Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam
Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam are a delightful blend of tangy, wholesome goodness wrapped in a soft, chewy texture. These bars are perfect for a quick breakfast on busy mornings or a sweet snack throughout the day. With their comforting aroma and irresistible flavor, they evoke a sense of nostalgia while inviting you to savor each bite. What makes these bars truly special is their simplicity; you’ll find this recipe is an easy, step-by-step guide that even novice bakers can follow. With minimal ingredients, they are great for the entire family and perfect for sharing with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll instantly fall in love with Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam for a variety of reasons. First off, the prep time is minimal, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Just grab some pantry staples, and you’re on your way to creating a delicious breakfast treat. The bars are not only a crowd-pleaser but also versatile; you can use any jam you prefer, tailoring them to your taste buds. Plus, if you have an active sourdough starter, this recipe offers a fantastic way to utilize it. The combination of oats and fruit jam makes these bars a wholesome breakfast option that both kids and adults will enjoy!
Ingredients
For these Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam, you will need:
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly) – Tangy and rich, this serves as the base of your breakfast bars.
- 1 cup rolled oats – These oats add a lovely chewy texture and wholesome heartiness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour) – The flour creates a tender crumb in your bars.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – This adds a subtle caramel flavor, enriching the taste profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – A touch of leavening for that perfect rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors wonderfully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness and moisture, making the bars perfectly moist.
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice) – A glorious burst of flavor that brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the sweet notes beautifully.
- Optional toppings: Chopped nuts or seeds – For those who enjoy extra texture and crunch.
Step-by-Step Directions
Making Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect balance of flavors:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal later.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour), brown sugar, baking soda, and salt, stirring well to incorporate all the ingredients.
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the sourdough starter, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
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Layer the Mixture: Spread half of the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Next, layer your favorite jam over this base, ensuring an even distribution. Then, top with the remaining mixture.
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Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Slice: Once baked, allow the bars to cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. After cooling, slice them into squares or rectangles.
Tips & Tricks
To ensure that your Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Jam: Using quality fruit jam can really elevate the flavor of the bars. Opt for a homemade jam or a brand with minimal additives for an authentic taste.
- Add Textures: Consider adding chopped nuts or seeds to the mixture for added flavor and crunch. Almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds work wonderfully.
- Mind the Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the bars inside; this helps them bake evenly.
- Cool Completely: If you can resist, let the bars cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape and texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam alongside a cup of hot coffee, herbal tea, or a glass of fresh juice for a delightful breakfast. These bars are also perfect for brunch gatherings, picnics, or as an afternoon snack with some yogurt on the side. Pairing them with fresh fruits or a dollop of whipped cream will also enhance your serving experience.
Nutritional Information
Each Sourdough Breakfast Bar contains approximately 150 calories, though this can vary based on the type of jam used and added toppings. These bars also provide a decent source of carbohydrates and healthy fats, thanks to the oats and butter. Remember, balance is key—enjoy these bars as part of a varied diet!
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your Sourdough Breakfast Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them where they can last for about a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the bars in individual portions; just thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.
Feel free to experiment with variations: try using different fruits in your jam or loading them with chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. You could even make a sunbutter variation for a nut-free option!
Conclusion
Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam are not just a fantastic way to utilize your sourdough starter, but they are also easy to make, delicious, and incredibly versatile. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the warmth and joy these bars can bring to your morning routine or snack time. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you make!
FAQs
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Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour. -
What type of jam works best for these bars?
Any jam or fruit spread you enjoy can be used. Popular choices include raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or blackberry. -
How can I make these bars vegan?
To make them vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a flax or chia seed egg instead of the egg (mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until gel-like). -
Can I add spices to the mixture?
Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger can add a wonderful warmth to the bars. -
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, they need a few more minutes.
Sourdough Breakfast Bars with Jam
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Sourdough Breakfast Bars with a tangy jam filling, perfect for busy mornings or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: Chopped nuts or seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the sourdough starter, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Spread half of the mixture in the greased baking dish, layer with jam, and top with the remaining mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes then slice into squares or rectangles.
Notes
Use quality jam for the best flavor; consider adding nuts or seeds for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
