In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until creamy. Add in the whole milk, pure vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend the mixture together until you have a smooth consistency.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
In a clean, dry bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to beat the egg whites. Continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add a small amount of granulated sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve stiff peaks—this will give the pancakes their signature fluffiness.
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in three additions, using a spatula. Be gentle to maintain the airiness of the mixture; the batter should look light and fluffy.
Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking oil or unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
Using a ring mold or a silicone mold, spoon a generous amount of the pancake batter into the mold, filling it halfway (for taller pancakes, fill more). Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam.
Allow the pancakes to cook for about 4-5 minutes on low heat, or until the bottoms turn golden brown. Carefully flip the pancakes using a spatula—handle them gently, as they will be delicate. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the second side is set and they are fluffy.
Continue the process with the remaining batter, ensuring the skillet is greased as necessary.
Serve the pancakes warm, dusted lightly with powdered sugar and drizzled generously with maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
Notes
Stack the pancakes high on a plate, dust with powdered sugar, and add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a vibrant touch!