.

Notes

  1. Cool completely in the fridge for cleaner slicing.
  2. Less honey makes crumbly bars, so adjust based on what you prefer.
  3. Swap in other favorite add-ins like seeds, other nuts, or dark chocolate.
  4. Feel free to melt the peanut butter and butter on the stove instead.

Required Equipment

  • Roomy bowl for mixing
  • Rubber or silicone spatula
  • Baking pan (9x9 or 9x11 works)
  • Nonstick parchment paper

Allergen Information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Peanuts
  • Dairy (chocolate, butter)
  • Gluten (from the sourdough discard)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbs: ~
  • Protein: ~