Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that's also a healthy and delicious treat? Look no further! This sourdough banana nut bread recipe is the perfect solution. It combines the tangy goodness of sourdough starter with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the satisfying crunch of nuts. This isn't your average banana bread; it's a homemade masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours prior)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases easily.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with some elbow grease!
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in Dry Ingredients:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Add the Star of the Show:
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas, nuts, and optional chocolate chips. The more ripe your bananas, the sweeter and more moist your bread will be.
Bake to Perfection:
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Sourdough Banana Nut Bread:
- Sourdough Starter: Ensure your starter is bubbly and active before using it. This guarantees a light and flavorful bread.
- Banana Ripeness: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and moister your bread will be. Don't be afraid to use bananas with brown spots!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cranberry Walnut Bread: Replace the pecans with walnuts and add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Protein: Around 4-5g
- Fat: Around 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Around 35-40g
This sourdough banana nut bread is a fantastic example of easy recipes that yield delicious results. It’s a great addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking, perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings. Enjoy this healthy meal and share the recipe with your friends and family!