Tasty Sourdough Banana Bread Recipe

Sourdough Banana Bread Recipe is a delicious twist on the classic banana bread, incorporating the rich flavors and health benefits of sourdough starter. The natural fermentation in sourdough enhances the bread’s texture, making it extra moist, tender, and slightly tangy. This unique combination balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with the depth of sourdough, resulting in a flavorful and wholesome treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Whether you’re looking to use up your sourdough discard or add a new dimension to your baking, this recipe is a must-try!

Sourdough Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients for Sourdough Banana Bread Recipe

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas – Mashed; the riper, the better for natural sweetness and moisture.
• ½ cup (120g) sourdough starter (active or discard) – Adds a slight tang and enhances texture.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure.
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (melted) or ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil – Adds richness and moisture.
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar or granulated sugar – Brown sugar gives a deeper caramel-like flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour – Provides the base structure for the bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise and makes it fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) – Adds warmth and complements the bananas.

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup (75g) chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
• ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips – For a sweeter, indulgent version.
• ¼ cup (40g) raisins or dried cranberries – Adds a chewy texture and natural sweetness.

Directions for Making Sourdough Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
3. Melt the butter (if using) and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, sourdough starter, eggs, melted butter (or oil), sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Do not overmix—mix just until no dry flour is visible. Overmixing can result in a dense bread.
7. If using mix-ins (nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit), fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

11. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
12. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set and prevents it from falling apart.

Step 7: Enjoy!

13. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as is, or spread with butter, honey, or nut butter for extra flavor!

Tips for the Best Sourdough Banana Bread

1. Use Overripe Bananas 🍌

• The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even fully blackened peels for the best results.

2. Choose the Right Sourdough Starter

• Active sourdough starter will give a slight lift to the bread, while discard works just as well for flavor and texture.
• If using discard, ensure it’s not too old or overly sour, as this can affect the taste.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Stir the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense and chewy instead of soft and tender.

4. Adjust Sweetness

• If you prefer a naturally sweet loaf, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup and use extra-ripe bananas.
• You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.

5. Add a Resting Time for Extra Fermentation (Optional)

• Letting the batter rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking can enhance the sourdough flavor and improve texture.

6. Test for Doneness Properly

• Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
• If it comes out wet, bake for another 5–10 minutes and test again.

7. Let It Cool Before Slicing

• Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. This prevents it from crumbling and improves texture.

8. Customize with Mix-Ins

• Try different nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to add texture and flavor.

9. Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week if wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Slice the bread and freeze individual pieces for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or microwave for a quick treat.

Conclusion

Sourdough banana bread is a delightful fusion of classic banana bread and the unique tangy depth of sourdough. The natural fermentation process enhances the texture, making the loaf incredibly moist and tender while also adding a subtle complexity to its flavor. Plus, using a sourdough starter—whether active or discard—not only reduces waste but also provides additional health benefits, such as improved digestion and nutrient absorption.

This recipe is simple to follow and can be easily customized with various mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to suit different tastes. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or toasted with a drizzle of honey, sourdough banana bread is a satisfying treat for any time of the day.

If you haven’t tried baking with sourdough before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. Experiment with flavors, adjust sweetness to your preference, and make it your own! Give this tasty sourdough banana bread recipe a try, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade baking.