Ingredients
- ½ cup sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge works fine)Substitution: You can use yogurt for a similar tangy effect if you don’t have sourdough discard.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed Substitution: Use 1 cup of applesauce if you’re out of bananas.
- ½ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free version)
- ¾ cup sugar (brown or white) Substitution: Use honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour Substitution: Whole wheat flour or a gluten-free mix can be used for a heartier texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.Prepare wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the sourdough discard, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.Mix dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.Combine:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep the bread light.Add extras:
Fold in the chocolate chips or nuts if you’re using them.Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Cool:
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Loaf:
- Use ripe bananas: The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can make the bread dense, so fold the ingredients gently.
- Customize it: Add your favorite mix-ins like peanut butter, or swirl in Nutella for extra indulgence!
Storage:
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Slice and wrap individually, then freeze. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the toaster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods, Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g