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Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Kacie Barlow

Best Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes (Using Sourdough Discard)

5 from 3 votes
This easy sourdough pancake recipe uses sourdough discard to create perfectly fluffy pancakes with a tangy twist. The batter comes together quickly using basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and milk.
After letting the batter sit for a short fermentation process, the pancakes cook on a hot pan or cast-iron skillet at medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown exterior and light, fluffy texture.
Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or your favorite toppings for a delightful breakfast that uses up leftover sourdough starter. Enjoy the best sourdough pancakes in no time!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour (or swap out half for whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
  • 2 teaspoons 8g baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon 5g baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons 25g granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 240g sourdough discard (unfed or active)
  • 1 1/2 cups 360ml milk (whole milk gives the best results, but use what you’ve got)
  • 1 large beaten egg
  • 2 tablespoons 28g coconut oil (or use olive oil if that’s what you’ve got)

Method
 

Gather Your Dry Ingredients:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, and salt. These are your dry ingredients that make up the backbone of the pancake fluffiness.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, milk, egg, and coconut oil (or olive oil if you’re feeling extra healthy). Make sure the sourdough discard is at room temperature for best results—you don’t want to shock that batter with cold starter.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
  1. Add your wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. This is the easiest way to get the best pancake batter without over-mixing. You want to keep it lumpy! Over-mixing will leave you with dense, flat pancakes, and we’re not about that life.
Cook on a Cast-Iron Skillet or Hot Griddle:
  1. Heat your hot griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with a small pat of butter or coconut oil. Pour about 1/4 cup (60ml) of batter onto the cast-iron, then turn it down to medium-low heat. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the first side is golden brown and you see bubbles forming on the top. Flip it over, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is golden.
Serve with Favorite Toppings:
  1. Stack your fluffy sourdough pancakes high and serve them up with your favorite toppings. I like a drizzle of maple syrup, some fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, or even some sliced bananas), and maybe a few chocolate chips if I’m feeling fancy. Or if you’re in the mood for something savory, a bit of melted butter and a sprinkle of salt is good stuff.

Notes

  • Customizable Ingredients: Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or bread flour for a heartier texture. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
  • Batter Resting Time: Allowing the batter to rest for about 20 minutes enhances fermentation, resulting in fluffier pancakes with a richer flavor.
  • Storage Instructions: Leftover pancakes can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet for a fresh taste.
  • Double Duty: The same batter works beautifully for sourdough waffles—just pour it into your waffle iron for a crispy alternative.
  • Nutritional Note: This recipe incorporates the benefits of fermentation, making it a healthier option compared to traditional pancake recipes.