Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK – 1 Café, 1 Recipe & Wild Flavor

Before:
I was road-tripping through Alaska, somewhere between exhaustion and hunger, searching for a real breakfast—not just gas station granola bars. A local leaned out from behind a counter and said, “If you want something wholesome and actually made with care, you need to check out Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK.”

During:
I pulled up expecting a basic roadside café. What I walked into was a warm, wooden cabin filled with the comforting smells of sourdough, roasted coffee, and toasted coconut. The chalkboard menu listed wild salmon burgers, sourdough pancakes, and homemade granola. I ordered the granola—loaded with oats, sourdough discard, nuts, and a drizzle of maple—and sat down with a strong cup of coffee. Locals chatted around me, and for a moment, I didn’t feel like a traveler. I felt like I belonged.

After:
Back home in Mendocino, that granola haunted my memory in the best way. I recreated it in my own kitchen using Clementine, my beloved sourdough starter. Every bite brings back the wild Alaska air and the cozy hum of that café. Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK wasn’t just a stop—it became part of my story.

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A Taste of Alaska at Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK

Why locals and travelers alike love this hidden gem

Driving through Fairbanks, you might blink and miss the cedar-clad charm of Sourdough Express—but if you stop, you’ll discover a slice of Alaska that warms more than your belly. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, the draw of Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK lies in its authenticity. Owned by Jackie and fueled by a deep passion for clean eating and ethical sourcing, the café offers a menu that champions organic ingredients, sustainable seafood, and seasonal produce grown nearby—even in Alaska’s harsh climate.

It’s the kind of place where the eggs are real, the toast is thick-cut multigrain, and the coffee is strong enough to cut through an Arctic morning. Whether you’re stopping in for a wild Alaskan salmon burger or a stack of sourdough pancakes, everything tastes a little more vibrant. For those craving something light but energizing, their granola bowl—served with local yogurt and fresh berries—is a top pick and the inspiration for the recipe we’ll share later.

How one café connects community, culture, and clean food

What sets Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK apart is more than its food—it’s its values. From the reclaimed wood furniture to the chalkboard menus updated with daily specials, everything here feels thoughtfully rooted. The team partners with local farmers, supports sustainable fisheries, and even offers vegan and gluten-free options that don’t feel like an afterthought. They believe in food that nourishes both the body and the land.

This ethos resonates with me deeply. I’ve spent years baking with my starter Clementine, talking about fermentation and flavor in kitchens across the country. And when a place like Sourdough Express brings that same care and intention to their dishes—well, it inspires a baker like me to keep experimenting. That’s how this granola recipe was born.

Inspired by Alaska – Recreating the Sourdough Express Experience at Home

The beauty of local ingredients and sourdough simplicity

At Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK, food isn’t just served—it’s grown, sourced, and crafted with purpose. Their menu is deeply connected to Alaska’s rugged, seasonal bounty. From wild-caught salmon to organically grown greens in high tunnels, everything speaks to a mission: serve food that’s real, responsible, and nourishing.

Inspired by this ethos, I came home determined to recreate a bit of that spirit in my own kitchen. One dish stood out from my visit—their unforgettable granola. It was rustic, subtly sweet, and packed with texture. But what made it different? A tangy, rich note that could only come from one thing: sourdough discard.

If you’re a sourdough baker like me, you know the joy (and the overflow) of managing a starter. I named mine Clementine years ago, and she’s traveled with me from coast to coast. Using discard in recipes like this is more than thrifty—it’s delicious. And today, I’m sharing my Alaska-inspired version of Sourdough Discard Granola, a nod to that special breakfast at Sourdough Express.

How to make Sourdough Discard Granola – just like Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK

This recipe is simple, flexible, and endlessly customizable. You’ll be using clean, whole ingredients with that magical addition of sourdough discard to boost flavor and reduce waste.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
Rolled oats	2 cups
Raw sunflower seeds	1/2 cup
Sliced almonds	1/2 cup
Flaxseeds	1/4 cup
Unsweetened coconut flakes	1/2 cup
Maple syrup	1/3 cup
Melted coconut oil	1/4 cup
Cinnamon	1 tsp
Sea salt	1/2 tsp
Sourdough discard	1/2 cup
Dried cranberries	1/2 cup (add after baking)

Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, we’ll walk step-by-step through the process in the next section—don’t worry, it’s easy, and your kitchen will smell like a warm cabin by the time you’re done.

6 .ART 3: How to Make Sourdough Discard Granola Like Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK

Step-by-step instructions for cozy, crunchy perfection

There’s something so satisfying about homemade granola—it’s humble, healthy, and your whole kitchen smells like a bakery in the woods. This sourdough discard version is inspired by my visit to Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK, where even the simplest breakfast feels like it’s made with heart.

1 .Here’s how to bring that same cozy café feeling to your own table:

1. Preheat and prep.
2 .Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients.
6 .In a large bowl, combine oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, flaxseeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Whisk the wet mix.
2 .In a smaller bowl, stir together sourdough discard, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil until smooth.

4. Combine.
3 .Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir well until everything is coated.

5. Spread and bake.
4 .Spread the granola in an even layer on your baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. You’re looking for golden brown with crispy edges.

6. Cool and finish.
6 .Let the granola cool completely before stirring in the dried cranberries. This helps it stay crunchy and prevents steaming.

Pair it with yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and some seasonal fruit—just like they do at Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK. You can even serve it warm over baked apples or sprinkle it on sourdough toast with almond butter. It’s that versatile.

And if you love comforting, crunchy toppings like this, check out our homemade Alaska berry crisp or this DIY sourdough muesli mix for more breakfast magic.

Why sourdough discard makes this granola shine

5 .Sourdough discard adds a subtle tang and makes the clusters extra crispy when baked. It also brings mild fermentation benefits and helps reduce food waste—a core value shared by Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK and my own bakery, Marlene & Crumb.

The discard binds everything together, replaces some oil or sugar, and deepens the flavor without overpowering it. That’s why this recipe feels so layered, even though it’s incredibly simple.

Pro tip: You can swap maple syrup for honey, use pecans instead of almonds, or toss in chocolate chips after baking for a sweet twist. This granola is meant to flex with your pantry and your mood.

Your Questions About Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK – Answered

Conclusion: From Alaska to Your Kitchen—Sourdough Stories That Stick

My morning at Sourdough Express Fairbanks AK was more than just a meal—it was a reminder of what food can be when it’s prepared with care. That simple bowl of granola, served without fanfare, left such a deep impression that I carried it all the way back to Mendocino.

Now, when I bake my own sourdough granola, I remember the steam on the café windows, the buzz of conversation, and the tang of wild Alaska in every bite. Whether you’re visiting Fairbanks or just looking to bring that spirit home, I hope this recipe helps you taste a little of the north—warm, wild, and unforgettable.

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