How to Make Sourdough Discard Banana Cake Deliciously Moist

Have you ever found yourself staring at a bowl of overripe bananas, wondering what to do with them? Or maybe you have some sourdough discard sitting in your fridge, and you’re not quite sure how to use it? Well, I have the perfect solution for you! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Sourdough Discard Banana Cake. This cake is not only deliciously moist but also a fantastic way to use up that sourdough discard. Plus, it’s a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and make your kitchen smell heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Transforms sourdough discard into a moist and flavorful cake.
• Perfect for using up overripe bananas.
• Easy to make, making it a great option for quick family dinners.
• Can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack.
• Pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Sourdough Discard Banana Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (113 grams)
• ⅔ cup brown sugar (packed) (142 grams)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3 to 4 bananas (1 cup mashed; 227 grams)
• ⅔ cup sourdough discard (150 grams)
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk (32 grams)
• 136 grams all-purpose flour (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) (227 grams)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) (113 grams)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (240 grams)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch salt

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful cake:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8″ square pan with nonstick spray or softened butter. Line the pan with a piece of parchment paper extending up and over two opposite sides to create a sling.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and the 2 large eggs, mixing until well combined.
3. Add the Bananas and Sourdough Discard: Mash the 3 to 4 bananas until smooth, then fold them into the wet mixture along with the ⅔ cup of sourdough discard and 3 tablespoons of buttermilk.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 136 grams of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ¾ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
5. Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add in the 2 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and fluffy.
8. Cool and Frost: Once the cake is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Sourdough Discard Banana Cake turns out perfectly:

• Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
• Don’t skip the buttermilk; it adds a lovely tang and moisture to the cake.
• Feel free to add chocolate chips for a twist! This can turn your cake into a delightful Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Sourdough Discard.
• For a fun variation, try adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter.

How to Serve

This Sourdough Discard Banana Cake is perfect for any occasion! Serve it as a sweet treat at brunch, a delightful dessert after dinner, or even as a snack with your afternoon coffee. It’s also a fantastic option for weeknight dinner ideas when you want something sweet to finish off your meal. You can even slice it into squares for easy serving, making it a great addition to potlucks or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this cake ahead of time, you can bake it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious! If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it well to maintain its moisture.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those overripe bananas and that sourdough discard, and let’s get baking! This Banana Sourdough cake is sure to become a family favorite. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out my White Chicken Enchiladas or my Healthy Zero Point WW Banana Bread Muffins for more tasty ideas!