Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Japanese soufflé pancakes are the epitome of light and airy. Thanks to the technique of folding whipped egg whites into the batter, each pancake achieves an incredibly soft, cloud-like texture that feels almost like biting into a pillow. Unlike typical pancakes, they are slightly taller and jiggly, making them visually impressive as well. Whether served with sweetened whipped cream, maple syrup, or fresh berries, this recipe is versatile enough to suit various tastes. It's a fun and delicious treat that can easily become a favorite in your breakfast rotation!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pancake batter:

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned, and leveled)

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon white vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• Oil (for cooking, any neutral oil)

Optional toppings:

• Sweetened whipped cream

• Assorted berries

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

For sweetened whipped cream (optional):

• ½ cup heavy cream (cold)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (more or less to your preference)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Make the soufflé pancake batter:

   • Separate the egg whites and yolks into separate mixing bowls, being careful not to break the yolk.

   • In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk briefly to combine.

   • Sift in the flour and baking powder and whisk until smooth and no dry flour is visible. Set this mixture aside.

   • In the bowl with the egg whites, add vinegar (or lemon juice). Use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.

   • Gradually add sugar to the egg whites, one spoonful at a time, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks form.

   • Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the egg yolk mixture with a rubber spatula. Be careful not to over-mix.

   • Fold the rest of the meringue into the batter until no streaks are visible, ensuring the batter stays light and fluffy.

   • Use a large spoon or a piping bag with a large round tip to portion the batter.

2. Cook the pancakes:

   • Heat a large nonstick pan over low heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil and wipe off the excess.

   • Scoop or pipe the batter into the pan to form 2-3 mounds of batter. Keep the batter tall to ensure the pancakes will rise properly.

   • Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 7-8 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.

   • Carefully flip the pancakes, cover with the lid again, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

   • Serve immediately with optional toppings like whipped cream, berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup.

3. Make the sweetened whipped cream (optional):

   • Combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.

   • Whisk by hand or with a hand mixer until soft peaks form. If using a mixer, start at low speed to prevent splashing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 serving (2 to 3 pancakes)

• Prep Time: 7 minutes

• Cook Time: 13 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Flavored pancakes: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder or cocoa powder to the batter for a unique twist.

• Fruit-filled pancakes: You can fold small pieces of fruit (like blueberries or strawberries) into the batter before cooking for extra flavor.

• Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) in place of regular milk and skip the whipped cream or use a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh and hot. However, if you have leftovers:

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in a microwave, though they may lose some of their signature fluffiness after being refrigerated.

FAQs

How do I prevent the pancakes from deflating too much after cooking?

Japanese soufflé pancakes naturally deflate slightly once removed from the pan. To help maintain their height, be gentle while flipping and avoid overmixing the batter.

Can I use a regular pancake pan instead of a nonstick one?

You can, but a nonstick pan works best to prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. A heavy-bottomed pan is recommended.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It's best to make the batter just before cooking to maintain the airy texture. Preparing it ahead of time could cause the meringue to deflate, affecting the pancakes' fluffiness.

What is the best way to flip soufflé pancakes without ruining their shape?

Use a wide spatula to carefully flip the pancakes. Gently slide the spatula underneath the pancake, lift it slowly, and flip it with a quick yet gentle motion.

Can I freeze these pancakes?

While it's best to eat them fresh, you can freeze the pancakes by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing them, and then transferring to a bag or container. Reheat in a toaster or microwave when ready to eat.

Can I use a stand mixer to make the meringue?

Yes, a stand mixer will work great for whipping the egg whites, as it can save time and effort compared to a hand mixer.

How do I make the pancakes even fluffier?

The key is in the folding process. Be gentle when incorporating the meringue into the egg yolk batter to avoid deflating the air you’ve whipped into the whites.

Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar in the meringue?

Yes, lemon juice works as a substitute for vinegar and helps stabilize the egg whites.

Why is my pancake batter too runny?

If the batter is too runny, you may have overmixed or added too much liquid. Ensure you're measuring the ingredients correctly and folding the meringue gently.

Is it necessary to add lemon zest?

Lemon zest is optional but adds a subtle citrus flavor that complements the sweet pancake batter. You can skip it if preferred.

Conclusion

These fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes are a delightful and show-stopping breakfast or dessert option that will surely impress anyone who tries them. With their pillowy softness, light texture, and versatility, you can customize them to suit your taste. Whether you're indulging in them with whipped cream, berries, or syrup, each bite is a little piece of heaven. Enjoy the process of making these, and let their beauty and flavor shine at your next brunch or sweet treat!