Sourdough discard jam bars are a delicious and resourceful way to use up extra sourdough starter while creating a sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy treat. These bars feature a tender, shortbread-like crust, a fruity jam filling, and a crumbly, golden topping, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Reduces waste: Utilizes sourdough discard instead of throwing it away.
- Sweet and tangy: The mild acidity of the sourdough discard balances the sweetness of the jam.
- Easy to customize: Use any jam flavor, add nuts, or change the spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect texture: A buttery crust, gooey jam layer, and crumbly topping create the ultimate bite.
- Simple to make: Requires minimal prep and uses common pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
For the crust and crumble topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sourdough discard
For the filling:
- ¾ cup jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Crust and Crumble
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Pour in the melted butter and sourdough discard, stirring until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the Crust
Reserve about ½ cup of the dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly set and lightly golden.
4. Add the Jam Filling
In a small bowl, mix the jam with lemon juice for added brightness. Spread the jam evenly over the pre-baked crust.
5. Add the Crumble Topping
Sprinkle the reserved dough over the jam layer, creating a crumbly topping.
6. Bake to Perfection
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the jam is bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them set and makes them easier to cut. Enjoy as-is or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Variations
- Nutty crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crumble topping.
- Spiced twist: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Coconut lovers: Stir in shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate indulgence: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9-12 bars, depending on size
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling time: 30 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Enjoy cold or warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture. Discard works best as it has a more neutral effect.
What jam flavors work best?
Any fruit jam works, but tart flavors like raspberry or apricot pair especially well with the tanginess of the sourdough discard.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute melted coconut oil or dairy-free butter for the unsalted butter.
Do I need to use oats?
Oats add texture, but you can omit them or replace them with extra flour.
How do I prevent the bars from being too soft?
Make sure to bake the crust before adding the jam and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of jam?
Yes, but cook down the fruit with sugar and cornstarch first to thicken it.
Why do I need to pre-bake the crust?
Pre-baking helps prevent a soggy base and keeps the bars sturdy.
What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.
Are these bars overly sweet?
No, the balance of sourdough discard and jam keeps them pleasantly sweet without being overwhelming.
Conclusion
Sourdough discard jam bars are a fantastic way to use up extra starter while making a satisfying, fruit-filled treat. With their crumbly texture, customizable flavors, and easy preparation, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try different jams, spices, and mix-ins to make them your own!
O
Flavorful Sourdough Discard Jam Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
Description
Sourdough discard jam bars are a sweet, buttery treat with a tangy twist. Featuring a tender crust, fruity jam filling, and crumbly topping, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Reduce waste and enjoy a delicious homemade bake!
Ingredients
For the crust and crumble topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sourdough discard
For the filling:
- ¾ cup jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, enhances flavor)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
-
Mix the Crust and Crumble
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter and sourdough discard, stirring until a crumbly dough forms.
-
Press the Crust
- Reserve ½ cup of the dough for topping.
- Press the remaining dough into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly set and lightly golden.
-
Add the Jam Filling
- Mix jam with lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Spread evenly over the pre-baked crust.
-
Add the Crumble Topping
- Sprinkle the reserved dough over the jam layer.
-
Bake to Perfection
- Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
-
Cool and Serve
- Let bars cool completely before slicing.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Nutty crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
- Spiced twist: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
- Coconut lovers: Stir in shredded coconut.
- Chocolate indulgence: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- cooling time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: dessert, snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sourdough discard, jam bars, easy dessert, baking with sourdough, homemade bars
