Baking the Perfect Banana Bread: Getting Better Every Time

There’s something magical about baking banana bread—the aroma that fills the kitchen, the golden crust, the soft, flavorful crumb. And when you find the recipe—the one that just works—it becomes a staple.
I recently discovered a sourdough discard banana bread recipe from The Perfect Loaf, and after making it twice, I can confidently say it only gets better with time!

The Perfect Banana-to-Batter Ratio One of the things I love about this recipe is that the banana measurement is spot on. It calls for four ripe bananas, which should weigh about 365g—and both times I’ve made it, my bananas have been nearly exact. No second-guessing, no worrying about the texture being too dry or too wet.]

What Makes This Banana Bread Special? This isn’t just any banana bread—it has a sourdough twist. The addition of sourdough starter discard gives it an extra depth of flavor, making it richer and more complex than the average loaf. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra starter instead of tossing it.
Here are a few standout features:
✔️ Perfectly moist—stays fresh for days!
✔️ Crunchy, caramelized topping—thanks to the sugared walnut (or pecan) topping.
✔️ Balanced sweetness—a mix of brown sugar and honey brings out the best flavors.
✔️ Customizable—swap walnuts for pecans, or even turn this into zucchini bread!

My Experience Baking This Recipe The first time I made it, I followed the recipe exactly, and it was delicious. The second time? Somehow, it was even better. The flavors seemed to meld even more, the texture improved, and I realized this is one of those recipes that rewards practice. Maybe it’s the precision, maybe it’s the technique—but either way, I’ll be making this again and again.

Final Thoughts If you love banana bread and want a foolproof recipe that gets better each time, this is the one to try. Whether you’re a sourdough baker looking to use up discard or just someone who loves a good homemade treat, this banana bread is a winner.
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Have you ever found a recipe that just works every time? Let me know—I’d love to hear about

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