Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars: The Ultimate Cozy Dessert for Your Discard

Sharing is caring!

If you’ve ever opened your fridge to a jar of sourdough discard and wondered what magic you could make, these Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars are your answer. They’re cozy, chocolatey, and the perfect way to use that discard you’ve carefully fed while reducing waste. We’ll walk you through why sourdough discard belongs in your dessert rotation, how it adds a gentle tang, and how easy it is to make these bars for a weeknight treat or a fireside gathering. If you’re ready to transform your discard into something delicious, these Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars will become a comforting favorite.

Table of Contents

Print

How Sourdough Discard Became My Secret Dessert Weapon

If you wander into my kitchen in West Lafayette, you’ll likely catch the scent of something baking, a mix of chocolate, toasted marshmallow, and that cozy tang of sourdough discard s’mores bars rising in the oven. It all started on a chilly spring weekend when I was staring at a jar of discard, determined not to waste it again. That’s when I decided to see if it could add a new dimension to one of my favorite campfire flavors. What happened was pure dessert magic, and these sourdough discard s’mores bars were born, transforming that tangy discard into a golden graham cracker crust layered with melty chocolate and toasted marshmallows.

They’re everything you want in a cozy dessert—gooey, chewy, and a little bit nostalgic, but with a gentle sourdough tang that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. The best part is how approachable they are for beginner bakers. You don’t need perfect folding techniques or fancy ingredients; just your sourdough discard, a few pantry staples, and a bit of curiosity. I love sharing recipes like these on Tasty Trails, where recipes feel forgiving, messes are welcome, and the reward is worth it.

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Your Sourdough Discard

These sourdough discard s’mores bars are a wonderful way to make your discard work double-time while adding a touch of tang that makes chocolate and marshmallow flavors pop. The discard helps create a tender yet sturdy base that holds up under gooey layers of chocolate and marshmallow, and you get the satisfaction of reducing food waste without sacrificing flavor.

If you’re wondering, “Is sourdough discard still gut healthy?” you’ll be glad to know that while discard isn’t as probiotic-rich as fully fermented sourdough bread, it still contains some beneficial acids and enzymes that your gut may appreciate. Using your discard in these bars is a gentle way to incorporate it into your diet, especially if you’re just getting comfortable baking with it.

These bars also freeze beautifully, so you can always have a cozy treat ready to warm up on a busy weeknight. For other ways to enjoy your discard, try our sourdough discard pancakes for a breakfast that’s as comforting as these bars are for dessert.

Ingredients & Preparation Essentials for Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars

Choosing the Right Sourdough Discard for Bars

Before you start layering chocolate and marshmallows, let’s talk about the sourdough discard itself. The beauty of these Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars is that they work best with unfed discard, that tangy, sleepy starter waiting in your fridge. This mild tang enriches the graham cracker base without overpowering the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallow layers. If you’re wondering when not to use sourdough discard, trust your senses: discard that smells harshly like rotten cheese, has mold, or has pink streaks has gone bad and should be thrown out immediately. Healthy discard should smell pleasantly tangy and mildly yeasty.

Storing your discard properly is essential. Keep it in a clean jar with a loose lid in your fridge, and if you notice any liquid on top (called hooch), simply stir it back in before using it for these sourdough discard s’mores bars. If you’d like to keep your starter active, check out our how to maintain your sourdough starter guide to stay confident while reducing food waste.

Pantry and Market Ingredients to Elevate Flavor

Making sourdough discard s’mores bars is as comforting as the dessert itself, using ingredients you likely already have. You’ll need graham crackers for that classic base, quality chocolate for melting pools, marshmallows for gooey tops, and your discard for added flavor. Don’t skip the small touches: a pinch of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness beautifully, while a dash of espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor.

You can keep these bars classic or make them your own by adding peanut butter swirls or using dark chocolate chunks for richer bites. For more cozy uses of your discard, try our sourdough discard muffins, another favorite for using up starter while keeping your snack stash full.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars

Preparing the Crust and Discard Mixture

The heart of these sourdough discard s’mores bars lies in the crust that holds all that melty goodness. Start by crushing your graham crackers until fine. Mix them with melted butter, a touch of brown sugar, and your sourdough discard until the mixture resembles damp sand. The discard not only adds subtle tang but helps bind the crust, making it sturdy enough to hold gooey layers.

Press this mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan, creating an even layer. It’s helpful to use the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down to prevent crumbling later. For an extra hint of warmth, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder into the crust mixture. If you love layering your bakes, try it in tandem with our homemade marshmallows for a fluffier top layer while keeping the base strong and buttery.

Baking and Layering for That Gooey Center

Once your crust is in place, sprinkle a generous layer of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, followed by a layer of marshmallows. To prevent sticking, lightly mist your knife or spatula with oil when spreading the marshmallows evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden and the chocolate begins to melt.

For that classic campfire char, turn on your broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely as the marshmallows toast to a golden brown. Allow your sourdough discard s’mores bars to cool for 30 minutes before slicing to keep clean edges. If you crave a cozy companion dessert, pair it with our cozy chocolate chip cookies for a comforting dessert spread.

This step-by-step process ensures your sourdough discard s’mores bars are crisp on the bottom, gooey in the center, and toasty on top, ready to impress whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them quietly with a book and a cup of tea.

Serving, Storing, and Variations for Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars

How to Serve and Store Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars

Once your sourdough discard s’mores bars have cooled, lift them gently from the pan using parchment handles for clean slicing. Use a sharp, lightly oiled knife to cut into squares, wiping between cuts to keep edges neat. These bars are best served slightly warm so the chocolate stays soft while the crust holds its bite.

If you want to prepare in advance, store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to re-melt the chocolate and marshmallow just enough to bring back that gooey texture without compromising structure. For a comforting breakfast treat, pair a bar with coffee, much like we do with our sourdough discard muffins.

Fun Variations to Keep Your Dessert Trail Fresh

You can add your spin to these sourdough discard s’mores bars by adding swirls of peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella before baking. Swap milk chocolate with dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor or add chopped nuts for crunch. Gluten-free graham crackers work well here, making it adaptable without sacrificing that toasty graham flavor.

If you’re looking for more weeknight-friendly desserts, try our weeknight desserts collection for cozy, approachable sweets you can prepare while dinner simmers. Whether you prefer classic or creative variations, these bars are a flexible canvas to match your pantry and curiosity.

FAQS

VIEW ALL

Is sourdough discard still gut healthy?

Yes, discard retains mild fermentation benefits, providing gentle acids and enzymes, though it’s less probiotic than fully fermented bread.

When to not use sourdough discard?

Avoid using discard if it smells rotten, has mold, or shows pink streaks. Healthy discard should smell pleasantly tangy.

Is Pepperidge Farm sourdough really sourdough?

Most commercial sourdough, including Pepperidge Farm, uses mild starter or yeast blends and does not undergo full wild fermentation.

When has sourdough discard gone bad?

Discard has gone bad if it smells harsh, has mold, discoloration, or sliminess. A healthy discard should have a tangy, mild yeast aroma

Conclusion

There’s something magical about turning a jar of sourdough discard into a tray of gooey, chocolatey Sourdough Discard S’mores Bars. It’s a reminder that even the scraps in our kitchens can create something worth gathering around, sharing, and savoring. These bars are beginner-friendly, forgiving, and the perfect blend of comforting and new, making them a cozy addition to your dessert trail. If you’re ready to transform your discard into something you’ll look forward to, these bars are a wonderful place to start. More recipes? Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.