If you make sourdough starter and bread, then you'll have a lot of sourdough discard. Use your discard to make this fluffy sourdough pancakes recipe. This is a delicious recipe that has a light and fluffy texture that's hard to get with traditional recipes.

Sourdough Discard Pancakes Recipe

Name: Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sourdough discard or starter; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons butter, melted

I've made sourdough start off an on for several years. When the events of the last two years hit, I was very thankful to know how to make sourdough bread!

When you make sourdough starter, you have a lot of discard. However, you don't have to toss the discard. You can use it make delicious recipes like this fluffy sourdough pancakes recipe.

We like light and fluffy pancakes. These sourdough pancakes using discard cook up light and fluffy just like you get in restaurants.

For more made from scratch recipes, check out these posts:

Keep track of your made from scratch recipes in my printable recipe binder kit.

What is the Difference Between Sourdough Starter and Discard?

Sourdough discard and sourdough starter refer to the same thing. Each time you feed your sourdough starter, you'll discard half of it. If you don't discard some, it will quickly grow to be very large.

Learn how to make a sourdough starter to make your own artisan sourdough bread recipe and other baked goods with the discard.

Make your own sourdough discard with my free printable with step by step directions.

What Can I Do With Waste Sourdough Starter?

Sourdough discard doesn't have to be discarded! You can use it to make several types of baked goods, like muffins, cake, waffles, scones, cheese bread, blueberry sourdough bread, crackers, and this sourdough discard pancakes recipe.

Or try one of these 25 sourdough starter breakfast recipes or this sourdough discard biscuit recipe.

Can I Use Sourdough Discard Straight From Fridge?

Yes, you can use sourdough discard straight from the fridge to make sourdough pancakes discard. You can let it warm up so it's easier to work with too.

Can I Keep Sourdough Pancakes Discard Mixture Overnight?

Yes, you can make this sourdough discard pancakes recipe the night before. This will save time during busy mornings.

Simply prepare as directed and place in the fridge. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid so it doesn't dry out.

How Long Does Sourdough Pancake Batter Last?

You can prepare the batter for this fluffy sourdough pancakes recipe up to two days before you want to use it.

This is good for meal prep because you can make a few pancakes each day on the day you make it and for the next two days.

Should You Rest Sourdough Pancakes Discard Batter?

I recommend letting the batter for sourdough pancakes using discard rest before cooking. You don't have to let it rest overnight, but even 5 to 10 minutes helps.

When you stir the batter, gluten forms in the batter. Let the batter rest for at least 5 minutes for softer pancakes.

Letting the batter rest also helps the dry ingredients absorb moisture more evenly.

Why Are My Sourdough Pancakes Discard Gooey?

Sourdough pancakes using discard are supposed be light and fluffy. If yours are gooey inside, then one of two things could have happened.

You could have cooked them at too high of a temperature. This causes the outside to get browned before the inside can be fully cooked.

You may have also overmixed the batter. Pancakes should be stirred until just combined. Over mixing can cause tough and even gooey pancakes.

Why Are My Sourdough Pancakes Not Fluffy?

When you mix your sourdough pancakes discard, mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. The more you stir, the more gluten forms.

If there's a lot of gluten, your pancakes can get firm or chewy instead of light and fluffy.

Can You Refrigerate Sourdough Pancakes?

Yes, you can make this sourdough discard pancakes recipe and store leftovers in the fridge. They will last up to a week stored in an airtight container.

You can also freeze them for up to three months. I recommend freezing them on a cookie sheet individually and then transferring to a freezer bag. (I like these reusable freezer bags for non messy items.)

Can I Reheat Sourdough Pancakes?

Yes, you can reheat leftovers from this fluffy sourdough pancakes recipes. My kids usually just put them in the microwave. This can make them soggy, but it's quick and easy.

You can also heat a pan over medium heat and spray with olive oil. Then warm cold or frozen sourdough pancakes discard until warm.

Tips for Make Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes Recipe

Here are some tips to help you make light and fluffy pancakes:

Use sourdough discard and do not substitute for yeast or even a sourdough instant yeast. The discard has flour in it, and your ratios will be off if you activate yeast with water and use that.
You can use sourdough discard straight from the fridge.
Whisk the dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet ingredients.
Don't overmix your sourdough discard pancakes recipes. This can cause chewy or hard pancakes. Stir until just combined.
Let the pancake batter rest for at least 5 minutes before making your pancakes.
Use a cast iron pan or an electric skillet that has even heat.
Use butter or olive oil in the pan to prevent sticking.
Wait for the pan or skillet to heat before adding pancake batter. I like to wet my fingers and flick a few drops of water in the pan. If it sizzles, it's ready. Again, this is only a few drops of water and not a lot of water that could splash out.
Only flip your pancakes once. Watch for bubbles on top to know when to flip.
Watch the heat. Cook on medium heat on the stove or 375 degrees F on an electric griddle. If they brown too quickly, turn the heat down a little.

Sourdough Pancakes Using Discard Ingredients

You will need the following to make this fluffy sourdough pancakes recipe:

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sourdough discard or starter
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract (you can easily make vanilla extract from vanilla beans)
3 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Make Sourdough Pancakes Using Discard

Step #1

Heat your skillet over medium heat or 375 degrees F for an electric skillet.

Step #2

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step #3

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sourdough discard, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir well. Then pour over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step #4

Spray the pan or skillet with olive oil or use butter. Personally, I like to use the butter and oil spreadable butter for the best of both worlds. Add about 1/4 cup of sourdough pancakes discard batter. Let cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbles form on the top of the pancakes.

Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side. Repeat until you are out of batter.

Now you know how to make sourdough pancakes using discard!

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Sourdough Pancakes Using Discard