Learn To Make The Healthiest Fluffiest Sourdough Pancakes Ever!
Ready to level up your breakfast with the best sourdough pancakes? Goodbye boring pancakes, hello fluffy sourdough goodness! They’re light, tasty, and healthy for you! They take 25 minutes to make, so they are perfect for a lazy weekend or a quick weekday treat.
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Easy, Tasty, Gut Friendly: Sourdough Pancakes You’ll Love!
Are you looking for the fluffiest, healthiest pancakes? Try these sourdough pancakes with an active starter for a light, tangy flavor that’s good for your gut and will keep you full all morning. Quick, easy, and yummy!
You can also use sourdough discard in this recipe, making it a great way to prevent waste and add a unique, delicious flavor.
These sourdough pancakes aren’t just about taste—they’re about feeling good, too. Made with a bubbly sourdough starter, they’re packed with probiotics that are good for your gut and great for anyone on a diabetic diet or cruising through their weight loss journey.
The fermentation process breaks down gluten and makes nutrients more absorbable. You’ll be eating pancakes that are more tasty and healthier, too!
Table of Contents
Let’s Get Personal: Why I Love Sourdough Pancakes
I have to confess—I’m a bit sourdough-obsessed. It all started when I was looking for healthier ways to enjoy our family’s favorite foods. Enter sourdough—where tangy meets gut-friendly. These pancakes became a family favorite overnight.
One Saturday morning, I decided to try a new sourdough pancake recipe. The kids were running around the kitchen, and as I mixed the batter, they were eager to help. It was one of those moments – everyone working together, excitement in the air
By the time the pancakes hit the hot griddle, the house was filled with that amazing smell of buttery goodness.
And let me tell you—these pancakes?
Amazing! They were golden, fluffy, and tangy. Even the kids, notoriously picky eaters, were inhaling them. We’ve been making them ever since, and the best part is that they’re healthy!
The sourdough starter makes them easier to digest and they’re packed with more nutrients than your regular pancakes.
Who knew pancakes could be this good for you?
Why Sourdough Pancakes Are Better for You
You’re probably thinking, “Pancakes? Healthy? Really?” Yes! Thanks to the magic of sourdough fermentation, these pancakes come with a host of benefits:
Probiotics: Active sourdough starters are full of good bacteria that are good for your gut. Easier Digestion: The fermentation process breaks down gluten, making these pancakes kinder to your stomach.
More Nutrients: The good bacteria in sourdough helps you absorb more nutrients from the flour. What makes these Pancakes Extra Fluffy?
The secret to the perfect pancake is all in the starter. The active sourdough starter creates bubbles in the batter, which makes your pancakes rise to cloud-like fluffiness.
And here’s a little trick: Let your batter rest for about 5-10 minutes before you start cooking. This gives the baking soda time to activate and create that extra lift.
To prepare the sourdough pancake batter, mix the starter with flour, water, and a touch of sugar. This creates a velvety, smooth, and airy consistency that enhances the quality of your pancakes.
What Makes This Sourdough Pancake Recipe Better Than the Rest?
Let’s be real, there are a lot of pancake recipes out there—but this one stands out for a few key reasons that will take your breakfast game to the next level:
Sourdough discard pancakes offer a unique texture and flavor that differentiates them from traditional pancakes.
The Sourdough Starter Most pancake recipes use baking powder or baking soda as the primary leavening agent.
The natural yeast in sourdough starter creates air pockets that make these pancakes super light and fluffy and have a subtle tang that adds a whole new flavor dimension. Plus, it’s easier for digestion since the fermentation process breaks down the gluten!
Probiotics
These pancakes aren’t just fluffy, they’re functional! The live cultures in the sourdough starter feed your gut good bacteria that support digestion and overall gut health. So you’re not just eating pancakes—you’re doing your body a favor.
No Extra Sugar
Unlike other pancake recipes that add sugar to the batter, this recipe gets its sweetness from a little bit of maple syrup. So you can maintain balance without the sugar crash later in the day.
Ingredients
You Can Pronounce Fresh ingredients that make all the difference. There is no pre-mix here—just milk, eggs, flour, butter, and sourdough starter. Simple and wholesome so the natural flavors can shine.
A Tangy Twist
The natural tang of the sourdough starter gives these pancakes a flavor profile that’s a little more interesting than your average stack. That subtle sour note pairs perfectly with sweet toppings like maple syrup and fruit, making each bite dynamic and unforgettable.
Fluffiness on Steroids
The sourdough starter and resting time make these fluffy pancakes fluffier than your regular pancakes. The batter gets to aerate, so each pancake rises beautifully and melts in your mouth.
Better Texture and Crisp Edges
Thanks to the natural fermentation in sourdough, the pancakes have the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, pillowy centers. They have a golden brown exterior, and the inside is light and fluffy.
This recipe isn’t just pancakes—it’s an experience. Whether serving these on a lazy Sunday morning or brunching with friends, these sourdough pancakes have the trifecta of health, flavor, and fluff that other recipes can’t.
🔪 Equipment And Tools
Before making the fluffiest, tastiest sourdough pancakes, gathering all the tools and equipment you’ll need is always a good idea. Here’s your checklist:
Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least two mixing bowls—one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry. I recommend a medium to large bowl for whisking everything together easily without splattering pancake batter all over your kitchen.Whisk
A good whisk is essential for combining your wet ingredients smoothly and for gently mixing in the dry ingredients without overworking the batter. If you don’t have a whisk, a sturdy fork can also do the job.Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accuracy is key in getting the perfect pancake batter consistency. You’ll need measuring cups for your flour, milk, and sourdough starter, and measuring spoons for the vanilla, baking soda, and salt.Spatula
A good nonstick spatula (preferably with a flexible edge) is essential for flipping your pancakes without tearing them. You’ll also need it to make sure you scrape all the batter out of your mixing bowl—because every drop counts!Griddle or Large Nonstick Pan
A griddle is ideal for cooking the pancakes because it gives you more space to cook multiple pancakes at once. But if you don’t have one, a large nonstick frying pan will work just fine. Just make sure it heats evenly.Ladle or Measuring Cup
You’ll need a ladle or a ¼ cup measuring scoop to portion out the batter for consistent pancake sizes. This ensures that all your pancakes cook evenly and look nice and uniform (because presentation matters, too!).Butter or Oil Brush
You’ll need a handy brush to spread a thin, even layer of melted butter or oil before each batch to grease your pan or griddle. This helps create those beautifully golden edges without sticking.Cooling Rack (Optional)
If you’re cooking a big batch, a cooling rack is great for keeping your pancakes from getting soggy as you finish cooking. Just place them on the rack in a single layer, and they’ll stay warm and crisp until serving.
That’s it! There is nothing too fancy here—just your everyday kitchen essentials. Once you’ve got everything ready, you’ll be flipping golden sourdough pancakes in no time!
📝 The Recipe: Sourdough Pancakes Recipe
Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes Recipe
Course: Breakfast, RecipesDifficulty: Easy8
Pancakes20
minutes5
minutes250
kcalIngredients
1 cup active sourdough starter (freshly fed for best results)
1 cup whole milk (Fresh whole milk gives the best richness)
1 large egg, fresh and room temperature
2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (plus extra for cooking)
2 tbsp maple syrup (honey for a sweeter touch)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour (organic for a lighter texture)
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
Directions
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, milk, egg, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix, or the pancakes might get tough! Thanks to the sourdough, the batter will be slightly bubbly and airy.
Let it Rest: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the baking soda to activate fully and create a fluffy texture.
Heat the Pan: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat it with butter. Once hot, pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet.
Cook to Perfection: Cook until bubbles form on the surface, and the edges start to set—about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Serve your pancakes warm, topped with fresh butter, more maple syrup, fresh berries, or even whipped cream!
How to Make Sourdough Pancakes – Step-by-Step Mix
Wet Ingredients:
Whisk together your sourdough starter, milk, room temperature egg, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth and combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
Fold in your flour, baking soda, and salt. Don’t overmix it! You want to keep those bubbles alive for extra fluff.
Rest:
Let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes while you heat up your pan or griddle. Cook to Perfection: Grease your pan with butter, then pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
Serve:
Stack them high and top with butter, maple syrup, and fresh berries for the ultimate breakfast. Topping Ideas for the Ultimate Stack
If you’re like me, you love experimenting with pancake toppings. Sure, you’ve got the classics like butter and syrup, but why stop there? You can always try some:
Fresh berries (blueberries and strawberries are my go-to)
Whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
Crumbled nuts (pecans or walnuts) for crunch
A savory twist with bacon, eggs, or avocado
Conclusion: The Sourdough And Baking Soda Experience
There you have it—a super easy, fun, and healthy way to level up your breakfast with these sourdough pancakes! With the tangy sourdough starter and natural sweetness of maple syrup, these will be a family favorite.
Whether you’re whipping them up for a lazy weekend brunch or a weekday breakfast boost, the fluffy texture and gut-friendly benefits make this a winner.
Try them out and see how the simple ingredients come together to make something magical. And don’t forget—sourdough isn’t just delicious, it’s also good for your gut.
So you’re treating your taste buds and your body too!
I’d love to see your pancake stacks if you try these out! Don’t forget to share on social media and tag #dealiciousness. You might inspire someone to make a batch of this fluffy goodness!
FAQ And Additional Information
What Can I Substitute In This Recipe?
Here are some great substitutions for key ingredients in your sourdough pancake recipe, depending on what you have on hand or dietary preferences:
1. Milk
Substitute with: Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based milk. This works well for those who are dairy-free or lactose-intolerant.
Pro tip: For a creamier texture, use full-fat coconut milk.
2. Butter
Substitute with: Coconut oil, olive oil, or vegan butter. These alternatives work great for anyone avoiding dairy or looking for healthier fat options.
Pro tip: Coconut oil will add a slight tropical flavor, which pairs well with fruits like bananas or coconut flakes.
3. Eggs
Substitute with: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg) or chia eggs. This is a perfect option for vegans or those with egg allergies.
Pro tip: Let the flax or chia mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter.
4. All-Purpose Flour
Substitute with: Whole wheat flour, spelt flour, or gluten-free flour blends (make sure the gluten-free mix contains xanthan gum or another binder). These options are great if you’re looking to increase fiber or go gluten-free.
Pro tip: Whole wheat or spelled flour will make the pancakes denser, so you should increase the liquid slightly to keep them fluffy.
5. Maple Syrup (in the batter)
Substitute with: Honey, agave syrup, or date syrup. This works well if you prefer a different sweetener or don’t have maple syrup.
Pro tip: Honey can add a richer sweetness, but avoid using it if cooking for children under one-year-old.
6. Sourdough Starter
Substitute with: If you’re out of a sourdough starter, you could try using buttermilk (for a tangy flavor) and baking powder or soda for leavening. It won’t give the same probiotic benefits, but the flavor and texture will still be delicious.
Can I Freeze Sourdough Pancakes?
Yes, you can freeze sourdough pancakes! Just let them cool completely, stack them with parchment paper in between, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat!
Curious as to why you are using AI photos? Steam is coming off the maple syrup and orange juice in one photo, the steam off the pancakes in another looks like someone is blowing smoke rings and some of those kitchen tools do not look real.
I appreciate your opinion. It helps us learn and grow. The AI photos added a nice touch at the time to the one actual photo I had of the recipe, lol. Since the rest of the images were more for fillers and pictures of the equipment and tools. This was before I could start taking more professional photos. I am entering my 2nd year with this site and starting to step it up with new recipes as well as revising old recipes and articles. I promise I will swap out these photos next time I make this recipe and reupload better quality. Thanks again for your advice. It really helps. Hopefully, you will stick around and watch us grow!
I usually don’t comment on many recipes… BUT I had to drop a comment here. These were AMAZING!! I made a batch for my family this morning, and even my 3 yr old had seconds… these kids are tough to please. These will be going in the regular rotation! Thanks so much for a simple and delicious recipe!!
I’m so happy you liked them!!