Sourdough Banana Nut Muffins: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of banana nut muffins and enjoy the tangy depth of sourdough, then this recipe is for you! Sourdough banana nut muffins combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the subtle tang of sourdough, creating a rich and complex flavor that’s truly irresistible. Not only do these muffins make great use of overripe bananas, but they’re also a perfect way to incorporate sourdough discard, reducing waste while enhancing both texture and taste.

These muffins are delightfully moist, tender, and packed with nutty goodness, making them an excellent choice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a quick on-the-go treat. Whether you enjoy them warm with a pat of butter or paired with a hot cup of coffee, sourdough banana nut muffins are sure to become a new household favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make and store well, so you can enjoy their delicious homemade goodness throughout the week!

Why Use Sourdough in Muffins?

Sourdough discard adds a subtle tanginess and helps create a tender crumb while boosting your muffins' nutritional profile. It aids in breaking down the flour, making the muffins easier to digest. Plus, it's a great way to reduce food waste by repurposing excess sourdough starter!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon (optional, but adds a warm flavor!)

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
½ cup sourdough discard (unfed)
½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option)
¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

½ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
¼ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners or grease it lightly.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, sourdough discard, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until well combined.

4️⃣ Incorporate Dry & Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Do not overmix!

5️⃣ Add Nuts & Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips (if using).

6️⃣ Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

7️⃣ Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8️⃣ Cool & Enjoy: Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days!

Tips for the Best Sourdough Banana Nut Muffins

✔️ Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.

✔️ Don’t overmix the batter—this ensures a tender texture.

✔️ Toast the walnuts beforehand for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

✔️ Experiment with mix-ins like dried fruit, shredded coconut, or spices like nutmeg.

These sourdough banana nut muffins are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a cozy and satisfying treat. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade baking!