The Kitchen Staple That Makes Boxed Pancakes Super Fluffy

Sometimes you need boxed pancakes to be more than just a quick breakfast fix. If you've got something more gourmet in mind, fortunately, there are several ways to do just that and make your stack good enough for a dreamy Sunday brunch. You can take the scenic route and prepare the batter from scratch and use these expert tips to amp up your pancakes. Or, you can make impossibly tall and fluffy pancakes with one simple addition. Sure, it's an extra step, but considering it works with boxed pancake mix as well as a the homemade stuff, there's not much elbow grease involved. What's more, the results are truly worth it.

From cakes and soufflé to chocolate mousse and meringues, whipped egg whites are the secret to giving many treats their characteristic fluffy texture. So, why not use this simple ingredient to make extra-pillowy pancakes as well? In fact, if you've ever had Japanese soufflé pancakes (usually a few inches thick) and wondered how they got so fluffy, now you know the secret — whipped egg whites! As long as you don't commit any of the common pancake-making mistakes like overmixing the batter or using too high of a heat, you can turn just about any boxed pancake mix into deliciously fluffy pancakes, all by simply folding in some egg whites.

Start by prepping the pancake batter according to the instructions. Next, separate about one egg white per cup of batter and begin to whisk until the egg whites form soft peaks. You can also add a small pinch of cream of tartar for each egg white, which helps stabilize the mix. Once the egg whites are whisked, gently fold them into the pancake batter. The less you stir, the more air the egg whites and batter retain.

Because of the added height of these fluffy pancakes, it is crucial to cook them covered and on low heat to avoid burning the bottom. The best way to ensure even cooking is to put a dollop of pancake batter on the warm pan, sprinkle water around it, and then cover with the lid. As the water turns to steam and rises, it helps cook the rest of the pancake not in contact with the pan. Cook the pancakes on low heat for up to 10 minutes, flipping if needed and ensuring the bottom doesn't burn. You'll know they are ready when the top of the pancake is set and there is no wet batter in the center.

Since these fluffy pancakes take longer to cook, consider using the sheet tray pancake hack when feeding a crowd. The even heating of the enclosed space also helps turn out the best fluffy pancakes you could ever get from a boxed pancake mix.