Sourdough Discard Pancakes - Made with simple kitchen staples plus sourdough starter or discard to create the most fluffy and flavorful pancakes your family will thank you for!
This sourdough pancake recipe will not result in your average stack of flapjacks. They’re going to be so much better than that! With buttery crisp edges and a super fluffy interior, you won’t find a better recipe for the best sourdough pancakes.
Using sourdough starter or the discard not only makes them extra fluffy but also gives them incredible flavor. Plus, if you enjoy using your starter for things other than best sourdough pizza rolls, sourdough bread, like sourdough strawberry galette, you’ll love these just as much!
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You can make them the night before to help make your mornings even easier.
- A stack of pancakes is the best way to start your day
- The texture and flavor of sourdough discard pancakes is even better than the already awesome classic recipe.
- Can be served with all your favorite toppings!
Tips for Sourdough Discard Pancake Recipe
- Before you begin, check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents won’t give them the extra rise you’re looking for.
- Always grease your pan, even if it is stainless steel or nonstick. The last thing you want is to try and flip your pancakes over and they’re stuck!
- You can also make these on a pancake griddle if preferred.
- Using butter to cook your pancakes will get you those delicious crisp edges.
- Do a test pancake first to ensure the heat isn’t too high. If your pancake cooks too quickly or burns, turn the heat down.
- You may need to turn the heat down as you work through your batches. The longer the skillet is on, the hotter it’ll be.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour - I use all-purpose flour because that’s usually what I keep on hand. I haven’t tried with a different type, but I don’t see why you couldn’t try this recipe with a different kind.
- Sugar - Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Sea salt - Brings out the flavor of the fluffy sourdough pancakes.
- Leavening agents - Baking powder and baking soda.
Wet Ingredients
- Sourdough starter - This can be either the discard or active starter. Both will work!
- Large eggs - To bind the pancakes so that they don’t fall apart.
- Milk - Use whatever milk you have on hand. Buttermilk would be a great choice, as would 2%.
- Vanilla - For even more fantastic flavor.
- Avocado oil - You’ll also need some to coat the skillet. However, nonstick cooking spray or butter works too.
How to Make Sourdough Pancakes
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together. Then, into the same bowl, add the wet ingredients. Gently mix the batter until smooth, but some lumps are ok. Let the batter sit for a few moments.
Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and swirl oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Use a ⅓ measuring cup to pour the batter into the pan. You can also use an ice cream scoop for this. Add a few pancakes to the skillet (or however many can fit at once without touching). Reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Once the edges start to crisp and bubbles start forming, flip the pancakes to finish cooking on the other side. They should be golden brown.
Step 5: Repeat with the remaining batter and then enjoy!
Make Ahead Overnight Preparation
Combine all ingredients EXCEPT for the baking powder and baking soda. Whisk together, cover with plastic wrap, and then chill in the fridge overnight.
In the morning, sift the baking powder and baking soda into the bowl and whisk well to combine. The texture should be thick and bubbly, so add a Tablespoon of milk at a time to thin it out, if necessary.
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes as you preheat the pan and continue as directed. The batter can be used cold, so you’re all ready to go!
What to Serve with Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes
There are so many options! You could go with the classic maple syrup and fresh berries or go with something a little extra like strawberry sauce, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.
Sometimes we’ll have it with yogurt or warm almond butter and honey drizzled on top.
Pancakes are made even better when served with a fresh fruit salad and eggs in a nest.
Recipe FAQs
A sourdough starter is a naturally fermented yeast that is grown by “feeding” it. There is a more in depth process but in a nutshell, you feed your sourdough starter with flour and water, but to keep it fresh, you need to discard some of it first.
That discard is perfectly usable! So, they are both part of the same process, just one is active and the other isn’t quite as active.
Keep leftover sourdough discard pancakes covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also keep them frozen for up to 2 months. If you’re freezing them, layer them with parchment paper so they don’t freeze stuck together.
I always think the microwave is the easiest and best way to reheat pancakes. They stay nice and soft that way!
More Breakfast Recipes
- Peanut Butter Granola
- Khachapuri Georgian Cheese Bread - Cheeseboat
- Ground Turkey Omelette Roll Recipe
- Avocado Toast with Egg (Video)
- Quick Einkorn Pancakes (Video)
- 5-ingredient Savory Waffles
- Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
- BLT Sandwich
- Breakfast Egg Sandwich
When YOU make these Sourdough Pancakes tag us @munchkintimeblog on Instagram, we would LOVE to see your creation!
If you tried this Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Thank YOU for YOUR Comment, Share & Recipe Review!
📖 Recipe
Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough discard or active sourdough starter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk whole milk, plus more if needed
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil plus more to coat the skillet, or use melted coconut oil
Instructions
Overnight Preparation
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients EXCEPT for the baking powder and baking soda. Whisk well, cover and chill overnight in the fridge.
- The next day, sift the powders directly into the bowl and give it a good whisk to combine everything together.
- The texture should be thick and bubbly. Add extra milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin out the texture if needed.
- Let the batter sit for at least 5 minutes, it should be nice and bubbly before using. The batter can be used cold.
Same Day Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together. Add the wet ingredients. Whisk gently until a smooth batter forms, let rest for 5-10 min.
- In a large (stainless steel) skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil over low heat. Swirl the pan around to coat.
- Pour ⅓ cup of batter into the pan uaing an ice cream scoop. Cook until golden color on both sides, cooking on low heat. When the edges begin to puff up and bubbles appear on the surface, flip it over. Serve with fresh berries, maple syrup or strawberry sugar pure.
Vicki
These were some of the best pancakes I have had! Has anyone tried freezing the pancakes for quick mornings?
Munchkin Time
Oh, I’m so glad to hear you loved the pancakes, Vicki! Freezing them is such a great idea for those busy mornings. Just stack them with a layer of parchment paper in between, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can just toast them or heat them up in the microwave. It makes breakfast a breeze! Have you tried any special toppings with your pancakes? 🥞✨
Karen
Made these today for breakfast with my starter which is only 8 days old but very active so far. My first time growing a starter and keeping it alive. I was expecting the pancakes to be very heavy but I was pleasantly surprised that they were really light and fluffy. This is a great recipe, very easy and quick to pull together. Definitely a keeper. Thanks for the great recipe!
Munchkin Time
I'm so glad to hear you tried the recipe and that your starter is thriving, Karen! It can be such a rewarding experience to grow your own starter. And I totally get what you mean about expecting the pancakes to be heavy—it's such a delightful surprise when they turn out light and fluffy instead! Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you continue to enjoy your cooking journey. Happy breakfasting! 😊✨
Christina
I like how easy this recipe is!
How long will the batter keep in the fridge if not used up in one go?
Munchkin Time
I'm so glad you like the recipe, Christina! The batter for sourdough discard pancakes can typically be stored in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days, covered. Just give it a good stir before using it again, and you should be all set! Enjoy your pancakes! 😊
Deb
We loved this recipe! Can the leftover batter be frozen?
Munchkin Time
Absolutely! We're so glad to hear you loved the recipe! Yes, you can freeze leftover sourdough pancake batter. Just portion it out in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it should keep well for a couple of months. When you're ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before cooking. Enjoy your pancakes again soon! 😊🥞
Munchkin Time
My Family loves these pancakes!