Overnight Sourdough Pancakes are so convenient! You simply mix everything together before going to bed and leave it on the counter at room temperature overnight. In other words, you have make-ahead pancakes! The next morning, you’ll wake up to a bubbly, naturally leavened pancake batter that’s ready to cook.

Sourdough Pancakes stacked on a plate with a pad of butter and maple syrup being poured over top.

 

My family loves having pancakes for breakfast and are constantly amazed by the countless ways to make them. From protein-packed Greek Yogurt Pancakes or Lemon Ricotta Pancakes to the billowy, custardy Dutch Babies, the possibilities for enjoying pancakes are endless.

Overnight Sourdough Pancake Recipe

Many of you asked if our Sourdough Discard Pancakes recipe could be made overnight, so I developed this recipe to give you an overnight option and the benefits of a long fermentation! I love coming up with new recipes using my sourdough starter and hope that you will love this one as much as we do.

The active sourdough starter works its magic overnight, giving you light, fluffy, and soft pancakes with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings, holidays, or weekends when you want to take it slow without sacrificing a delicious breakfast!

Are Sourdough Pancakes Healthier?

I especially appreciate the added health benefits of these fermented overnight sourdough pancakes, which not only deliver a deliciously unique flavor but are easier to digest and offer enhanced nutritional value (more on that below).

Not to get too technical, but did you know that during the fermentation process, wild yeast and beneficial bacteria in your sourdough starter help break down complex carbohydrates and proteins, including gluten, making them easier for your body to digest? When it’s a true sourdough product with a long fermentation time, the bacteria essentially pre-digest the gluten for you. They also have a lower glycemic index. Overall they can be a healthier option than traditional Buttermilk Pancakes. This natural fermentation process results in a bread (or pancake) that’s gentler on your stomach, making it a more digestible option than many other types of bread.

Make-ahead sourdough pancakes cooling on a rack

Ingredients for Overnight Sourdough Pancakes

The key to perfect make-ahead sourdough pancakes is using an active starter (see How to Feed Sourdough Starter). This gives your pancakes their irresistible fluffiness without any commercial yast or baking soda.

  • Filtered water – Warm (115°F) water helps activate the sourdough starter
  • Buttermilk – adds a subtle tangy flavor, and moistens the batter, and the acidity gives the pancakes a slight lift
  • Active sourdough starter – You will need a nice, bubbly starter that has at least doubled in size
  • Egg – adds richness and structure to the pancake batter
  • Oil – Extra light olive oil, or vegetable oil adds moisture, preventing dry pancakes
  • Sugar – adds a touch of sweetness and gives the pancakes a beautiful golden color
  • Salt – enhances overall flavor and balance the sweetness
  • All-purpose flour – provides the necessary structure and bulk to the batter. Be sure to measure your flour correctly.
Ingredients for Overnight Sourdough Pancakes with active bubbly sourdough starter, liquid ingredients and dry ingredients

Pancake Variations

Everyone knows the classic butter and maple syrup pancakes, but here are some other flavor options to add to your pancakes before making the first flip:

  • mini chocolate chips
  • diced banana slices
  • a sprinkle of ground cinnamon
  • fresh berries – hello Blueberry Pancakes!

How to Make Overnight Sourdough Pancakes

  • Mix – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm water, buttermilk, active sourdough starter, egg, oil, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  1. Add the Flour – Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time and whisk until the batter is smooth with a cake-batter consistency.
  1. Overnight Rise (Bulk Fermentation) – Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours. You can speed this up in a warm oven with the light on (keep it under 100°F). The batter should increase in size but not quite double and will appear bubbly when ready.
Bubbly Sourdough Pancake batter in a glass mixing bowl. The rise and bubbles indicate that it is ready to use.
  1. Cook – Heat a large non-stick pan (I love cast iron) over medium heat and drizzle in oil, or lightly coat the pan with an oil sprayer. Spoon the batter into the skillet (a trigger-release ice cream scoop makes it easy to portion). Cook for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes per side, or until bubbles form and pop on the surface and the bottom is golden brown. If the browning too quickly, reduce the heat since they need time to cook through.
How to Make Overnight Sourdough pancakes using a trigger-release ice cream scoop to pour evenly sized servings of sourdough pancake batter into the skillet. This photo collage shows the steps of making pancakes from batter to golden brown pancakes ready to serve.
  1. Serve – Transfer cooked the pancakes to a wire rack or serving platter. A wire rack will keep the pancakes from getting misshapen or flat. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed. Serve the pancakes warm, and enjoy!
Sourdough Pancakes on a wire rack to cool.

Pro Tip:

For the best pancakes, start with a hot skillet. Heat it to 350-370˚F on a thermometer before cooking your pancakes. Whether you use a griddle, cast-iron pan, or non-stick skillet, the key is ensuring the surface is preheated to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.

A thermometer reading the cast iron pan's temperature of 357 degrees.

When is it time to flip sourdough pancakes?

Look for bubbles on the surface that form and then pop. The bottom of the pancakes should also be golden brown at the edges.

Sourdough Pancakes in a skillet, bubbling batter, indicates these pancakes are ready to flip.

Can I Use Sourdough Discard?

I’ve tested this and found that the overnight pancakes didn’t rise properly and weren’t as fluffy when using discard. If you prefer using discard, try our Easy Sourdough Discard Pancakes, which include a bit of yeast for a quick rise and a better texture.

How to Keep Pancakes Warm Before Serving

As the pancakes come off the skillet, immediately transfer them to the cooling rack. This simple step helps prevent sogginess by allowing steam to escape, ensuring the pancakes retain their fluffy texture, crisp edges, and shape. For serving later, set the rack over a baking sheet and keep the pancakes warm in a 200°F oven.

Sourdough Pancakes stacked on a plate with a pad of butter and maple syrup being poured over top. One bite has been sliced out of the top pancake. Blueberries garnish the plate.

How to Store and Reheat Pancakes

  • To Store: Once cool, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container and refrigerate or freeze for longer storage.
  • To Reheat: To reheat, simply pop refrigerated or frozen pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven. You can also reheat them on a dry skillet until heated through.
Sourdough pancakes served with fresh blueberries

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a deliciously unique twist on your classic breakfast—fluffy, flavorful buttermilk sourdough pancakes packed with health benefits. They’re sure to become a family favorite!