Sourdough Discard Pancakes are a delightful way to turn that extra sourdough starter into a delicious breakfast treat! With a light and fluffy texture, these pancakes are not only simple to make but also offer a subtle tang from the sourdough that elevates them above your average pancake. Perfectly golden brown and just sweet enough, they are sure to be a hit at your breakfast table. Plus, you’re putting that sourdough discard to good use!
Gather Your Sourdough Discard Pancakes Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these fluffy pancakes:
- 56 g (4 tbsp) melted butter
- 60 g (2 tbsp) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 eggs (about 100 g)
- 500 g sourdough discard (or active starter)
- 6 g (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- 50 g sugar (or honey, maple syrup)
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Approximately 50 g sparkling water
- 3 tbsp butter (for greasing the skillet)
Step-by-Step Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipe
- Begin by heating a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This will ensure your pancakes cook evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sour cream, eggs, sourdough discard, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth and combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon (if using), salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter just until combined; don’t overmix!
- Carefully add the sparkling water to the batter and mix gently until incorporated. This will help keep your pancakes light and airy.
- Preheat your skillet by adding a small amount of butter to grease the surface. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop the batter onto the skillet, placing 3-4 pancakes per batch.
- Cook until bubbles form on the top, then flip the pancakes and cook until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes more.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as necessary.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Serve & Enjoy Sourdough Discard Pancakes
These pancakes are perfect as they are, but feel free to get creative! Stack them high on a plate and drizzle with maple syrup, a dollop of fresh fruit, or a spread of nut butter. You can also top them with whipped cream or serve them alongside fresh berries for a burst of flavor. The options are endless, and you can even sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Helpful Tricks for Sourdough Discard Pancakes
- Add-ins:Â For extra flavor, consider folding in chocolate chips or fresh blueberries into the batter before cooking. They add a delightful surprise in every bite!
- Storage:Â If you find yourself with leftover pancakes, place them on a parchment-lined sheet and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or warm them in a skillet.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep cooked pancakes warm in a preheated oven set to low heat while you finish cooking the rest.
Sourdough Discard Pancakes FAQs
Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to adjust your flour and liquid amounts if needed.
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking in the morning.
What are the best toppings for sourdough pancakes?
You can use a variety of toppings such as maple syrup, honey, fruit, yogurt, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch.
Give these Sourdough Discard Pancakes a try, and you’ll not only enjoy a tasty breakfast but also feel good about using up that sourdough starter! Happy cooking!

