These sourdough pancakes are the solid breakfast option, combining the fluffy texture of traditional pancakes with the distinct tangy flavor of sourdough. They are a solid quick way to use active or discard sourdough starter!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Sourdough Discard Pancakes

Pancakes are one of our family's favorite foods on Saturday mornings. Ever since our sister gave us some of her sourdough starter to cultivate, we are always looking for ideas for how to use the discard thus sourdough pancakes were born!

The addition of sourdough gives these classic pancakes a tangy zesty flavor and a slight aerated texture. This unique mixture of flavor and texture is perfectly accompanied by a pat of butter, drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh fruit or every applesauce for a well-rounded breakfast.

How to Make Sourdough Pancakes

First assemble the following ingredients:

All-purpose flour (2 cups) – All-purpose flour serves as the foundational structure for sourdough pancakes, providing the necessary gluten to keep them soft and fluffy.
Baking powder (2 tsp) – Baking powder is a crucial leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise, ensuring they're light and airy.
Baking soda (1 tsp) – Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the sourdough discard, enhancing the rise and contributing to a golden-brown color.
Granulated sugar (4 tbsp) – A touch of sugar sweetens the batter slightly, balancing the sour tang of the sourdough.
Salt (1 tsp) – Salt sharpens all the other flavors in the batter, accentuating the subtle complexity of the sourdough.
Sourdough discard (1 cup) – Sourdough discard infuses the pancakes with a distinct, tangy flavor that sets them apart from more traditional recipes.
Milk (1 ½ cups) – Milk moistens the batter, contributing to the pancakes' tender texture and rich flavor.
Egg (1) – An egg binds all the ingredients together, adding structure and richness to the pancakes.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp) – Vegetable oil in the batter makes the pancakes tender and helps cook them to a solid, crispy edge.
Salted butter (2 tbsp) – Salted butter is used for frying, adding a rich, savory flavor and crisp, golden exterior to each pancake.

Steps to Make Pancakes

We will use this Method:

Assemble all the ingredients.

Dry and Wet

In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. In a small bowl combine the sourdough discard, milk, egg, and oil. Add to the dry ingredients.

Combine

Combine well. If there are a few lumps that's ok don't overmix.

Pour

Heat a pancake griddle or large pan to medium-low heat, grease well or butter. Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto the hot griddle, cook till batter starts bubbling on top and sides are drying. Cook for an additional 2 minutes on the second side till golden brown.

Flip and Finish

Place the cooked pancake on a plate and spread a little butter on it. Repeat till all the pancakes have been made. Serve warm with more butter, maple syrup, or applesauce!

Kitchen notes

Use Active Sourdough Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise and flavor. Feed it 8-12 hours before you plan to make your pancakes. You can use sourdough discard

Let the Batter Rest: After mixing your ingredients, let the batter rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten in the flour to relax and the sourdough starter to work its magic, improving the texture.

Adjust Consistency as Needed: Depending on the thickness of your starter, the pancake batter might need to be thinned out with a bit more milk or thickened with a little extra flour to reach the solid pouring consistency.

Use Low Heat: Cook your pancakes on a medium-low heat. Sourdough pancakes are thicker and require a gentler heat to cook through without burning the outside.

Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes because it develops the gluten too much.

Grease the Pan Appropriately: Lightly butter or oil the pan before pouring the batter. This helps in achieving an even golden crust on the pancakes.

Flip at the Right Time: Wait until you see bubbles form and pop on the surface of the pancake, and the edges begin to look set before flipping. This ensures that the pancake is ready to be turned and will hold together better.

Keep Pancakes Warm: As you cook the pancakes, keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F) on a baking sheet or plate covered with foil. This keeps them warm and ready to serve all at once.

Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add blueberries, chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg directly into the batter to customize your pancakes.

Serve Immediately: Sourdough pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, topped with your favorite syrups, fruits, or spreads for maximum enjoyment.

What to Enjoy with Sourdough Pancakes

Try this pancake with our favorite raspberry beet smoothie!

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Sourdough Pancake FAQs

What can we do if our sourdough pancakes are too dense?

To prevent dense pancakes, ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using. Also, try not to overmix the batter; stir until the ingredients are combined.

Can we make the pancake batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This can actually enhance the flavor due to the longer fermentation time. give it a gentle stir before cooking.

How do we know when to flip the pancakes?

Flip the pancakes when bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look dry and cooked. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side.

Why are our pancakes not fluffy?

If your pancakes aren't fluffy, it could be due to an inactive starter or overmixing the batter. Make sure your starter is lively, and mix the ingredients until combined.

Can we use discard from feeding our sourdough starter for pancakes?

Absolutely! Sourdough discard works wonderfully in pancake batter, adding a delightful tanginess and making use of the discard that would otherwise be thrown away.

What's the best way to keep pancakes warm until serving?

Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet covered with foil. This helps maintain their temperature without drying them out.

How can we make our sourdough pancakes more flavorful?

Incorporate ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or lemon zest into the batter for extra flavor. You can also add mix-ins like berries or chocolate chips.

Can sourdough pancakes be made vegan?

Yes, you can make vegan sourdough pancakes by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and using non-dairy milk and a plant-based butter or oil.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
4 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup sourdough discard
1 ½ cups milk
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp salted butter

Method

In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
In a small bowl combine the sourdough discard, milk, egg, and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and combine well. If there are a few lumps that's ok don't overmix.
Heat a pancake griddle or large pan to medium-low heat, grease well or butter.
Pour 1/3 cup of batter onto the hot griddle, cook till batter starts bubbling on top and sides are drying.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes on the second side till golden brown.
Place the cooked pancake on a plate and spread a little butter on it.
Repeat till all the pancakes have been made. Serve warm with more butter, maple syrup, or applesauce!