Sourdough Banana Bars (Easy Discard Recipe)
Soft, moist sourdough banana bars made with ripe bananas and sourdough discard, baked to tender perfection and finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting. A simple, comforting bake that’s perfect for using up extra discard.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Electric mixer (for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Banana Bars
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- ½ cup sourdough discard
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts optional topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, sourdough discard, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gently stir until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
Nutritional Info (per bar - approximate)
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Protein: 4 g
