Best Fluffy Overnight Sourdough Pancake Recipe with Discard

If you’re looking for the best sourdough pancake recipe overnight, you’re in the right place. These overnight sourdough pancakes are soft, fluffy, slightly tangy, and incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you’ll wake up the next morning to a perfectly fermented batter ready to turn into golden brown, delicious pancakes.

This is one of my favorite sourdough recipes because it uses sourdough starter discard, reduces waste, and creates the most fluffy sourdough pancakes you’ll ever make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a slow morning, this recipe is a great way to start your day.

Scroll down for the recipe card, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions (with photos). 

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Sourdough Pancake Recipe Overnight or Same-Day!

Why You’ll Love These Overnight Sourdough Pancakes

There’s something special about letting your pancake batter ferment overnight at room temperature. The natural fermentation process allows the wild yeast and good bacteria in your starter to work their magic.

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Creates ultra fluffy pancakes with a light texture
• Develops a rich, slightly tangy flavor
• Uses simple pantry staples
• Perfect for using up unfed starter
• Makes better pancakes than most regular pancakes

If you love baking sourdough bread, this is the perfect way to branch into breakfast!

What Makes Overnight Pancakes Better?

Unlike traditional pancakes, these overnight pancakes give the flour time to hydrate and break down. This results in:

• More tender, soft pancakes
• Easier digestion thanks to fermentation
• A deeper, more complex sourdough flavor

Letting the overnight batter rest in a large bowl covered with plastic wrap (or even a ziplock bag loosely placed over the top) ensures the batter stays moist while fermenting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients divided into two steps: the overnight ferment and the remaining ingredients added the next morning.

For the Overnight Ferment:

• 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed starter works perfectly)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk / non-dairy milk)
• 1 cup all purpose flour (you can swap with whole wheat flour or white flour)
• 1 tbs brown sugar

For the Batter:

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tsp baking soda (this acts as the leavening agent)

How to Make Overnight Sourdough Pancakes

Step 1: Mix the Overnight Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine your sourdough starter, buttermilk, flour, and sugar. Stir until everything is well combined into a thick pancake batter.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and let it sit at room temperature overnight.

♡ Same Day Option-Mix all the ingredients together the morning of and cook! Simple and easy!

Step 2: Prepare the Batter the Next Morning

The next morning, your batter should look slightly bubbly from the fermentation.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:

• Egg
• Melted butter
• Vanilla

Add this mixture to the overnight batter.

Then mix in the dry ingredients:

• Salt
• Baking soda

The batter will become light and airy—this is what gives you those fluffier pancakes.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick pan, cast-iron skillet, or large cast iron skillet over medium heat to medium-low heat. Lightly grease with coconut oil, olive oil, or a small pat of butter.

Pour about 1 cup of batter (or smaller portions using a ladle) onto the pan.

Cook until bubbles form across the entire surface and the edges look set (about 2–3 minutes on the first side).

Flip and cook the second side for another 1–2 minutes, until both sides are golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Stack pancakes on a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings—classic maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even nut butter.

Tips for the Best Fluffy Sourdough Pancakes

• Don’t skip the overnight rest—this is the best way to get that signature texture
• Cook on medium heat to avoid burning before the inside cooks
• Use a baking sheet in a warm oven to keep pancakes warm while cooking in batches
• For extra lift, you can separate egg whites and fold them in for even more airy pancakes

Same Day Option

Short on time? You can still enjoy this recipe!

Simply mix all ingredients together in one bowl and cook immediately. While you won’t get the same benefits of the batter ferment, it’s still a perfect way to make easy sourdough pancakes in a pinch.

Variations and Add-Ins

This is one of those pancake recipes you can customize in so many different ways:

• Add chocolate chips for a sweet treat
• Stir in blueberries or serve with fresh fruit
• Swirl in peanut butter for extra protein
• Use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture

Serving Ideas

Top your homemade sourdough pancakes with your favorite toppings:

• A drizzle of real maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Butter and honey
• Yogurt and granola

These truly are the best pancakes for a cozy morning at home.

How to Store Leftover Pancakes

If you have leftover pancakes, here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag

To reheat, place them in a toaster or warm them in the oven for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Best Pancake Recipe

This truly is the best sourdough pancake recipe overnight if you want delicious pancakes with minimal effort. The combination of simple ingredients, slow fermentation, and a quick cook time makes it a go-to breakfast in our home.

If you’re already baking sourdough bread, this is a natural next step—and a great way to use your discard.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a star rating and share it with others who love sourdough discard recipes!

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