This Apple Upside Down Banana Bread using sourdough discards is super moist, soft and has the perfect fall flavors! I used whole wheat flour on this recipe as I prefer to stay on the healthier side… its a daily snack or breakfast for us at home and with a warm tea or coffee its yum!

The addition of the apples is completely optional, but its so good! it gives it a Fall vibe and a little extra sweetness which I love during this time of the year.

This apple upside down banana bread uses sourdough discards and its also dairy free!

Why do I use my sourdough starter discards for this Apple Upside Down Banana Bread?

Because I absolutely hate wasting food, so this is a great recipe to use your sourdough starter discards whenever you need to. If you are not storing your sourdough discards, you should! keep them in a separate container inside your refrigerator and when you have enough use them for this recipe!

Let’s start! and let’s go through the ingredients

of this Apple Upside Down Banana Bread

First question…

If I don’t have sourdough starter discards, what can I use?

You could mix equal part of flour and water to make 1.5 cups as the recipe says! But, have in mind that the sourdough starter discards are sour and have been fermented which gives it an extra flavor. However if you don’t have any, making that 1.5 cups will work just fine!

Also, if you want to start your sourdough journey – I can’t recommend it enough! Its not hard and its a process that you will do one time, as once your starter is ready it will be forever with you. It’s also super healthy to ferment breads or any bake good with a sourdough starter as you obtain health benefits from the process. Check out my sourdough class for beginners here to learn more about it!

Can I use all purpose or bread flour if I don’t have whole wheat?

Yes you can! you could also substitute the flour for spelt flour (which I love!) as it behaves very similar to regular modern wheat.

Besides the above options, I wouldn’t use any other flour. Remember that the flour you are using for this apple upside down banana bread has gluten, so stick with flours that do have. If you decide to use another type of flour like: oat, cassava or almond let me know if it works as I havent tested it out yet.

For this recipe I used whole wheat flour that I get from Castle Valley Mill, my local mill.

Can I use honey if I don’t have maple syrup for this Banana Bread?

Yes – go ahead and substitute maple syrup for honey if you don’t have or don’t like it.

Can I use any other fruit besides apples for the base of the banana bread?

Absolutely! feel free to use any fruit or a mix. You could use peaches, plums, apricots, a mix of apples with raisins, anything! Play around and make it your own – I love whenever you do that.

However, I wouldnt recommend fruits that tend to dissolve when baked, like any type of berry. So just have that in mind!

If I don’t have coconut oil can I substitute for another oil?

Yes, use canola or vegetable oil. You could even use avocado or olive oil too. But I try to stay away from oils that have flavors as they dont mix well with the recipe.

If I am allergic to nuts or just don’t like them… what should I do?

Don’t add them! they are completely optional.