Herman's Heavenly Sourdough Banana Bread
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet, ripe bananas and the unique tang of Herman sourdough starter in this luscious banana bread recipe. Using the famed Herman starter gives this bread a distinctive flavor and moist texture, making it a perfect companion for breakfast, a snack, or a comforting dessert. With the added crunch of walnuts or pecans, each slice provides a wholesome burst of flavor. Remember to start your Herman starter in advance or connect with a friend to obtain some. This recipe promises not only to satisfy your taste buds but also to bring warmth and joy to your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Margarine or Butter
1/3 cup (Softened)
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Egg
1 (Whisked)
Mashed Banana
1 cup (Ripe and mashed)
Herman Starter
1 cup (Active)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (Sifted)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans
3/4 cup (Optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the margarine (or butter) with the sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
3
Add the egg to the creamed mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated.
4
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and Herman starter, stirring until just combined.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just enough for everything to come together. Avoid over-mixing to ensure a tender loaf.
7
If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, mixing gently.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herman's Heavenly Sourdough Banana Bread?
It is a sweet banana bread made with Herman sourdough starter that offers a unique tang and moist texture.
What is the primary flavor profile of this bread?
It features sweet, ripe bananas combined with the distinctive tang of the Herman sourdough starter.
What kind of starter is required?
The recipe uses one cup of active Herman sourdough starter.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/3 cup of softened margarine or butter.
How much sugar is needed for the recipe?
One cup of granulated sugar is required.
How many eggs are used?
The recipe calls for one whisked egg.
How much mashed banana is needed?
You will need one cup of ripe, mashed bananas.
What type of flour should be used?
One cup of sifted all-purpose flour is used.
Is salt included in the bread?
Yes, the recipe includes one teaspoon of salt.
What leavening agents are used?
The bread uses one teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, you can optionally fold in 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should the loaf pan be prepared?
Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Cream together the margarine or butter with the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
When do I add the egg?
Add the egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated.
When do I add the Herman starter?
Gently fold in the Herman starter along with the mashed bananas after the egg is incorporated.
Should the dry ingredients be sifted?
Yes, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
How should I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring only until combined.
Why is it important not to over-mix?
Avoiding over-mixing ensures that the banana bread remains tender.
How long does the bread need to bake?
Bake it in the preheated oven for approximately one hour.
How do I know the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How should I cool the bread after baking?
Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
What are some serving suggestions?
This bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a comforting dessert.
Does this recipe produce a moist bread?
Yes, using the Herman starter and mashed bananas ensures a moist texture.
What size loaf pan is needed?
A 9x5 inch loaf pan is the specified size for this recipe.
Are there any specific tips for the walnuts?
The chopped walnuts or pecans are optional and should be folded in gently.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include sourdough, banana bread, quick bread, and comfort food.
Should the bananas be ripe?
Yes, the recipe specifies using ripe, mashed bananas for the best result.
How many main ingredients are in the list?
There are 10 specific ingredients listed for this sourdough banana bread.
Can this bread be served warm?
While the instructions focus on cooling, banana bread is often enjoyed both warm and at room temperature.