Oh, the joy of baking! There’s something so comforting about the smell of freshly baked goods wafting through the house, especially when it’s something as delightful as Brown Butter Sourdough Banana Bread. This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a warm hug in loaf form! And let me tell you, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick family dinner or a sweet snack to enjoy with your favorite cup of tea. Plus, if you’re looking for easy pasta recipes to pair with this bread, I’ve got you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful with the rich taste of brown butter.
- Perfectly sweetened with ripe bananas and brown sugar.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Great for using up sourdough discard, reducing waste.
- Can be enjoyed warm or toasted with a pat of butter.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Brown Butter Sourdough Banana Bread a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter
- 3/4 cup (180g) brown sugar
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp (4g) vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (295g) mashed ripe bananas (2-3 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup (140g) sourdough discard (or substitute with Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup (115g) Greek yogurt (or substitute with sour cream)
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
- 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder
- 1 tsp (3g) cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 1 cup (200g) chocolate chips or chunks
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious bread!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9×5” loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, brown the butter until it’s golden and nutty, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour it into a large bowl to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Once the brown butter has cooled slightly, whisk in the brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Mix in the mashed bananas, sourdough discard, and Greek yogurt.
- Fold in the dry ingredients with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix!
- Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Optionally, top with more chocolate and score a line down the center with a butter knife.
- Bake for 60–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Slice and serve warm with butter and flaky sea salt.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Brown Butter Sourdough Banana Bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the browning of the butter; it adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, especially for the flour.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
- If you have leftovers, try toasting slices for a delightful breakfast treat!
How to Serve
This Brown Butter Sourdough Banana Bread is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter for a cozy snack.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Slice it up for a quick breakfast on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this delicious bread ahead of time, here are some tips:
- Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy frozen bread, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop slices in the toaster.
And there you have it! A scrumptious Brown Butter Sourdough Banana Bread that’s sure to wow your family and friends. If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out my Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout or White Chicken Enchiladas for quick family dinners. And don’t forget to try my Zero Point Chicken Salad for a light and refreshing meal. Happy baking!

Brown Butter Sourdough Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5” loaf pan.
- Brown the butter in a saucepan until golden, then cool slightly.
- Mix cooled butter with brown sugar, then add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Stir in mashed bananas, sourdough discard, and Greek yogurt. Fold in dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the pan, top with sea salt, and bake for 60–65 minutes. Cool before slicing.