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Got some bananas that need using up and a sourdough starter that needs a little TLC? I am usually guilty of both of these and what’s a baker to do? Bake Sourdough Discard Banana Bread, that’s what!

It takes just minutes to mix up the batter, you feel a warm glow of not wasting any ingredients AND it takes incredible. Truly a win-win proposition.

You can use sourdough discard in this recipe or even bubbly and active sourdough starter if you have some that needs using up.

Sourdough Banana Bread Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients…

Ripe bananas – those really brown and spotty ones that are only fit for the compost bin are the perfect ones to use in baking
Sourdough discard or active sourdough starter
Coconut oil, vegetable oil or melted butter
Self-rising flour (or self-raising in the UK) plus added baking powder
Brown sugar – either light or dark brown sugar
Eggs
Cinnamon and vanilla extract
A little honey, golden syrup or maple syrup to brush on the cake for an optional sticky-glossy finishing touch

ingredients for sourdough discard banana bread with captions

How to Make Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

↓ For the full ingredients and detailed method, jump to the recipe card.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Mist a large 900g (2lb) loaf pan with cake release and line with baking paper.

Peel the bananas and add to a food chopper or blender. Blitz to a smooth purée and pour into a large bowl. Alternatively add the bananas to a mixing bowl and mash well with a fork. Add the sourdough discard, eggs, vanilla extract and oil and stir well to combine.

Vigorously stir in the brown sugar then fold in the flour, cinnamon and baking powder, stirring gently until no dry streaks remain. You don’t need to overwork the batter, using a light hand is best.

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin and level. Top with the sliced banana, if using. Bake for an hour or until the banana bread is golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

topping banana bread with sliced banana pieces

Brush the warm banana bread with a little honey or maple syrup to give it a sweet sheen. Lift out of the tin using the overhanging paper and place on a wire rack to cool. Delicious served toasted and spread with a little salted butter 🙂

Banana bread made with sourdough discard, one slice cut at an angle with hand holding it

Recipe Tips and FAQs

If your banana bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Change things up by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, Nutella or Biscoff spreads.
Keep banana bread in an air tight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze it, whole or in slices for up to three months.

Bake in the Air Fryer

You can bake your sourdough discard banana bread in an air fryer, provided it has enough room to accommodate your loaf pan. I used my Instant Vortex air fryer with the rack removed to allow more space for the bread to rise.

banana bread in the basket of an air fryer

Related Recipes

overhead photo of sliced loaf of banana bread on a marble background

HAVE YOU MADE MY SOURDOUGH DISCARD BANANA BREAD RECIPE? Please leave a rating, post a photo on my Facebook page, share it on Instagram with @supergolden88 and the tag #Nusde and make my day!