Sourdough pancakes are light, fluffy, and full of flavor, making them the perfect breakfast treat. The tangy hint of sourdough balances beautifully with the sweet, buttery notes in each bite.Topped with fresh fruit, syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
What Are Sourdough Pancakes?
Sourdough pancakes are a variation of classic pancakes made using a sourdough starter. The natural fermentation process of the starter gives these pancakes a unique tangy flavor and light, airy texture. Unlike traditional pancakes made with just baking powder, sourdough pancakes rely on the fermentation of wild yeast in the starter to create their rise. The result? A pancake that’s slightly tangy, soft, and fluffy with just the right amount of chew.
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Pancake Recipe
This recipe is easy to follow, making use of simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. With a sourdough starter as the base, you can add your own twists and flavors. From the first bite, you’ll love the mild sourdough flavor and the way these pancakes hold their shape while remaining light and fluffy. They’re perfect for brunch, breakfast, or even as a comforting treat to serve for dessert.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sourdough Pancakes:
Use a Mature Sourdough Starter: While you can use a younger starter, an older, well-fed starter will result in a more developed flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing your batter will result in dense pancakes. Gently stir until everything is just combined for light, airy pancakes.
Temperature is Key: Ensure your pan is at the right temperature before cooking. If it’s too hot, the pancakes might burn on the outside before cooking through. Too cool, and they won’t develop that perfect golden crust.
Add-ins and Toppings: You can easily customize your pancakes with blueberries, chocolate chips, or even nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Variations of Sourdough Pancakes:
Sourdough Whole Wheat Pancakes: Swap out some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious pancake.
Vegan Sourdough Pancakes: To make these pancakes vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg and use non-dairy milk and vegan butter.
Banana Sourdough Pancakes: Add mashed bananas to the batter for a naturally sweet flavor. You can even sprinkle in some cinnamon for a cozy twist.
How to Serve Sourdough Pancakes:
Sourdough pancakes are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:
- Classic Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup is the perfect complement to the tangy pancakes.
- Fresh Fruit: Top your pancakes with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or sautéed apples for an extra burst of flavor.
- Whipped Cream or Yogurt: For a rich and indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
- Nut Butter: Spread almond butter or peanut butter on top for a protein-packed breakfast.
How to Store Sourdough Pancakes:
If you have leftovers (though they’re often so delicious that there won’t be any!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storing: Let the pancakes cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent them from sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled pancakes in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper. They will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop the pancakes in the toaster for a quick and crispy breakfast, or warm them up in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also reheat them on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally.
Recipe FAQs:
Can I make sourdough pancakes without a sourdough starter? Yes, you can use a combination of buttermilk and baking soda to achieve a similar rise. However, the flavor won’t have the same tang as sourdough pancakes.
What if my sourdough starter is too runny? If your starter is very runny, you may need to reduce the amount of liquid in the batter. Alternatively, you can use thicker starter and add a little extra milk.
Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, though the texture and flavor will be denser and more hearty. You may want to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
Do I need to let the batter rest? You don’t need to rest the batter for sourdough pancakes, but allowing it to sit for 10-15 minutes can help enhance the texture if you have time.
Sourdough Pancakes
Sourdough pancakes are light, fluffy, and full of flavor, making them the perfect breakfast treat. The tangy hint of sourdough balances beautifully with the sweet, buttery notes in each bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. (24g) sugar
- 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240g) sourdough starter (discard or active)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (plus more if needed)
- 3 tbsp. (42g) melted unsalted butter or oil (plus more for cooking)
To Serve:
- Pure maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Overnight Preparation (for thick & fluffy pancakes):
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients, leaving out the baking powder and soda. Cover and chill overnight.
- The next morning, sift the baking powder and soda into the batter, whisk until smooth, and let it sit for 5 minutes. If the batter is too thick, add milk, 1 tbsp. at a time.
For thin & fluffy pancakes (same-day prep):
- Mix all the ingredients together and chill overnight. No need to sift the powders!
Cooking the Pancakes:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F to keep the pancakes warm.
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then add the wet ingredients and whisk gently until smooth (lumps are fine!).
- Heat a small pat of butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-low heat and swirl it around to coat.
- Pour 1/3 cup of batter into the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges puff up. Flip and cook for another minute.
- Keep the pancakes warm on a sheet pan in the oven while you cook the rest, wiping the skillet between batches and adding more butter if needed.
Serve:
- Stack your warm pancakes on a platter and serve with pure maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy the perfect breakfast treat with your loved ones!
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 184Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 46mgSodium 355mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 1gSugar 14gProtein 3g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts:
Sourdough pancakes are the perfect breakfast for those who love the tangy complexity of sourdough. This recipe provides a balance of flavor, texture, and versatility, allowing you to enjoy them just as they are or customize them with add-ins and toppings of your choice. Whether you’re an experienced sourdough baker or a newcomer to the world of fermentation, these pancakes will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!
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