Simple Sourdough Banana Bread

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf (10–12 slices)

Ingredients

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil like avocado oil)

• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar (or coconut sugar for less refined option)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup (240 g) sourdough starter discard (unfed)

• 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (~1 ¼ cups)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, sourdough discard, mashed bananas, and vanilla. Mix until combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — don’t overmix.

5. Stir in nuts or chocolate chips if using.

6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

7. Bake 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

• Super ripe bananas (brown-spotted) give the best sweetness and moisture.

• If your sourdough discard is very acidic, you can add 1–2 tbsp milk to balance.

• For extra banana flavor, mash an extra half banana and swirl it into the top before baking.