Sourdough Gingerbread Bars
Chewy, warmly spiced bars with a subtle sourdough tang — like a hug in every bite.
At a Glance
Loaf Style: Soft tray-bake bars
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Total Time: ~12–18 hours (includes optional chill)
Prep Time: ~20 minutes
Yield: 16 squares (8x8” pan)
Hydration: N/A
Bake Temp: 350°F / 175°C
Baking Vessel: Square baking dish (8x8”), lined with parchment
Ingredients
100g sourdough discard (unfed starter)
100g unsalted butter, melted
100g brown sugar
50g molasses (or blackstrap molasses for deeper flavor)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
150g all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or a vanilla glaze
Instructions
Mix the Wet Ingredients
1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until glossy and smooth.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sourdough discard. Whisk until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Rest the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
5. For best flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate the batter for 8–12 hours.
6. If baking right away, proceed to the next step.
Bake
7. Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease and line an 8x8” pan with parchment.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan — dampen your fingers or use an offset spatula to smooth the top.
9. Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until the top looks set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Visual Cues
Bars should be firm at the edges with a soft, chewy center.
Interior should be rich brown in color and glossy when sliced.
Why This Works
The sourdough discard balances the deep sweetness of molasses and spices, giving the bars a complexity that lingers. Moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare — these gingerbread bars are made for sharing (or not).
