If your pancakes are turning out gooey or undercooked inside, it could be due to a few reasons:
Insufficient cooking time: Pancakes require proper cooking time on each side to cook through evenly. If you're flipping them too early or removing them from the heat before they're fully cooked, the inside may remain gooey. Make sure to cook the pancakes until they are golden brown on both sides and no longer batter-like in the center.
Incorrect heat level: Cooking pancakes at too high of a heat can cause the outside to cook quickly while leaving the inside undercooked. On the other hand, cooking at too low of a heat can result in a longer cooking time, leading to a gooey texture. Find the right balance by preheating your skillet or griddle to medium heat and adjusting as needed.
Thick batter: If your pancake batter is too thick, it may not spread or cook evenly, resulting in an undercooked center. Ensure that your pancake batter has a pourable consistency by following the recipe guidelines or adjusting the liquid ingredients as necessary.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing pancake batter can develop gluten, resulting in a dense and gooey texture. Mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. It's okay if there are a few lumps remaining. Overmixing should be avoided.
Adding too much liquid: If you add excess liquid to the pancake batter, it can affect the cooking process and result in a gooey interior. Follow the recipe measurements carefully to maintain the proper ratio of wet to dry ingredients.
Using outdated leavening agents: Baking powder and baking soda are essential for fluffy pancakes. However, if they are expired or not fresh, they may not react properly and cause the pancakes to be dense or gooey. Make sure your leavening agents are within their expiration date.
By adjusting these factors, you can improve the texture and ensure your pancakes are fully cooked and fluffy throughout.