Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes

Sourdough pancake ingredients

• All Purpose Flour
• Sugar- A little bit of sugar balances the tang of the sourdough discard making these pancakes irresistible.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda- Baking powder and baking soda are critical for getting a fluffy, well-risen pancake
• Salt
• Eggs- They provide structure and rich flavor to the pancakes.
• Milk- I prefer to use whole milk but if you need a dairy-free alternative you can use coconut milk, almond milk or soy milk.
• Sourdough Discard- If you don’t currently have a sourdough starter check out my recipe to make one in just 2 weeks.
• Butter- For a dairy-free option replace butter with coconut oil.
• Vanilla Extract- Add flavor to the pancakes.

Mix-in ideas for pancakes

This is your time to get creative! We like to add chocolate chunks or chips to the batter but various fruits and nuts also work well. I find it is easier to add the mix-ins to the top of the uncooked side of the pancake when on the skillet or griddle. This ensures the mix-ins are evenly distributed as adding them to the batter often results in all of them falling to the bottom of the bowl.

How to make sourdough pancakes

These pancakes come together so quick and require minimal effort.

Begin by mixing the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

Melt butter in the microwave and let cool slightly before combining with eggs, milk, and sourdough discard in a separate bowl.

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. It’s okay if it’s lumpy.

Preheat a skillet or griddle to medium heat. Spray with non-stick spray or add oil or butter to the pan.

Scoop 1/3 cup of batter onto the heated griddle.

Sprinkle mix-ins on top if desired. Wait a couple minutes until the sides of the pancake are beginning to brown and the top has bubbles throughout. Flip the pancake over and continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the pancake is lightly browned.

Serve with butter and syrup.

Tips for cooking fluffy pancakes

1. In order to achieve fluffy pancakes it is imperative not to cook the pancakes on high heat. This will cause the pancakes to brown too quickly on the outside but will be gummy and undercooked on the inside. It is better to cook at a medium heat so the inside of the pancake has adequate time to rise and cook while the outside lightly browns.
2. Don’t flip the pancakes before they are ready. You only want to flip the pancake once. Too many flips will cause the pancake to deflate and lose the desired fluffy texture. Wait for the pancake edges to begin browning and the top of the batter to be bubbly before flipping it. Then let it cook for another two to three minutes on the other side.

Frequent Asked Questions

Can I freeze pancakes?

Yes! Pancakes freeze and reheat so well. To freeze them place the pancakes in a single layer on a sheet pan and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Remove from the freezer and place them in a resealable bag for up to 2 months. Or if you are in a hurry, and don’t have time to flash freeze them, place the cooled pancakes into a freezer bag with wax or parchment paper in between each one.

Then to reheat them in the microwave place your desired amount of pancakes on a plate and heat them in 30 second increments until they are warmed all the way through. Typically it will take a minute or less for even a large stack.

How long are pancakes good for in the fridge?

Pancakes will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge in an airtight container or bag.

Can I make my pancake batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the batter ahead just leave out the baking soda until right before making them and use double acting baking powder. Place the batter in the fridge overnight and then mix in the baking soda right before cooking them the next day.

Alternatively you can ferment the flour on the counter the night before. To do this use active, bubbly sourdough starter and mix with the milk and flour. The next morning add the remaining ingredients and cook your pancakes.

Looking for other ways to use up sourdough discard?

Try these recipes:

• Granola
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Banana Muffins