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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Published: Nov 29, 2023 by Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

    Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes (Same Day Recipe)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes are soft and fluffy with the most perfectly crispy edges. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy sourdough discard recipe doesn't need to be prepared the night before. They're wonderfully tangy and pair well with all of your favorite toppings.

    A stack of five sourdough buttermilk pancakes with a pat of butter and maple syrup drizzled over the top.

    What's more comforting than homemade buttermilk pancakes?

    Sourdough buttermilk pancakes, of course!

    This tangy twist on classic buttermilk pancakes is the perfect way to use up your sourdough discard.

    And with their soft, fluffy inside, golden brown exterior, crispy edges, and rich, tangy flavor, these sourdough discard buttermilk pancakes are sure to become your new go-to recipe.

    Today, I’m walking you through how to make the best sourdough buttermilk pancakes, including which ingredients to use, tips for success, and some of my favorite topping and mix-in ideas.

    Disclaimer: Some links throughout this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can learn more by visiting my Affiliate Disclosure Page.

    Table of Contents -
    Why You'll Love This Recipe
    Ingredient Notes
    Substitutions and Variations
    Equipment Notes
    How to Make Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes
    Buttermilk Sourdough Pancakes (Video)
    Tips for Success
    What to Serve with Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes
    Storage and Reheating
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Let's Connect!
    More Sourdough Discard Recipes
    📖 Recipe
    Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Uses Sourdough Discard- These fluffy sourdough pancakes are one of my favorite sourdough discard recipes. They're quick, easy, and use a whole cup of discard.
    • No Waiting- No overnight sponge to worry about with this recipe. Just mix up your batter and start cooking the best sourdough discard pancakes ever.
    • Fluffy & Crispy- These pancakes are the perfect combination of soft and fluffy inside with deliciously crispy edges.
    • Flavorful- Sourdough and buttermilk give these pancakes a lovely tang. The butter, vanilla extract, and sugar provide a warm, rich, and lightly-sweetened flavor.

    Ingredient Notes

    Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

    • Sourdough Discard- In this recipe, the sourdough discard is primarily used to add flavor to the pancakes.
    • Buttermilk- Tangy and lightly acidic, buttermilk adds moisture and flavor to the pancakes. It also reacts with the baking soda to give the pancakes a light and fluffy texture.
    • All-Purpose Flour- Measure the flour using a food scale or the spoon-and-level method for best results.
    • Sugar- A little sugar gives the pancakes a lightly sweetened flavor and contributes to browning.
    • Butter- Butter adds flavor and moisture to the pancakes. It also helps achieve crispy, golden-brown edges.
    • Eggs- Use room temperature eggs for easier incorporation into the batter.
    • Vanilla Extract- Gives the pancakes a warm vanilla flavor.
    • Baking Powder & Baking Soda- Both baking powder and baking soda are used to leaven the pancakes, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
    • Kosher Salt- Balances the sweetness and richness of the pancakes and enhances their flavor.

    🌱 Sustainability Tip: If you often find yourself with more sourdough discard than you can handle, consider maintaining a small-batch sourdough starter to reduce food waste.

    The ingredients to make sourdough buttermilk pancakes. Each ingredient is labeled with text. They include all-purpose flour, sourdough discard, baking powder, vanilla extract, butter, egg, buttermilk, salt, sugar, and baking soda.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Here are a few ways you can try customizing this easy sourdough buttermilk pancake recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

    Substitutions

    • Sourdough Discard- An active sourdough starter can also be used in this recipe. If you don't have any sourdough starter, add ½ cup each of flour and buttermilk to the batter instead.
    • Buttermilk- Create a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
    • All-Purpose Flour- Replace up to ½ cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture.
    • Sugar- Substitute granulated sugar with an equal amount of brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or another sweetener of your choice.
    • Butter- Swap butter for melted coconut oil, olive oil, canola oil, or another neutral-flavored oil.
    • Eggs- For each egg, you can use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 2 ½ tablespoons water), applesauce, mashed banana, or yogurt.
    • Vanilla Extract- Replace with vanilla bean paste or the scraped seeds of a vanilla bean. You can also use almond or other flavored extracts.
    • Kosher Salt- Substitute with ½ teaspoon of table salt.
    A stack of sourdough discard pancakes on a small white plate. There is a pat of butter and maple syrup on top.

    Variations and Mix-Ins

    • Gluten-Free- While I have not personally tested this, you can try making these pancakes gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
    • Blueberry- Gently press a few fresh or frozen blueberries into the uncooked side of the pancake before flipping.
    • Chocolate Chip- Sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet chocolatey twist.
    • Banana Walnut- Mash ripe bananas and fold them into the batter along with chopped walnuts.

    Equipment Notes

    Here are some notes on any special equipment I used to make this recipe.

    • Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle- A cast iron skillet or griddle works exceptionally well for pancakes because it distributes heat evenly, leading to consistent browning. Ensure it's well-seasoned to prevent sticking.
    • Kitchen Scale- While not necessary, a kitchen scale can provide precise measurements, especially for ingredients like flour. This can lead to more accurate results in your pancakes.
    • Spatula- A thin, wide spatula is ideal for flipping pancakes without causing them to break apart.

    How to Make Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes

    Here is how to make sourdough discard pancakes.

    Step 1: Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.

    Step 2: Whisk together wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until broken up. Add sourdough discard, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

    The dry ingredients in a glass mixing bowl before being mixed together.
    The wet ingredients mixed together in a glass mixing bowl.

    Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should be bubbly and fluffy.

    The dry ingredients on top of the wet ingredients in a glass mixing bowl.
    The buttermilk sourdough pancake batter mixed together in a glass mixing bowl.

    Step 4: Prepare skillet. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, add a small amount of butter to grease the surface and reduce the heat to medium-low.

    Step 5: Cook pancakes. Pour ⅓ cup of batter onto the preheated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side or until the surface begins to bubble. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.

    Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Transfer pancakes to a plate. Serve with your choice of toppings like butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, or berries. Enjoy!

    A sourdough discard pancake cooking in a cast iron skillet before being flipped. The surface is bubbling, indicating it's ready to be flipped.
    A cooked sourdough buttermilk pancake in a cast iron skillet. The pancake is golden brown with a crispy ring around the edge.

    To Make Waffles:

    Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with butter.

    Cook waffles according to the instructions on your waffle iron.

    I use about ½ cup of batter for my 8-inch Belgian waffle maker and each waffle takes approximately 4-5 minutes to cook.

    Lots of waffle makers have a light to indicate when the waffle is done, but I usually pay more attention to the steam. Once the amount of steam coming out of the waffle maker has subsided, then the waffle is ready.

    Buttermilk Sourdough Pancakes (Video)

    Tips for Success

    Make this buttermilk sourdough pancake recipe successfully the first time using these helpful kitchen tips.

    • Measure accurately. Measuring the ingredients accurately, especially the flour, helps achieve the right batter consistency. Use a kitchen scale to measure or gently spoon the flour into a measuring cup.
    • Mix gently. Over-mixing the batter can lead to dense pancakes. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
    • Preheat skillet. Ensure your skillet or griddle is fully preheated before adding the batter. A properly heated surface helps achieve a golden brown pancake with crispy edges.
    • Watch for bubbles. Keep an eye on the surface of the pancake as it cooks. When bubbles form and burst on the top, it's time to flip.
    • Adjust heat as needed. If the pancakes are browning too quickly or not cooking through, adjust the heat accordingly. Cooking over medium or medium-low heat is a good starting point.
    • Keep pancakes warm. If you're making a large batch, keep cooked pancakes warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.

    What to Serve with Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes

    From classic maple syrup and butter to more creative options like hazelnut spread, these buttermilk sourdough pancakes can be served with an endless variety of toppings.

    Besides maple syrup and butter, other classic options include fresh berries, berry compote, sliced banana, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of honey.

    Homemade jams and preserves also make for a delicious pancake topping. In the fall, give my spiced cranberry jam a try. Strawberry apple jam and blueberry jam are great for pancakes in the summer.

    Finally, for a more well-rounded meal, serve these sourdough pancakes alongside other breakfast sides like bacon or eggs.

    A forkful of four small pieces of pancake being held in front of the stack of pancakes in the background.

    Storage and Reheating

    How to Store

    • Refrigerator- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
    • Freezer- For longer storage, leftover pancakes can be frozen. Wrap individual pancakes tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking to each other. Then, store pancakes in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container for up to 3 months.

    How to Reheat

    • Oven- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap the pancakes in aluminum foil, creating a packet. Place the foil-wrapped pancakes on a baking sheet and heat in the oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
    • Skillet- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and place the pancakes in the skillet. Heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until warmed through.
    • Toaster- Carefully place the pancakes in the toaster slots and toast on a low setting.
    • Microwave- Place a stack of pancakes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the pancakes with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on half power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
    • Air Fryer- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the pancakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 2-3 minutes.

    Make Ahead

    Pancake batter is best prepared just before cooking to maintain optimal fluffiness.

    However, you can cook a batch of homemade sourdough buttermilk pancakes in advance and store them for later. Simply cool the pancakes, store them in the refrigerator or freezer, and easily reheat them for a quick and delicious breakfast on busy mornings.

    A stack of buttermilk sourdough pancakes with a pat of butter on top and a pool of maple syrup around the bottom.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do you put buttermilk in pancakes?

    Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and acidity to pancakes while also reacting with baking soda to provide leavening, resulting in a fluffy and tender texture.

    Why are my pancakes not fluffy?

    Pancakes may not be fluffy due to over-mixing the batter, using outdated leavening agents, or letting the batter sit too long before cooking.

    Why are my pancakes sticking to the skillet?

    To prevent pancakes from sticking to the skillet, make sure you're using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or griddle. Additionally, ensure you're generously greasing the skillet with butter before cooking each pancake.

    Can I use this recipe to make waffles instead?

    Yes! Since this recipe has more fat than a traditional pancake recipe, it can easily be used as waffle batter too.

    Let's Connect!

    Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

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    📖 Recipe

    A stack of five sourdough buttermilk pancakes with a pat of butter and maple syrup drizzled over the top.
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    5 from 5 votes

    Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes

    These Sourdough Buttermilk Pancakes are soft and fluffy with the most perfectly crispy edges. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy sourdough discard recipe doesn't need to be prepared the night before. They're wonderfully tangy and pair well with all of your favorite toppings.
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes minutes
    Servings 10 6-inch pancakes
    Calories 220kcal
    Author Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN

    Equipment

    • Cast iron skillet or griddle
    • Spatula
    • Kitchen scale (optional)

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon (3 grams) Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
    • 2 large (114 grams) eggs room temperature
    • 1 cup (200 grams) sourdough starter discard
    • 1 cup (240 grams) buttermilk
    • 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter melted (plus more for skillet)
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
      1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon (3 grams) Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until broken up. Add sourdough discard, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
      2 large (114 grams) eggs, 1 cup (200 grams) sourdough starter discard, 1 cup (240 grams) buttermilk, 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should be bubbly and fluffy.
    • Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, add a small amount of butter to grease the surface and reduce the heat to medium-low.
    • Pour ⅓ cup of batter onto the preheated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side or until the surface begins to bubble. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
    • Transfer pancakes to a plate. Serve with your choice of toppings like butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, or berries. Enjoy!

    To Make Waffles:

    • Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease with butter. Cook waffles according to the instructions on your waffle iron. I use about ½ cup of batter for my 8-inch Belgian waffle maker and each waffle takes approximately 4-5 minutes to cook. Lots of waffle makers have a light to indicate when the waffle is done, but I usually pay more attention to the steam. Once the amount of steam coming out of the waffle maker has subsided, then the waffle is ready.

    Notes

    • Adjust heat as needed. If the pancakes are browning too quickly or not cooking through, adjust the heat accordingly. Cooking over medium or medium-low heat is a good starting point.
    • Storage: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    • Make Ahead: Pancake batter is best used immediately after mixing. You can cook the pancakes in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Then, reheat using your preferred method. See reheating instructions in the post above.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1pancake | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 386mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 1.4mg
    Did you try this recipe?Let me know! Comment below, or take a picture and tag me on Instagram @everydayhomemadebyashley.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kait petrie says

      April 22, 2022 at 8:03 pm

      5 stars
      Wow looks so delicious!!

      Reply
      • Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN says

        April 22, 2022 at 8:26 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    2. L.S. says

      May 24, 2023 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      I needed to use up some buttermilk, and this recipe came up in a search.
      I appreciate that you weighed the oat flour, which I made myself from toasted oatmeal. These are going in the freezer, so i slightly under-cooked them.
      Solid recipe, very easy to split for 3 waffles. And my kitchen smells like vanilla.

      Reply
      • Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN says

        May 24, 2023 at 12:54 pm

        Thank you so much! Homemade toasted oat flour sounds heavenly; I definitely need to try that. I hope you enjoy them 🙂

        Reply
    3. Josi says

      October 13, 2024 at 9:39 pm

      5 stars
      easy and so yummy! Ran out of butter so substituted with plain greek yogurt. Very light and fluffy!

      Reply
      • Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN says

        October 14, 2024 at 3:12 pm

        Hi Josi! So glad you enjoyed! And good to know that subbing the butter out for Greek yogurt works. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Debra Carral says

      December 01, 2024 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      I hadn’t tried sourdough pancakes yet, but my husband specifically requested buttermilk pancakes this morning and I picked this recipe out of all of the recipes out there. I’m glad I chose yours!! They were delicious, light, and fluffy! I did change a couple of things, I used 1 tbsp sugar instead of 2, I used half AP and half whole wheat flour, and I used 1/2 the butter in the batter and supplemented with a bit of avocado oil. The batter made enough for us to freeze some and enjoy them another day. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN says

        December 02, 2024 at 1:40 pm

        Hi Debra! I'm so glad you and your husband enjoyed them. And I love the healthy modifications you made. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Annette Murray says

      December 04, 2024 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      These were the fluffiest biggest sourdough buttermilk pancakes I’ve ever made! I was a little concerned at first when I made the batter. It seemed pretty lumpy and thick. I used all the ingredients you said I went ahead and made it and It wasdelicious. I recommend This recipe as a keeper recipe.

      Reply
      • Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN says

        December 04, 2024 at 1:36 pm

        Hi Annette! So glad you enjoyed them and thanks for the great review! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Zann Breen says

      April 27, 2025 at 9:39 am

      Awesome recipe….i make my own butter, so the fresh buttermilk is really great in these pancakes. Thank you

      Reply
      • Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN says

        April 27, 2025 at 5:31 pm

        Love this! So glad you enjoyed them 🙂

        Reply

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