Easiest Sourdough Discard Banana Bread Ever!
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This easy sourdough discard banana bread takes just a few minutes to mix up. But the taste is anything but simple!
This is a great way to use up some of your sourdough discard ... and those brown bananas sitting on your countertop!
Sourdough discard banana bread uses pantry staples, along with your sourdough discard, to create a decadent banana bread - rival to your favorite coffee shop!
And this one has a secret ingredient that you add right at the end ... it gives it a glossy finish and a decadent, sweet glaze!
Using Up Sourdough Discard
This banana bread is a simple way to use sourdough discard - which is particularly good if you're going through the process of establishing a sourdough starter.
You can use sourdough discard in this recipe - but active, fed sourdough starter is perfectly fine too!
Just use whatever you have on hand!
And if you love this sourdough banana bread, why not try this sourdough zucchini bread or sourdough discard pumpkin spice bread - they have a very similar style.
How To Make Sourdough Banana Bread
Making sourdough discard banana bread is really easy. You don't need any fancy equipment and you can mix it all together in one bowl!
The secret to this banana bread being so delicious is the golden syrup glaze on top! It is out of this world! If you've never used golden syrup before, you can read up about it here.
Here's how to make easy sourdough discard banana bread:
- Mash the overripe bananas with the back of a fork until they form a puree (a few lumps is fine).
- Beat the egg and vanilla together and add to the bananas.
- Melt the butter on a low heat and add that to the banana and egg mixture.
- Then stir through the sourdough starter until well combined.
- Next mix all the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (do not over mix).
- Pour the batter into a buttered loaf tin.
- Bake at 180C for around 1 hour - or until a skewer comes out of the bread clean.
- Glaze while still in the tin.
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes before removing from tin.
Tips & Tricks
While this recipe is super simple, there are few things you can do to ensure you get banana bread success!
- Always use overripe bananas! They need to be brown and a bit squishy. These brown bananas add sweetness and texture to your bread. Do not use fresh, yellow bananas straight from the store.
A little tip - always keep a stash of brown bananas in the freezer - they are great for emergency banana bread making! Just leave them out for 10 minutes to soften before you mash them up! - Be careful not to over mix the ingredients once you've added the wet and dry together. Just like sourdough muffins, over mixing can result in tough bread.
- If you feel that the top of the loaf is browning too quickly, carefully place a sheet of tin foil over the top. This will allow the banana bread to continue cooking, without burning the top of your bread.
Which Loaf Pan To Use?
I have baked this banana bread in a 1 litre loaf pan. It is a great size and makes a nicely proportioned loaf. This loaf will also fit into a 1 pound USA Pan which measures 9" x 5".
The pan I've used is this Jamie Oliver Loaf Pan - mine is a different color to the one I've linked to, but they are the same pan.
I also like that this pan shields the top a little so it doesn't burn in the oven (also see my tips above for ensuring your loaf doesn't burn).
If you wanted to make a larger loaf, you could double the quantities in the recipe and make a larger loaf with larger slices.
What Can I Add to Sourdough Banana Bread?
While this sourdough discard banana bread is amazing just as it is, there's always room for improvement, right?
Add your extras to the dry ingredients before you mix in the wet ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Here are a few suggestions on things you can add to take your sourdough banana bread to the next level!
- Roasted and chopped nuts - the easiest way is to purchase your nuts already roasted, but if they're raw, toast them lightly in a heated pan before adding.
You could add up to 150g of chopped walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans or macadamia nuts. I prefer them in the mixture as they don't burn on the top this way. If you love macadamia nuts, try this sourdough Hawaiian banana bread! - Chocolate - bananas and chocolate are sooo good together! Add up to 100g of chocolate chips or your favorite chocolate chopped. White, milk or dark all work well! Or go all out and make this double chocolate sourdough banana bread!
- Butterscotch or Peanut Butter Chips - these flavors both team up so well with bananas! Add up to 150g of these for a little flavor twist!
- Pumpkin - Give your sourdough banana bread some serious fall vibes with this sourdough pumpkin banana bread recipe.
Want More Sourdough + Banana Recipes?
If you love this recipe for sourdough banana bread, you might also like to try these sourdough recipes:
Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
Video
Equipment
- Loaf Pan (1 pound pan around 9" x 5")
Ingredients
- 250 g Bananas (approx. 3 medium overripe bananas)
- 2 Eggs (large 60g each)
- 5 g Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- 80 g Butter (Melted - can be salted or unsalted)
- 100 g Sourdough Starter (or sourdough discard)
- 200 g All Purpose Flour
- 12 g Baking Powder (2 teaspoons)
- 100 g Brown Sugar
- 50 g White Sugar
- pinch Salt
- 20 g Golden Syrup (for brushing on after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
- Mash the overripe bananas with the back of a fork until they are fairly smooth (a few lumps is fine).
- Now lightly beat the eggs and vanilla together and add that to the mashed bananas. Use your fork to lightly mix the eggs through.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter on a low heat and then add that the egg and banana mixture.
- Now add the sourdough starter to the egg mixture and mix throughly.
- In a separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients together and ensure that everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Now add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour mixture into a buttered loaf tin.
- Bake at 180C/350F for around 1 hour. Baking time will depend on the size of your tin and your oven.
- The banana bread is cooked when a skewer is inserted and comes out clean.
- When you take the banana bread out of the oven, brush the top with golden syrup for a lovely shiny, sweet glaze.
- Allow to cool for 30 minutes before removing from the tin.
Notes
Nutrition
This is the 5 or 6th recipe I e used from you and I was surprised not to see any comments so I figured I might be the first one! This is in the oven right now, can’t wait to try it!
What is “golden syrup”?
Hi Melody - you can find a full explanation of Golden Syrup in the blog post above the recipe 🙂
I can’t find where it talks about Golden Syrup. I read everything above the recipe and cannot find it. Please tell me what it is. I’m getting ready to make it. Thanks so much.
Sorry I talk about it here - https://www.pantrymama.com/sourdough-anzac-biscuits/ I'll add a link to it from the banana bread for future reference 🙂
Can I substituted the butter for a dairy free option such as vegan butter or oil?
Amazing!!! The best banana bread recipe I've ever tried and made!
Google how to make golden syrup. Long story short - it's water sugar and a slice of lemon simmered down until its browned.
Hi can I add half the butter please?
I made a double batch of this recipe on a 9 x11 and added chia 2tbs seeds and 1/4 cup flax meal and it was delicious.
Thanks for the recipe! I've just taken the loaf out of the oven and it smells so good.
I'm curious as to where you could use the 50 g of white sugar that you have marked optional? Taking away 1/3 of the sugar could change the way this loaf bakes if it isn't a substitute.
Hi, I made this banana bread Friday, it is delicious, but does not rise like regular banana bread, I followed recipe, did I do something wrong or is that the recipe. Thank you
This is a delicious way to use up sourdough discard. However I cut the sugar by a third and skipped the golden syrup and yet found the bread rather sweet.
I used two big over ripe red bananas.
I’m new to this group and I fix my start with Rye flour it’s so good even the discard it’s fermented, I just made this banana bread after I’ll put the cold sourdough bread, I hope all turn good
I making this for second time, it’s great to use the discard, I took some sugar out and I won’t put Golden syrup, my starter it’s great I’ll make sourdough to cook tomorrow
Wondering if I can use coconut sugar or honey instead of the brown and white sugar.
Also wondering if I can use Honey in place of the Golden syrup... Or like make a golden syrup with coconut sugar and or honey. Maybe even just use maple syrup??
This recipe was so delicious, I should’ve doubled it! The bread was so moist and not overly sweet! It’s so much more delicious than the traditional banana bread recipe, which I’m tossing out. Thanks,PM, for another great discard recipe.
Made this yesterday evening with ripe red skinned bananas and it was awesome. It took about 45-50mins, at 180 deg C. The bread was so moist, it crumbled in the mouth. It was sweet enough without the optional white sugar, and didn't have golden syrup, so used honey. This is a keeper.
I substituted the butter for Plain Greek Yogurt to make it less calories and it turned out perfect! so tasty!! I have been on the look for a really nice Banana Bread recipe for a long time! Think I have found it and it uses up my discard 🙂
Sue, did you sub equal amounts of Greek yogurt for the butter?
Yogurt sounds good, I'll try that next time. I used coconut butter which was moist and delicious.
Since discovering this incredibly easy, delicious recipe a few weeks ago I’ve made at least a dozen loaves. Neighbours and friends have received loaves and my husband is always asking for more. Also I’ve shared the recipe with many friends. I use only 80gm brown sugar, (no white) and put walnuts on top. Today I’d run out of over ripe bananas so decided to try grated apple instead, with some cinnamon - the result was amazing!! Beautifully moist and soft, perfect sweetness. Might leave a few chunks of apple next time.
PS yogurt substitute for butter in a previous comment sounds good - thanks, will try that too.
Delightful! Worked awesome following the recipe. My question though… is there a way to ferment this?? Even for a couple of hours??
Thank you!!
Wow! Best banana bread I have ever had. I veganized the recipe and used Ener-g egg replacer and vegan butter. I am a total newbie and I don't have a scale yet and made a mistake on the sugar conversion but I am happy with how it came out. I only used 1/3 cup of coconut sugar and it's perfect for my taste. I also used 1/3 whole wheat flour and 2/3 bread flour. The taste and texture are wonderful! Thank you!!!
Our new favorite banana bread. Easy to make, great way to use up discard and tastes amazing. I added cinnamon and did a cream cheese icing instead of the golden syrup. Highly recommended
Wandering if I can ferment this on the counter the night before. It's been mentioned before that the yeast will stop bad bacteria from taking over. I'd like to ferment asuch as I can. Easier on the tummy.
This is my absolute favourite recipe lately! I double the recipe and make 2 loaves every week - one to keep my husband happy and the other to give away. Compared with similar recipes this is the simplest. I cut the brown sugar down to 80g and omit the white sugar so it’s healthier too. Try substituting chopped apple (same weight, leave some biggish chunks), add cinnamon and top with walnuts. The golden syrup makes it taste and look amazing
Thank you you inspired me to use an Asian pair that was tart in flavor but mixed with bread it was a perfect contrast. Kept it from being too sweet used mainly brown sugar and it feels decadently delicious.
I was so excited I use my very first sourdough discard. This recipe is great and has a perfect texture. I decided not to add 50g sugar since it was optional but I wish I did, because the bread needed little bit more sweetness. I'll be definitely making it again.
Regular is yummy. I just made two, one with addition of chocolate chips and one with chopped walnuts. Fantastic! Thank you!
can i ferment this in the fridge before baking?
A great way to use discard. Wondering what would happen if I used more discard and less flour? [I have so much of it] I use mine for making pancakes with one egg and the discard with baking powder. My discard is whole-wheat.
I added white flour according to the recipe. Brown sugar and coconut butter. And I added some chunks of a tart Asian pear which toned down the sweetness and added a nice contrast. I loved it so much I'm gonna I'm gonna have another slice right now. I love the caramelized crispy crust! A yummy indulgent way to spend a rainy day in LA.
Hi! I am just curious, is there a way to ferment this over night before baking to get the added gut benefits?
Am I able to ferment this mix overnight?
This is the best banana board recipe, it’s a favourite in our house.
This is the most delicious banana bread I’ve ever had. It is just special! It was a hit amongst my family and extended family. I didn’t add the golden syrup and don’t need the extra step or calories.
My food scale say 2 tsp baking powder = approx. 6g. The recipe says 12 g= 2 tsp . Am I mistaken?
do i turn the stove off once the butter is melted. or do you leave it on low while you are adding the egg mixture and the flour mixture?
I've made this bread several times and everyone asks for more. I've also added frozen and fresh cranberries as well as chopped pecans. The last comment I got was that this bread was better than Starbucks. (I'm not a fan of Starbucks but I took it as a compliment!) I have not used the golden syrup because that's not something I keep in my pantry. Thank you for the recipe!
Sounds good, but too much sugar, would like to substitute pure maple syrup
I haven't tried this recipe yet but I like the look of it. But I am confused by the term "discard". I have been making sourdough for 15 years and I discard nothing. I keep a tablespoon or two of starter in the fridge. The night before making my bread, I take it out and feed it with enough flour and water for the starter for my recipe. The next day I make my dough and put any residual starter back in the fridge for next time. In my experience it will keep for several weeks before dying.
This banana bread was amazing!! I didn’t put in the white sugar and skipped the golden syrup and it was absolutely delicious!!! I didn’t find it overall sweet at all. Perfect sweetness! It is so moist and a perfect way to use discard. I love this recipe over my other non-discard recipe and I’ll be using this recipe from now on!
Ai, we're out of eggs!
I'll give it a go without anyway.
Would it be okay to quadruple this recipe and refrigerate for 24 hours?
Came out delicious. Had to cut back time to 35 minutes using a countertop oven. Everyone loved it. Will definitely make again.
I substituted 1/2monk brown sugar and regular brown sugar-skipped the white sugar.
Also added 2TBLSP of Chia seeds
2tsp cinnamon
Brushed with honey
Best banana bread ever!!!
Best
So quick, so delicious!! We are so happy!! I'm going to make a few loaves for friends and family.
I can't say enough about this Sourdough Discard Banana Bread! I have made it probably a dozen times now and it is foolproof, perfect every time! I don't add anything to it. I bake it for about 50-55 minutes (my oven runs a little bit hot). It is moist, delicious, and so easy! My husband loves it too. Thank you, Pantry Mama!
I'm so glad you love this sourdough banana bread! Thank you for commenting xo
I am new to the sourbread scene but enjoying learning new baking tricks and styles. One question that is confusing me. Where do the PUFA values shown in the Nutritional Chart on recipes get introduced in the recipe? Thanks!
The absolute best banana bread I've ever tasted!
We loved this! I omitted the white sugar and forgot about the golden syrup but didn’t miss it. I added 100g of semi sweet chocolate chips. Delish!!
Followed the suggestion of others and omitted white sugar entirely and left off the glaze as well. This was wonderful. It rose more than I expected but my "discard" was somewhere between starter and my usual discard as I'd fed it 1:4:4 about 12 hours earlier to bake some sourdough (also TPM's recipe and also came out spectacularly).
I'm excited to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing! But I do have a question. I know it isn't a yeasted bread, but what is the point of adding sourdough if you don't let the dough sit for a little and ferment so that the sourdough starter can do its work and make the bread more digestible?
Hi i made this banana bread with Buckwheat flour, same proportions to your recipe - oil - grapeseed no aroma to it,
used flax eggs- added 1 tsp soda and less brown sugar - added cinnamon, and nutmeg
Came out delicious and the color is like a brownie but very happy with the taste.
no glaze - put it in a cake pan and have some squares of it for breakfast - very easy to make!
Thank you
Bread was delicious and moist. A little too sweet for my taste, so I will use half the amount white sugar next time.
This works great, I added some lime to cut the seeet, (skipped all the optional sugar and used maple syrup instead, added a bit of cream,2 extra eggs, and doubled the discard, left out the baking powder, and left it in the counter over night in a 9x14 baking pan. Popped in the oven in the morning. Almost more of a brownie consistency. Fabulous taste. Lots of requests to repeat, though might try adding chocolate next time. Thank you very much for sharing. It is a great base recipe . Takes adjustments (creativity) very well.
Turned out delicious 👍❣️
Fantastic. Doubled recipe and added 1 cup walnuts and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for 2 loaves.
I didn’t have any golden n syrup- I used maple syrup and it worked perfectly - just a small amount brushed on the baked loaf with a pastry brush.
I grease my loaf pan and then sprinkle about a third cup sugar on the bottom before pouring on the dough. It just makes it yummy! Also since I did not have time to make golden syrup, I used maple syrup on baked bread with a pastry brush. It turned out great.
Sounds fantastic, Sue! 🙂
Delicious! Instead of a loaf pan I made mini muffins. 350°F for 12 minutes. I skipped the syrup on top because I made them for my grandkids (toddlers ages 1, 3 and 5). I'll be making these again and again! Thank you! Pantrymama, you ROCK!
Such a great idea! Thank you for sharing, Laura. So glad they were a hit. 🙂
So good! I think I will omit the white sugar next time I make this as it was quite sweet but STILL amazing!
I subbed melted butter for browned butter as well, and added little chocolate chips 🙂
I shouldn’t say “I”- really my 5 year old son did majority of the work! We took it out of the oven about an hour ago and only have 2 slices left after sharing with our neighbours 🙂
Hello 🙂
I have just made the banana bread and wondered can it be frozen ?
Thanks Kathy
It absolutely can be frozen. Wrap in parchment paper and then aluminum foil and place in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. I prefer to freeze as a whole loaf, but you can freeze individual slices in zip loc bags too if you prefer.
Absolutely love this banana bread! So easy to make and my whole family loves it!
Just baked 2 loafs! One plain and one woth chocolate chips! What a delicious delight! ❤️ from 🇿🇦
We love that! Thank you for your comment and review, Joline!
This is my go to banana bread recipe. It’s fantastic thank you so much!
Thank you, Margie! 🙂
I am analysis to coconut, could I just add extra oats?