Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes Recipe (Easy, Tangy, and Delicious!)

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This fluffy sourdough pancakes recipe is the ultimate breakfast treat—light, airy, and bursting with the unique tang of sourdough. Perfect for using up your sourdough starter discard or satisfying a craving for a cozy homemade breakfast, it never disappoints.

These have become a Saturday morning staple in our home. Not only are these pancakes incredibly easy to make, but they’re also a fantastic way to add a bit of fermented goodness to your morning routine and your family will never know! Pair them with butter, a drizzle of real maple syrup, or your favorite fruit toppings for a breakfast that feels indulgent but is made from scratch with wholesome ingredients. Let’s dive into how you can whip up these fluffy sourdough pancakes and savor every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make with Pantry Staples- You don’t need anything fancy to whip up these pancakes—just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. With milk, eggs, flour, and your trusty sourdough starter, you can have a wholesome breakfast on the table in no time.

Uses Sourdough Starter (Fed or Discard)- Whether your sourdough starter is freshly fed and bubbly or leftover discard from earlier in the week, this recipe works beautifully. It’s a perfect way to make use of every bit of your starter while creating something everyone will love.

Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Meal Prep- These pancakes are versatile enough for a cozy weekday breakfast, an impressive weekend brunch, or even meal prep. Make a big batch, freeze the extras, and enjoy them throughout the week with minimal effort.

Naturally Tangy and Fluffy- Thanks to the sourdough starter and a touch of baking soda, these pancakes achieve an unbeatable combination of light, fluffy texture and just the right amount of tang. Each bite is airy, flavorful, and irresistibly good.

Ingredients Breakdown

Sourdough Starter- Whether it’s freshly fed or discard, sourdough starter is the star of this recipe. It adds a subtle tangy flavor and brings fermentation benefits that make these pancakes not only delicious but also easier to digest.

Milk- Milk provides the necessary moisture for the batter, helping the pancakes achieve a soft and fluffy texture.

Baking Soda- Baking soda reacts with the natural acidity of the sourdough starter, creating bubbles that help the pancakes rise and stay light. It’s the key to achieving that perfect fluffiness.

Sugar (Optional)- A touch of sugar enhances the flavor and adds a hint of sweetness to the pancakes. Feel free to adjust or skip it if you prefer a more savory base.

Butter or Oil- Adding melted butter or neutral oil ensures the pancakes stay moist and tender, giving them a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How to Make Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes

1. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter, milk, egg, melted butter (or oil), sugar (if using), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This step ensures your pancakes have a moist and tender texture.

2. Add Dry Ingredients

Gently sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to dense pancakes. The batter should be thick but pourable. If needed, adjust with a splash of milk or a sprinkle of flour.

3. Preheat and Grease the Pan

Heat a pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking and give your pancakes those golden, crispy edges.

4. Cook and Flip

Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip gently with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep them warm until ready to serve. Top with butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or any of your favorite toppings for a delightful breakfast.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Pancakes

• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can deflate the bubbles and make your pancakes dense. Stir until just combined for the fluffiest results.
• Make sure your skillet or griddle is hot before adding the batter. This creates golden edges and a perfectly cooked center.
• Use the first pancake to adjust the heat or batter consistency if needed.

Delicious Variations and Add-Ins for Sourdough Pancakes

1. Blueberry Sourdough Pancakes

For a burst of fruity flavor, gently fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter just before cooking. The natural sweetness of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the tangy sourdough, creating a delightful balance. Tip: Dust the blueberries with a little flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking.

2. Chocolate Chip Sourdough Pancakes

This one is a favorite in our house! Turn your pancakes into a sweet treat by mixing in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. The melty chocolate pockets make these pancakes a hit with kids and adults alike.

3. Seasonal Spice Pancakes

Embrace the flavors of the season by adding a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of ginger. These spices enhance the tangy notes of the sourdough and give your pancakes a cozy, aromatic touch. Perfect for fall and winter mornings!

FAQs

Can I Use Sourdough Discard?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with sourdough discard, so you don’t need to waste any part of your starter. The discard adds a lovely tang and contributes to the fluffy texture of the pancakes. Whether your starter is freshly fed or from earlier in the week, it will deliver delicious results.

How Long Can I Store the Batter?
For the best results, it’s recommended to cook the batter immediately after mixing to retain its light and airy texture. However, you can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Keep in mind that the batter may thicken slightly as it sits—just add a splash of milk to loosen it up before cooking.

Can I Make These Pancakes Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Be aware that the texture may vary slightly, but the pancakes will still be delicious. If your sourdough starter contains gluten, make sure to use a gluten-free starter to keep the recipe entirely gluten-free if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Butter and Maple Syrup- For a classic and comforting combo, top your pancakes with a generous pat of butter and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The rich, buttery flavor and the sweetness of the syrup perfectly complement the tangy sourdough.

Fresh Fruit- Add a burst of freshness with seasonal fruits like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the tangy flavor of the sourdough pancakes and adds a healthy touch to your meal.

Whipped Cream- For an extra indulgent treat, top your pancakes with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can even flavor it with a little vanilla extract or cinnamon for a unique twist.

If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!