Use Fresh Baking Powder Baking powder is the key to fluffy pancakes! Make sure it’s fresh (not expired), or your pancakes won’t rise properly.
Don’t Overmix the Batter Mix just until combined—a few lumps are okay! Overmixing leads to dense, chewy pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones.
Let the Batter Rest Allow the batter to sit for 5–10 minutes before cooking. This helps the baking powder activate and creates tiny air pockets for extra fluffiness.
Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk Buttermilk reacts with baking powder to create even more air bubbles, making pancakes extra soft and tall. No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Cook on Medium-Low Heat High heat burns the outside while leaving the inside raw. A medium-low setting allows pancakes to cook through while staying golden brown and fluffy.
Flip at the Right Time Only flip pancakes when bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flipping too early or too often can deflate them.
Don’t Press Down with a Spatula Resist the urge to press pancakes while cooking! This squeezes out air and makes them dense instead of fluffy.