Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

3 tablespoons poppy seeds 

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt 

1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 3 tablespoons juice 

1 1/3 cups buttermilk, room temperature 

2 large eggs, separated, plus 4 egg whites, room temperature 

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for serving 

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

2 tablespoons cane syrup, such as Lyle's Golden, plus more for serving 

Vegetable-oil cooking spray 

Ricotta and fresh blueberries, for serving 

Preparation

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, salt, and lemon zest in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, lemon juice, egg yolks, butter, vanilla, and syrup. Whisk buttermilk mixture into flour mixture until just combined (do not overmix).

Beat egg whites with a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Stir one-third of egg whites into batter. Gently fold in remaining egg whites (do not overmix; streaks of whites should be visible).

Preheat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium; coat with a thin layer of cooking spray. Spoon 1/3 cup batter per pancake onto griddle. Cook, undisturbed, until bubbles appear on top and edges are set, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until puffed and golden, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet; keep warm in a 225 degrees oven until ready to serve.

Serve, with butter, ricotta, blueberries, and more syrup.