How does pancake mix go solid?

Pancake mix doesn't actually go "solid" in the traditional sense. Instead, it undergoes a process called gelatinization.

Here's what happens:

1. Mixing: When you mix pancake mix with liquid (usually milk or water), the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder come into contact with the liquid.

2. Starch Granules: Flour contains starch granules, which are tiny, hard particles. These granules are basically tiny sacs of starch molecules.

3. Heat and Hydration: When you heat the mixture, the water molecules penetrate the starch granules, causing them to swell and soften. This process is called hydration.

4. Gelatinization: As the temperature continues to rise, the starch molecules within the granules start to break down and form a gel-like substance. This process is called gelatinization.

5. Structure Formation: The gelatinized starch creates a network of interconnected molecules, which gives the pancake its structure and texture. It holds the air bubbles created by the baking powder, making the pancake light and fluffy.

In summary, pancake mix doesn't become solid like a rock; it undergoes gelatinization, where starch granules absorb liquid and form a gel that creates the pancake's structure.