The buttermilk can be replaced with 2 cups (500 ml) milk mixed with 2 tbsp (30 ml) white vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir before adding to the recipe. You could also use 1 1/4 cups (310 ml) plain yogurt mixed with 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk.
Don’t worry if there are some lumps in the pancake batter. It’s best not to overmix the batter to retain as much of the air created by the baking powder and baking soda as possible. If mixed too vigorously, the mixture will also develop too much gluten and the pancakes will be less fluffy.