Place the flour, baking powder, sugar, buttermilk, vanilla and egg yolks in a large bowl and whisk until smooth.
Place the eggwhites in a clean medium bowl and beat with electric hand beaters until stiff peaks form. Fold the eggwhites into the flour mixture.
Place a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease with oil. Cook ¼ cupfuls of the mixture, in batches, for 3–4 minutes each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Top with the butter and maple syrup to serve. Serves 6.