Name: Fluffy Sourdough Banana Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; ¼ cup white vinegar; 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas); 2 large eggs; 4 tbsp butter, melted and cooled to room temperature; ½ cup sourdough starter (110g); 2 cups all-purpose flour (280g); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt

If you have ever dreamed of waking up to pancakes that are impossibly tender, bursting with natural banana sweetness, and carrying that subtle tang of a sourdough starter, then this is your moment. This Fluffy Sourdough Banana Pancakes Recipe is a delightful twist on classic banana pancakes, combining the magic of sourdough fermentation with the comforting flavors of ripe bananas. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate and an instant favorite in any home kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two bowls on a white marbled surface. The first bowl is clear glass and filled with a smooth, white creamy mixture that looks slightly thick and even in texture. The second bowl is white and contains a few ingredients mixed together: a light beige creamy batter with some yellow liquid swirled into it, creating a marbled effect on top. Both bowls are seen from above, showing the contents clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays an essential role. From the tang of the sourdough starter to the natural sweetness of mashed bananas, these components work together harmoniously to create the perfect pancake batter.

Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the vinegar for a homemade buttermilk effect.
White vinegar: Adds acidity to tenderize and brighten the pancakes.
Mashed bananas: Bring natural sweetness and moisture for that distinct banana flavor.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness and structure.
Butter (melted and cooled): Infuses richness and keeps the pancakes tender.
Sourdough starter: Gives a subtle tang and enhances fluffiness with natural fermentation.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tang and banana taste.
Baking powder: Provides lift and lightness for fluffier pancakes.
Baking soda: Works with acidity to create extra rise and tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Fluffy Sourdough Banana Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Base

Start by combining the milk and white vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes to curdle slightly and mimic buttermilk. This acidified milk is crucial as it will react with baking soda and create a light, fluffy texture in your pancakes.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Once your homemade buttermilk is ready, add the mashed bananas, eggs, and melted butter to the bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend promises rich flavor and moistness in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients contribute the structure, sweetness, and leavening that make each pancake rise beautifully.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with the Sourdough Starter

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Then fold in the sourdough starter gently but thoroughly. This step infuses your batter with that signature tang and lends the pancakes their legendary fluffiness.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes to Perfection

Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once warm, add a small sliver of butter to coat the pan. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the pan. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes until bubbles start to form and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, savoring the irresistible aroma as you go.

How to Serve Fluffy Sourdough Banana Pancakes Recipe

The image shows three golden brown pancakes cooking in a silver frying pan placed on a white marbled surface. The pancakes are round with slightly uneven edges and have small bubbles and darker spots on their surfaces, indicating they are being cooked evenly. The pan has a smooth, slightly shiny texture with some oil reflections. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your pancakes with a pat of butter that melts slowly across the stack for a rich finish. A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds classic sweetness, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or fresh berries brings delightful texture and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crispy bacon or a sunny-side-up egg for a balanced breakfast. A simple fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt complements the pancakes and elevates the meal’s nutritional value and flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your pancakes high and alternate layers with sliced bananas and a touch of whipped cream for a decadent breakfast treat. Or create a pancake bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their own perfect plate of this Fluffy Sourdough Banana Pancakes Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, making it easy to grab a quick breakfast anytime.

Freezing

To freeze, place pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pancakes keep well for up to 2 months, ready to brighten your mornings without any extra effort.

Reheating

Reheat pancakes by popping them in a toaster, toaster oven, or on a warm skillet for a few minutes. This restores their fluffy texture perfectly and preserves their lovely banana aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best to achieve the perfect balance of fluffiness and structure. However, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but expect slightly denser pancakes.

Do I have to use sourdough starter?

The sourdough starter is key to the unique tang and extra fluffiness in these pancakes. If you don’t have starter, you can try a traditional banana pancake recipe, but you will miss that special sourdough touch.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. They mash easily and give your pancakes that intensely sweet banana taste.

Can I make the batter the night before?

While you can prepare the wet and dry ingredients separately ahead of time, it’s best to mix the batter just before cooking to maintain the optimal rise and texture from the sourdough starter’s activity.

What’s the best way to tell when to flip pancakes?

Look for bubbles popping on the pancake surface and edges that look set but not dry. The underside should be golden brown. Flipping at this point ensures even cooking and fluffy results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Fluffy Sourdough Banana Pancakes Recipe. It turns a simple breakfast into a celebration of flavors and textures that brighten your morning and bring smiles to the table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the magic of sourdough and bananas dancing together in each delicious bite!

Fluffy Sourdough Banana Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need