Soft Sourdough Banana Bread Recipe – How to Make Moist

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5 from 6 votes

Looking to transform your overripe bananas and sourdough discard into a delectable treat… This delicious moist sourdough banana bread is the perfect solution!

sourdough banana bread sliced with text

With the tangy goodness of an active sourdough starter, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds – the beloved classic flavors of banana bread and the rich depth of sourdough.

This simple recipe is a great way to incorporate naturally fermented grains in sourdough starter, in a moist banana bread that boasts an incredible depth of flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or trying out sourdough recipes for the first time, our sourdough discard banana bread is a fantastic addition to your collection.

sourdough banana bread recipe sliced on cutting board

Moist Sourdough Banana Bread

This sourdough banana bread recipe uses half the sugar of most sourdough or classic banana bread recipes… but you wont miss it one bit! 

It’s a great way to use sourdough starter discard! This sourdough banana bread recipe uses twice the amount of 100% hydration sourdough starter!

The mixture of wet ingredients, including melted butter, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, perfectly complements the tanginess of active starter. These ingredients combine to produce a soft, moist crumb and a beautiful rise. You can even add a few chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist!

sourdough banana bread loaf in pan on stove

Ingredients

  • 1 cup active sourdough starter at 100% hydration, can be fed or unfed. 
  • 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil)
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional

How to Make Sourdough Banana Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

sourdough starter

Add Sourdough Starter

Add 1 cup of your active sourdough starter to the banana mixture and mix until incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).

mix sourdough banana bread dough

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Nuts (Optional)

If you’re using nuts, gently fold in the chopped nuts.

Bake the Banana Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

bake sourdough banana bread

Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy

Slice the cooled banana bread and enjoy the unique tangy flavor that the sourdough starter adds to the classic banana bread!

Using a mostly sourdough starter in this recipe might result in a slightly denser texture compared to traditional banana bread, but it also provides a distinctive taste that sourdough enthusiasts appreciate.

Sourdough Recipes

Soft Sourdough Rolls

Easy Sourdough Bread for Beginners

Sourdough Starter Pancakes

Easy Sourdough Waffles

Sourdough Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Perfect Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

Sourdough Baguette

Recipe Tools

  • Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining your wet and dry ingredients to create the banana bread batter.
  • Loaf Pan: A 9×5-inch loaf pan or a smaller loaf pan is needed to bake your banana bread to perfection. You can also use mini loaf pans for smaller portions.
  • Parchment Paper: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the bread after baking.
  • Wire Rack: A cooling rack allows your banana bread to cool evenly and prevents moisture buildup on the bottom.
  • Airtight Container: If you prefer, store your wrapped banana bread in an airtight container to keep it protected.

Optional Tools

  • Kitchen Scale: For precise measurements, especially if using grams of flour or other ingredients.
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: While not necessary, a mixer can make combining wet and dry ingredients more efficient.

Storage Tools

  • Zip-Top Freezer Bags: If you plan to freeze individual slices, zip-top freezer bags keep them protected.
  • Aluminum Foil or Plastic Wrap: Wrapping individual slices before freezing helps maintain their freshness.

Recipe Card

If you try this recipe and love it, I’d love if you give it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouse_harvest with your delicious creation!

cooked and sliced sourdough banana bread loaf

Sourdough Banana Bread

This moist and delicious sourdough banana bread is the perfect loaf! With the tangy goodness of an active sourdough starter, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds – the beloved classic flavors of banana bread and the rich depth of sourdough.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Sourdough
Cuisine: Bread
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 48 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Calories: 265kcal
Author: Juliea Huffaker

Ingredients

  • 1 cup active sourdough starter at 100% hydration can be fed or unfed.
  • For the banana bread batter:
  • 2-3 ripe bananas mashed
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil such as vegetable or avocado oil
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  • 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • 3. Add 1 cup of your active sourdough starter to the banana mixture and mix until incorporated.
  • 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
  • 5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • 6. If you're using nuts, gently fold in the chopped nuts.
  • 7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  • 8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • 9. Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Calories: ~220-250 kcal
  • Total Fat: ~9-11 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~1-2 g
  • Cholesterol: ~15-20 mg
  • Sodium: ~150-200 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: ~31-35 g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~2-3 g
  • Sugars: ~15-18 g
  • Protein: ~4-5 g

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g

How to Store Sourdough Banana Bread

Cool Completely

Allow the banana bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup that could lead to a soggy texture.

Wrap in Plastic Wrap or Foil

Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture and prevents the bread from drying out.

Use an Airtight Container

Alternatively, you can place the wrapped banana bread in an airtight container.

Room Temperature Storage

If you plan to consume the banana bread within a day or two, it’s safe to store it at room temperature.

sourdough banana bread loaf and sliced with text

Refrigerator Storage

For longer-term storage, keep the banana bread in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly.

Freezer Storage

If you want to store the banana bread for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a zip-top freezer bag. The slices can be thawed as needed.

Thawing Frozen Banana Bread

To thaw frozen banana bread, remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them in a toaster or microwave.

13 comments

  • 5 stars
    I added chocolate chips & walnuts, it turned out perfect! Can’t wait to keep making this!

  • Daphne Macie

    Yes! Was awesome!!!

    • Juliea Huffaker

      Yea Daphne… So glad you enjoyed this sourdough banana bread recipe!

  • Juliea Huffaker

    Hi Heather! Yes you can let it ferment on the counter or in the fridge… Some people have a problem with letting it sit on the counter because there’s eggs in it, but I have done it several times without any problems. That will help break down the gluten in the flour. The baking soda helps it to rise. You can most defiantly try this recipe with different types of flour like rye. I use fresh ground whole wheat often. Just look at the dough consistency and adjust if needed. Whole grain flours take more time to absorb the liquids. Thank you so much for the pins, using my recipes, and for coming back to comment 😉

  • 5 stars
    loved this easy recipe.. the bread is not too sweet and so moist!

  • I love banana bread. I can’t wait to try this inspiring recipe! Thank you for sharing these great tips.

  • Julie Anne Boston

    Banana bread is the best bread ever. This looks so moist I can almost taste it!

  • I bake with sourdough quite a lot, but never thought to make banana bread! Thanks for the recipe =D

  • Rebekah

    I’ve never made sourdough banana bread before but it looks delicious! I can’t wait to try your recipe!! Thanks for sharing.

  • Roxanna

    Perfect! I have been looking for a good sourdough banana bread recipe to try. Thank you!

  • I love banana bread- this looks like a fun one to try!

  • Felicia Graves

    Yesterday my husband told me he purposefully doesn’t eat bananas or give them to our kids in hopes I’ll be forced into making banana bread. ?? Hahaha! So thank you for this recipe because his plan worked.

  • Arianna

    This looks delicious!

5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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