This Sourdough Discard Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, bringing in subtle tangy notes from the sourdough starter. The result is a moist, tender loaf with a beautifully caramelized golden syrup glaze on top, adding just the right touch of sweetness.
It’s the perfect way to use up sourdough discard while creating a comforting and satisfying treat. Whether paired with a cup of coffee in the morning or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this banana bread is a must try for anyone who loves the warm, nostalgic flavors of homemade baked goods.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 250g overripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1 egg
- 5g vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- 80g melted butter (salted or unsalted)
- 100g sourdough starter discard (or fed & bubbly)
- 200g all purpose flour
- 12g baking powder (2 teaspoons)
- 100g brown sugar
- 50g white sugar (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 20g golden syrup (for glazing after baking)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mash the bananas with a fork until smooth (a few lumps are fine).
- Lightly beat the egg and vanilla extract together, then mix into the mashed bananas.
- Melt the butter over low heat and add it to the banana mixture. Stir in the sourdough starter until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, brown sugar, white sugar, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While still warm, brush the top with golden syrup for a glossy, sweet glaze.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing and slicing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 194 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices
Sourdough Discard Banana Bread: A Delicious and Sustainable Baking Option
Baking is more than just a means of making food it’s an art, a science, and for many, a cherished ritual. One of the most rewarding aspects of baking is taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something comforting and delicious. Sourdough discard banana bread is a perfect example of this. It combines the tangy complexity of sourdough with the natural sweetness of overripe bananas, resulting in a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.
This recipe is an excellent way to use up sourdough discard that might otherwise go to waste. Instead of throwing away the excess starter, you can repurpose it into a baked good that enhances flavor and texture. Not only does this align with the principles of sustainability, but it also adds depth to an otherwise classic banana bread recipe.
Why Use Sourdough Discard in Banana Bread?
If you’re maintaining a sourdough starter, you know that regular feedings create leftover discard that many bakers struggle to use. Instead of wasting it, incorporating discard into banana bread is a practical and tasty solution. Here’s why:
- Enhanced Flavor – The natural fermentation of sourdough discard contributes a subtle tangy undertone, which complements the sweetness of bananas beautifully. The result is a well balanced loaf with more depth than a traditional banana bread.
- Improved Texture – The sourdough discard helps create a moist crumb, keeping the bread tender and soft for longer than standard recipes.
- Nutritional Benefits – Fermented sourdough contains beneficial bacteria that may aid digestion. While the benefits are reduced when baked, it still offers a more complex carbohydrate structure that may be easier to digest than traditional quick breads.
- Sustainability – Using sourdough discard reduces food waste, making your baking habits more environmentally friendly.
The Secret to Perfect Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
A great banana bread relies on a few key factors that ensure the perfect texture, moisture level, and depth of flavor. Here are some essential tips:
1. Use Overripe Bananas
The best bananas for this recipe are those that are deeply speckled or even fully brown. Overripe bananas contain more natural sugars, making the bread naturally sweeter and enhancing the overall moisture. If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can speed up the process by baking them in a low temperature oven for about 15 minutes or microwaving them for 30 seconds.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
One of the most common mistakes when making banana bread is overmixing. Stirring the batter too much activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense and tough loaf instead of the light, moist texture you want. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
3. Add a Golden Syrup Glaze
This recipe features a golden syrup glaze that takes the bread to the next level. The glaze enhances the sweetness and creates a glossy finish on top of the loaf, making it extra appealing. If you don’t have golden syrup, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for a similar effect.
4. Choose the Right Loaf Pan
The pan you use can impact the final texture of the bread. A 1 liter (2 pound) loaf pan is ideal for this recipe, allowing for even baking. If you opt for a different pan size, be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Lining the pan with parchment paper can help with easy removal.
5. Let It Cool Before Slicing
It can be tempting to slice into fresh banana bread right out of the oven, but patience pays off. Letting the bread cool for at least 30 minutes allows it to set properly, preventing it from crumbling apart when cut.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this sourdough discard banana bread is perfect on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some fun variations you can experiment with:
1. Chocolate Lovers’ Banana Bread
Adding chocolate to banana bread is a classic move. Stir in ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate before baking for an extra indulgent treat. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of bananas and the tangy notes from the sourdough discard.
2. Nutty Banana Bread
For added crunch and richness, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a deeper, roasted taste to the bread.
3. Spiced Banana Bread
Enhance the warm and comforting flavors of this banana bread by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom. A teaspoon of cinnamon mixed into the dry ingredients gives the loaf a cozy, bakery style aroma.
4. Coconut Banana Bread
For a tropical twist, mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut or a splash of coconut extract. You can even sprinkle some on top before baking for a toasty, slightly crispy crust.
5. Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Bananas and peanut butter are a match made in heaven. Swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the batter before baking, or mix peanut butter chips into the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread
Sourdough discard banana bread stays fresh for several days when stored properly. Here’s how to keep it at its best:
- Room Temperature – Store the loaf in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator – If you need it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Warm slices in the microwave before serving to bring back the soft texture.
- Freezing – To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze individual slices for quick and easy snacks. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Sourdough discard banana bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- With Coffee or Tea – A slice of banana bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte.
- With Butter or Cream Cheese – Spread a bit of butter or cream cheese on a warm slice for a richer flavor.
- As French Toast – Turn leftover banana bread into a decadent French toast by dipping slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon before frying them in butter.
- With Ice Cream – For a dessert like treat, serve warm banana bread with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
Conclusion:
Sourdough discard banana bread is a perfect way to use up extra starter while creating a flavorful, moist, and irresistible treat. It’s a sustainable choice that reduces food waste while delivering a bakery quality loaf right in your own kitchen.
With simple ingredients, easy customization options, and a delicious golden syrup glaze, this banana bread is bound to become a household favorite. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast staple, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet treat after dinner, it’s a recipe worth making again and again.
So the next time you find yourself with ripe bananas and sourdough discard on hand, give this recipe a try you won’t be disappointed!