There’s nothing quite like a stack of fluffy pancakes to start your day off right. While pancakes may seem like a simple dish, achieving that perfect, light, and airy texture can sometimes be tricky. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, here are three essential secrets to making the fluffiest pancakes every time.
1. Use Buttermilk for Extra Tenderness
One of the key ingredients for light and fluffy pancakes is buttermilk. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda in the batter, creating bubbles that help the pancakes rise and become airy. Buttermilk also adds a slight tang and richness that makes pancakes extra tender. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for about 5 minutes before using it.
Tip: Be sure to use room temperature buttermilk. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to clump together, resulting in dense pancakes.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
It’s tempting to mix pancake batter until it’s smooth, but overmixing can lead to dense pancakes. The key to fluffy pancakes is to mix the ingredients just enough to combine them. It’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy—those small lumps will disappear while cooking, and you’ll be left with a light, fluffy texture. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which can make the pancakes tough and chewy instead of airy.
Tip: Use a gentle folding motion when mixing your wet and dry ingredients together. Don’t worry if there are still a few small flour pockets left—these will cook out on the griddle.
3. Cook on Low to Medium Heat
To achieve the perfect golden brown pancake on the outside and a soft, fluffy interior, cook your pancakes over medium or low heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will cook too quickly, leaving the inside raw. Cooking at a lower temperature ensures that the pancakes rise evenly and cook through without burning.
Tip: Before cooking, test your griddle or pan by splashing a few drops of water on it. If the water dances and sizzles, the pan is ready. If it evaporates too quickly, lower the heat.