Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! I can hardly contain my excitement as I share this special recipe: Homemade Sourdough Banana Bread with Crunchy Walnuts. As a self-proclaimed banana bread enthusiast and a dedicated sourdough devotee, this recipe has become my go-to when I find myself with overripe bananas and an eager sourdough starter looking for a purpose.
There’s just something so comforting about the smell of banana bread wafting through the kitchen. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite grandma, and I just love how the tangy flavor from the sourdough pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Plus, who can resist the delightful crunch of walnuts? They add that perfect texture to this already moist and flavorful loaf. Grab a slice (or two—I’m not judging!) as you settle in. Let me walk you through the magic of making this masterpiece!
What’s in Homemade Sourdough Banana Bread With Crunchy Walnuts?
– Sourdough Starter: This is a must for that unique tangy flavor! I like to use a well-fed starter for the best results. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry; there are plenty of tutorials out there on how to create your own!
– Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! They not only sweeten the bread naturally but also add moisture. I just love mashing them up—it’s oddly satisfying!
– Melted Butter: Unsalted, of course! It gives richness to the bread, and trust me, you won’t regret this addition.
– Brown Sugar: This is what gives the bread its beautiful caramel notes. I prefer light brown sugar, but dark brown works too for a deeper flavor.
– Egg: It helps bind everything together, making sure your beautiful loaf doesn’t fall apart!
– Vanilla Extract: A splash of this magic liquid enhances the flavor wonderfully. I usually opt for pure vanilla extract—just elevates everything!
– Baking Soda: This is the leavening agent that will help your bread rise and create that perfect texture.
– Salt: Just a little pinch to balance the sweetness.
– Ground Cinnamon: It brings warmth to the flavor, making every bite heavenly.
– All-Purpose Flour: This classic staple forms the foundation of our loaf.
– Walnuts: Chopped for a delightful crunch! They’re optional for the top, but I can’t resist adding a little extra.
Is Homemade Sourdough Banana Bread With Crunchy Walnuts Good for You?
Ah, the million-dollar question! This banana bread is packed with some pretty decent ingredients, and while it is definitely a treat, let’s break it down.
– Sourdough Starter: It’s easier on your digestive system than regular bread due to fermentation. Plus, it’s a lovely source of probiotics!
– Bananas: These delightful fruits are full of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, making each slice a tad healthier.
– Walnuts: These little beauties are loaded with healthy fats and are known for their heart-health benefits. Gotta love a food that tastes great and does good!
Of course, moderation is key, especially with the added sugars and butter, but hey, this is a homemade labor of love. Enjoying a slice now and then can fit right into a balanced diet.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup sourdough starter (fed)
– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (plus extra for topping)
*This recipe serves about 8 slices, depending on how generous you are with portions!*
How to Make Homemade Sourdough Banana Bread With Crunchy Walnuts?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Get that cozy oven going!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar, mixing well until thoroughly combined. You want that sugary goodness to blend perfectly with the butter.
3. Add the mashed bananas, sourdough starter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is smooth- you might want to do a little dance here!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. The aroma of those spices is divine!
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts carefully, saving a handful for topping, of course.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle reserved walnuts on top. A little extra crunch never hurt anyone!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like heaven during this time!
9. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here!
10. Slice and enjoy your delicious sourdough banana bread with the crunch of walnuts.
Some Sweet Suggestions for Your Banana Bread
If you really want to take this banana bread up a notch, here are some ideas! You can swap the walnuts for pecans or even add dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Want to make it a little nut-free? Just leave out the walnuts completely. And why not slather on a bit of cream cheese or butter when it’s still warm? Trust me; your taste buds will be thanking you!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Not only will it fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma, but it also delivers that comforting taste that’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a delightful breakfast treat. Let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget to have fun with it—it’s all about sharing love one slice at a time!
