Sourdough Chocolate Chip Bars

Sourdough Chocolate Chip Bars recipe

If you love soft, chewy dessert bars packed with chocolate chips, these Sourdough Chocolate Chip Bars are going to become your new favorite treat. Made with sourdough discard, rich butter, cream cheese, and plenty of chocolate, these bars bake up thick, gooey, and perfectly golden around the edges. The sourdough adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully while giving the bars an incredibly soft texture.

These homemade cookie bars are perfect for family gatherings, lunchbox treats, weekend baking, or late-night dessert cravings. The best part? They are super easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and a great way to use extra sourdough discard.

Whether served warm with a glass of milk or chilled straight from the fridge, every bite is rich, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Soft and chewy texture
  • Loaded with chocolate chips
  • Easy one-pan dessert recipe
  • Great use for sourdough discard
  • Rich buttery flavor with slight tanginess
  • Perfect for parties and bake sales
  • Freezer-friendly and easy to store

Prep Time & Baking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield

Makes 24 delicious bars

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Mix-Ins

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the sourdough discard and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter should become smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no dry flour remains.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts using a spatula.

The batter will be thick and creamy.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Do not overbake if you want soft and gooey bars.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Serve warm for extra gooey chocolate goodness.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter
  • Slightly underbake for fudgier bars
  • Add extra chocolate chips on top before baking
  • Chill before slicing for cleaner edges
  • Use active sourdough discard for deeper flavor

Storage Tips

Store leftover bars in an airtight container:

  • At room temperature for 3 days
  • In the refrigerator for up to 1 week
  • Freeze for up to 2 months

Simply warm in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.

Delicious Variations

Double Chocolate

Add cocoa powder and extra chocolate chips.

Nut Lovers

Mix in pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.

Sea Salt Style

Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.

Caramel Chocolate Bars

Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking.

Serving Ideas

These sourdough chocolate chip bars taste amazing with:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Hot coffee
  • Cold milk
  • Chocolate sauce drizzle
  • Fresh strawberries

Final Thoughts

These Sourdough Chocolate Chip Bars are rich, soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate flavor in every bite. The sourdough discard gives them a unique bakery-style texture that makes them extra delicious and unforgettable.

Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday dessert cravings, this easy homemade recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Once you try these gooey chocolate bars, you’ll want to bake them again and again. 🍫✨

Author Card
Author

Founder / Chef / Everyone’s Best Friend

Emma Laurent

Cooking has been part of my daily life for years, and I enjoy sharing easy keto, sourdough, and high-protein recipes that anyone can make at home.