The Best and Fluffiest Sourdough Discard Pancakes
If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat that caters to both your taste buds and dietary needs, Sourdough Discard Pancakes are the answer. These pancakes are not only a scrumptious way to start your day but also an excellent choice for those with gluten intolerance. In this article, we’ll delve into why sourdough is the perfect choice for gluten-sensitive individuals, how using sourdough discard results in fluffy pancakes, the unique flavor it imparts, and creative add-ins to elevate your pancake game.
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Why Homemade Pancake Batter Trumps Store-Bought Alternatives
When it comes to whipping up a batch of pancakes, the decision to make your own homemade batter rather than resorting to store-bought options is a culinary choice that pays off in several ways.
Superior Taste
Homemade pancake batter offers an incomparable flavor experience. The use of fresh and high-quality ingredients allows you to create a taste that is uniquely yours. You can customize your pancakes by experimenting with various ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or even a hint of citrus zest. This flexibility results in pancakes that are personalized to your taste preferences, offering a delightful and wholesome breakfast that surpasses the generic, mass-produced taste of store-bought alternatives.
High-Quality Ingredients
When you make your own pancake batter, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. You can select the finest flour, fresh eggs, and top-quality dairy products to ensure your pancakes are of the highest quality. Homemade batter empowers you to opt for organic, non-GMO, or gluten-free ingredients, catering to dietary needs and preferences. By choosing the best ingredients, you create pancakes that are not only delicious but also more nutritious and wholesome.
No Harmful Additives or Preservatives
One of the most significant advantages of homemade pancake batter is the absence of harmful additives or preservatives that are often found in store-bought pancake mixes. Many commercial pancake mixes contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives that can have adverse effects on health. By making your own batter, you can be confident that your pancakes are free from these unwanted additives. You have the peace of mind that your breakfast is a wholesome, natural creation, void of chemicals or artificial enhancements.

Why Sourdough is Best for Gluten Intolerance
Sourdough starter, whether active or discard, offers a fantastic alternative for individuals with gluten intolerance. The natural fermentation process in sourdough breaks down gluten proteins, making it easier to digest. This transformation also adds a unique flavor profile to your pancakes, setting them apart from regular pancake recipes. By incorporating sourdough into your pancake batter, you’re not just addressing dietary concerns but also enhancing the taste and texture of your breakfast.
Opt for the overnight preparation when cooking with gluten intolerance in mind. The natural acids in the sourdough discard will help to break down the gluten proteins, making them easier to digest.
How Using Sourdough Discard Makes Fluffy Pancakes
The key to achieving fluffy pancakes with sourdough discard lies in a two-step process. For those who prefer thick and airy pancakes, combine all the wet and dry ingredients, excluding the baking powder and baking soda. Whisk this mixture thoroughly, cover it, and let it chill overnight. The following day, sift the baking powder and baking soda directly over the bowl, and whisk again to incorporate. This results in a batter that is thick, bubbly, and pourable. If the batter is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding extra milk, one tablespoon at a time. Allowing the batter to sit for at least 5 minutes aerates it, creating a lovely, bubbly texture. The batter can even be used while still cold.
For those who prefer thinner, yet still fluffy pancakes, simply combine all the ingredients and chill the batter overnight. There’s no need to add the leavening agents separately. This straightforward approach also yields incredibly fluffy pancakes, perfect for a satisfying breakfast experience.

The Flavor Sourdough Discard Imparts
Sourdough discard isn’t just about addressing dietary needs; it also adds a unique and enticing flavor dimension to your pancakes. The fermentation process enhances the taste, resulting in pancakes with a subtle tanginess and depth that sets them apart from conventional recipes. The flavor of sourdough discard complements the sweetness of the pancake, offering a well-balanced and delightful culinary experience.
The first time I tried sourdough discard pancakes I knew I could never go back to normal pancakes again. To me, it’s the pancakes from my discard that makes having a sourdough starter a must have kitchen essential.
You Will Need

- Sourdough starter (either leftover discard or bubbly)
- All purpose flour
- Sugar
- Fine salt
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Large eggs
- Milk
- Butter

Fluffy Sourdough Discard Pancakes
Equipment
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. fine salt
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter sourdough discard or active sourdough starter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk plus more as needed
- 3 tbsp. melted unsalted butter or oil plus more to coat the skillet
Instructions
Overnight Preparation
- For achieving thick and lusciously fluffy pancakes: Begin by blending all the wet and dry ingredients together, excluding the baking powder and baking soda. Mix them thoroughly, cover the mixture, and refrigerate overnight. On the following day, sieve the powdered leavening agents directly into the bowl and stir once more to merge all components. The resulting consistency should be luxuriously thick, effervescent, and easily pourable. If necessary, fine-tune the thickness by gradually adding extra milk, one tablespoon at a time. To ensure optimal fluffiness, allow the batter to sit for at least 5 minutes, allowing it to become delightfully bubbly. This batter can be employed straight from the refrigerator.For those desiring thinner yet equally fluffy pancakes: Simply combine all ingredients and refrigerate overnight without the need to incorporate the leavening agents separately.
Same Day Preparation
- In a capacious mixing bowl, expertly whisk the dry ingredients until well combined. Then, introduce the wet ingredients and gently whisk until you achieve a silky-smooth batter, occasional lumps are acceptable.
- In a generous 10-inch skillet, whether cast iron or non-stick, gently melt a small amount of butter over medium-low heat. Swirl the pan to ensure an even coating.
- Pour 1/3 cup of the batter into the pan. Allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes, adjusting the heat as necessary. Keep a close eye, and when you notice the edges puffing up and bubbles forming on the surface, expertly flip the pancake. Continue to cook for another minute or until perfectly done.
- To continue the cooking process, use a crumpled paper towel to gently wipe the skillet clean. If the pan appears too dry, add additional butter as needed. Repeat this process until you’ve utilized all the batter.
- For serving, artfully stack the warm pancakes on a serving platter, allowing your guests to help themselves. Be sure to provide an ample supply of pure maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar to enhance the pancake experience.
Creative Add-Ins for Your Pancake Batter
To elevate your sourdough discard pancakes, you can get creative with add-ins. Consider incorporating fresh berries directly into the batter for bursts of fruity goodness in every bite. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also be delightful additions to diversify your pancake experience. These add-ins not only enhance the texture but also contribute to a unique flavor profile that’s bound to impress your taste buds.

Sourdough Starter Schedule & Tracker
🍞Embark on your sourdough journey from scratch with our Sourdough Starter Tracker & Schedule. Enabling both beginners and seasoned bakers to track and schedule their sourdough starter, this product supports the development of a healthy and active starter.
It features a clear, user-friendly layout with day-by-day tracking spaces where you can jot down your starter’s progress. Whether you are feeding your starter, witnessing its first bubbles, or baking your first loaf, every step can be documented for reference and fine-tuning.📊
What sets our tracker apart is its adaptability – it comes in a downloadable format that can be printed time and again or used digitally on your tablet or iPad. The digital version is hyperlinked for ease of navigation, making your sourdough adventure as seamless as possible.📅
🌟This Sourdough Starter Tracker & Schedule isn’t just a tool, but a companion on your quest to master the art of sourdough!🌟
This product is a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD ONLY. No PHYSICAL PRODUCT will be mailed to you. Download will begin immediately after purchase.
Thank you and please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns!
Conclusion
Sourdough Discard Pancakes are a winning solution for those with gluten intolerance, offering a mouthwatering breakfast option that’s easy on the stomach. By following the two-step process for fluffy pancakes, you can enjoy thick and airy stacks or thinner, equally fluffy ones. The distinctive flavor of sourdough discard elevates the pancake experience, and by incorporating creative add-ins, you can customize your pancakes to suit your preferences. Embrace the world of sourdough discard pancakes and savor a delicious breakfast that caters to your dietary needs while delighting your taste buds.
these are amazing! My batter was thick and these turned out soo so fluffy, with the best flavor! My family’s new favorite pancake recipe 💗