Healthy Sourdough Strawberry Breakfast Bars – Easy & Delicious

Start your day on a sweet and wholesome note with these healthy sourdough strawberry breakfast bars.

They’re a delightful way to enjoy the fresh taste of strawberries in a surprisingly simple recipe that fits perfectly into a clean eating lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning meal or a satisfying snack, these bars hit all the right notes.

These easy strawberry desserts are perfect for using up those beautiful fresh strawberries you have on hand. They combine the unique tang of sourdough with the natural sweetness of fruit, creating a balanced flavor that’s both comforting and invigorating. Get ready to discover a new family favorite that you can feel good about serving.

Healthy Sourdough Strawberry Breakfast Bars

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• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

Start your day on a sweet and wholesome note with these healthy sourdough strawberry breakfast bars. They’re a delightful way to enjoy the fresh taste of strawberries in a surprisingly simple recipe that fits perfectly into a clean eating lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning meal or a satisfying snack, these bars hit all the right notes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup active sourdough starter, unfed

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for the filling)

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Instructions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

3. 3. In a separate larger bowl, whisk together the unfed sourdough starter, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.

4. 4. Pour the wet sourdough mixture into the bowl with the dry oat mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. The mixture will be thick.

5. 5. Transfer about two-thirds of the oat mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your clean hands, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a compact crust.

6. 6. In a small bowl, gently toss the diced fresh strawberries with the cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

7. 7. Spread the cornstarch-coated strawberries evenly over the pressed oat base in the pan. Then, crumble the remaining one-third of the oat mixture over the top of the strawberries.

8. 8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: breakfast
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar

Keywords: sourdough, strawberry, breakfast, bars, healthy, oats, fruit, snack, clean eating, easy

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true gem for anyone seeking a healthy, delicious, and straightforward way to incorporate more fruit into their diet. It’s perfect for busy parents, health-conscious individuals, or anyone who appreciates a homemade treat without the fuss. You’ll love how quickly these bars come together, making them an ideal choice for a weekday breakfast, a packed lunch snack, or even a light dessert after dinner. The combination of wholesome ingredients and fresh strawberries creates a satisfying texture and vibrant flavor that appeals to all ages. It’s a fantastic option for those who enjoy clean eating and want to make the most of fresh, seasonal produce in a practical way.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for these healthy strawberry breakfast bars is simple and straightforward. Many of these items are likely already in your pantry, making this a convenient recipe to whip up on short notice. The focus is on fresh, wholesome components that contribute to both flavor and nutrition.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup active sourdough starter, unfed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for the filling)

For the sourdough starter, using an unfed starter (sometimes called “discard”) is perfect for this recipe as it adds a lovely tang and helps bind the ingredients without needing to be active for leavening. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is an excellent alternative that provides similar sweetness and moisture. When it comes to the oats, ensure you’re using rolled oats, not instant, for the best texture. The cornstarch or arrowroot powder is crucial for thickening the strawberry filling, preventing it from becoming too watery.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, ensuring you can enjoy these delicious bars without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

The hands-on prep is minimal, mainly involving mixing ingredients and dicing strawberries. The baking time allows the bars to set and the strawberries to soften into a delicious, jammy filling. This makes it a perfect recipe for a weekend morning or even a quick weeknight dessert when you’re craving something sweet but healthy.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these healthy sourdough strawberry breakfast bars is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This prevents sticking and makes serving much simpler.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients for the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This forms the backbone of your bar mixture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients with Sourdough: In a separate larger bowl, whisk together the unfed sourdough starter, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. The sourdough will add a unique tang and moisture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet sourdough mixture into the bowl with the dry oat mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the ingredients to be incorporated, but not overworked. The mixture will be thick.
5. Press the Base into the Pan: Transfer about two-thirds of the oat mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your clean hands, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a compact crust.
6. Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small bowl, gently toss the diced fresh strawberries with the cornstarch or arrowroot powder. The powder will help thicken the strawberry juices as they cook, preventing a soggy bar.
7. Assemble the Bars: Spread the cornstarch-coated strawberries evenly over the pressed oat base in the pan. Then, crumble the remaining one-third of the oat mixture over the top of the strawberries. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; a rustic crumble looks great.
8. Bake Until Golden: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the oat crumble should come out mostly clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This is crucial for them to set properly.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These healthy sourdough strawberry breakfast bars are incredibly versatile, making them easy to adapt to different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the strawberry filling before baking – chocolate and strawberry are always a hit! If you’re looking to boost the protein, sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the oat crumble topping.

You can swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend, adjusting the cornstarch slightly if your chosen fruit is particularly juicy. For a touch of citrus, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the strawberry filling. These bars are fantastic on their own for breakfast or a snack. For a more indulgent treat, serve them warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch buffet, offering a lighter, healthier option alongside richer pastries.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls, but knowing what to watch out for can ensure your sourdough strawberry breakfast bars turn out perfectly every time.

One frequent mistake is not allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing. If you cut them while they’re still warm, they can be crumbly and fall apart, as the filling hasn’t had a chance to fully set. Always let them cool on a wire rack for at least an hour, or even longer, for clean, firm slices.

Another common issue is overmixing the oat base. While you want the ingredients incorporated, overmixing can develop the gluten in the oats (if using oat flour, or just make the mixture tough), leading to a less tender bar. Mix until just combined.

Using too much or too little cornstarch/arrowroot powder for the strawberry filling can also cause problems. Too little, and your filling will be watery and make the bars soggy. Too much, and it can become gummy. Stick to the recommended amount, and if your strawberries are exceptionally juicy, you can add an extra half teaspoon.

Finally, not pressing the base firmly enough can result in a loose, crumbly bottom layer. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to create a compact, even crust that will hold up well when sliced.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage is key to keeping your healthy sourdough strawberry breakfast bars fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm or humid climate, or if you want to extend their freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Just be aware that refrigeration can slightly alter the texture, making them a bit firmer.

For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. Making them ahead is incredibly easy; simply bake a batch, cool them, and store as directed. This makes them a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack for busy mornings throughout the week.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! If using frozen strawberries, do not thaw them first. Toss them directly with the cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Be aware that frozen berries release more liquid, so you might need to add an extra half teaspoon of cornstarch to ensure the filling sets properly.

What if I don’t have sourdough starter?

While the sourdough adds a unique tang, you can make a similar bar without it. You could try

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.