Japanese Souffle Pancakes Recipe

Fluffy Cloud-Like Japanese Souffle Pancakes Recipe

Fluffy japanese souffle pancakes have captured my heart with their cloud-like texture and delicate charm.

Whispers of culinary magic float through my kitchen whenever I whip these delightful treats.

Soft peaks of whipped egg whites create an ethereal experience that defies ordinary breakfast expectations.

Lightweight and airy, these pancakes feel like a gentle morning embrace from tokyo’s finest cafes.

A careful dance of ingredients and precision transforms simple components into an elegant breakfast masterpiece.

You’ll want to savor every dreamy, pillowy bite of these extraordinary pancakes.

Ingredients to Make Fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes

Main Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Foundational ingredient providing structure and richness to the souffle pancakes.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy batter.
  • Flour: Provides essential structure and texture for the pancakes.
  • Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Notes for ingredients: Choose fresh, large eggs at room temperature for best results. Use whole milk for richer texture. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Select fresh, sifted all-purpose flour to prevent lumps in the batter.

Instructions for Making Japanese Souffle Pancakes at Home

Step 1: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Egg yolks
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sugar

Whisk the ingredients together until well blended and smooth.

Step 2: Create Batter Base

Sift flour and baking powder into the egg mixture.

Gently fold and mix until the batter becomes completely smooth with no lumps.

Step 3: Separate Egg Whites

Carefully separate egg whites into a clean, dry mixing bowl.

Ensure no yolk traces are present in the whites to achieve perfect volume.

Step 4: Whip Meringue

Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites on medium speed.

Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat.

Increase mixer speed to high and whip until stiff, glossy peaks form.

The meringue should hold its shape when the beater is lifted.

Step 5: Fold Meringue

Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the original batter.

Carefully incorporate to maintain air bubbles.

Add remaining meringue in two more batches, using a folding motion.

Step 6: Cook Pancakes

Heat a non-stick pan on low-medium heat.

Grease pan lightly with butter or oil.

Use a ring mold or carefully spoon batter to create tall, fluffy pancakes.

Cover pan with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Flip pancakes carefully and cook other side for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Transfer pancakes to a plate.

Dust with powdered sugar.

Add fresh berries or maple syrup if desired.

Enjoy while warm and puffy!

Tips for Tall and Airy Souffle Pancakes

  • Master Egg Separation: Carefully separate egg whites from yolks at room temperature for smoother, more stable meringue.
  • Whip Whites Perfectly: Beat egg whites gradually, starting at low speed and increasing to high, adding remaining sugar slowly to create stiff, glossy peaks.
  • Control Cooking Heat: Use low-medium heat with a covered pan to ensure even, gentle cooking without burning the delicate pancakes.
  • Patience Matters: Allow each side to cook slowly, about 4-5 minutes per side, to achieve the signature fluffy, souffle-like texture.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy these delicate pancakes right after cooking to maintain their incredible height and soft, airy consistency.

How to Keep Japanese Souffle Pancakes Fresh

  • Store leftover souffle pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Warm pancakes on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking to ensure they don't become rubbery or dry.
  • Briefly place reheated pancakes in a preheated skillet on low heat for 30 seconds to help revive their original soft texture.
  • Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month, thawing at room temperature before reheating.

What’s Special About Japanese Souffle Pancakes

  • These delicate Japanese souffle pancakes transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality breakfast with minimal culinary expertise, making them perfect for home cooks wanting to impress.
  • Requiring only 15-20 minutes from start to finish, these pancakes offer a speedy yet luxurious morning meal that feels like a special treat without consuming hours in the kitchen.
  • Soft, fluffy, and visually stunning, these pancakes appeal to both kids and adults, creating a delightful shared dining experience that turns an ordinary breakfast into a memorable moment.
  • Easily adaptable with various toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or chocolate sauce, these pancakes allow personal expression and suit different taste preferences.

Toppings That Pair Nicely with Souffle Pancakes

  • Creamy matcha green tea complements the delicate souffle pancakes, bringing a smooth Japanese-inspired harmony to your breakfast.
  • Citrusy, bright yuzu spread adds zesty contrast to the soft, cloud-like pancakes, enhancing their subtle sweetness and lightness.
  • Tart mixed berries cut through the richness, providing a vibrant burst of flavor that balances the pancakes' delicate texture.
  • Light, crisp sparkling sake offers a refined, effervescent touch that elegantly matches the airy pancake's delicate profile.

Souffle Pancake Variations to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same fluffy texture.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap egg yolks with mashed banana or silken tofu, use plant-based milk, and add nutritional yeast for richness and protein.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the pancakes' delicate sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk or oat milk instead of regular milk, and choose a non-dairy creamer to keep the pancakes light and airy.

FAQs About Japanese Souffle Pancakes

  • What makes Japanese Souffle Pancakes different from regular pancakes?

These pancakes are incredibly light, fluffy, and tall, created by carefully separating eggs and whipping the egg whites to create a meringue-like texture that gives them their signature height and airy consistency.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these pancakes?

You’ll want a good non-stick pan or griddle, a fine-mesh sieve for sifting flour, and an electric mixer or whisk to properly beat the egg whites to stiff peaks for the signature fluffy texture.

  • How do I know when the egg whites are whipped correctly?

The egg whites should form stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape when you lift the whisk. They should look smooth and not grainy, and when you turn the bowl upside down, they shouldn’t slide out.

  • Can I make these pancakes without an electric mixer?

While possible, it’s very challenging to achieve the right consistency by hand. An electric mixer ensures you get the precise, light texture that makes these pancakes special, so it’s highly recommended.

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Japanese Souffle Pancakes Recipe

Japanese Souffle Pancakes Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes melt in your mouth with cloud-like perfection, promising a delicate breakfast experience. Light, airy, and irresistibly elegant, these pancakes will transport you to a Tokyo morning with their delightful texture and subtle sweetness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs (separated)
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole milk preferred)

Stabilizing and Sweetening Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for yolk mixture)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for egg whites)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

Flavoring and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or butter
  • 1 tablespoon water (for steaming effect in pan)

Garnish Ingredients:

  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh berries
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Whisk egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.
  2. Gently sift flour and baking powder over the liquid ingredients, folding carefully to create a silky, lump-free batter without overmixing.
  3. In a separate pristine bowl, beat egg whites using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, gradually adding remaining sugar to create a glossy, stable meringue.
  4. Delicately fold the meringue into the initial batter using a spatula, employing a gentle lifting motion to maintain the airiness and prevent deflation.
  5. Heat a non-stick skillet on low temperature, lightly greasing the surface with a minimal amount of butter or oil.
  6. Carefully spoon the fluffy batter into precise circles, covering the pan with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and help the pancakes rise.
  7. Cook each pancake slowly for approximately 3-4 minutes, watching for bubbles to form and edges to set before gently flipping.
  8. Continue cooking the opposite side for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring a golden exterior and cloud-like, tender interior.
  9. Transfer the souffle pancakes to serving plates, garnishing with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup as desired.

Notes

  • Separate eggs carefully at room temperature to ensure smooth, fluffy texture without breaking yolks.
  • Use precise low-heat cooking technique with a lid to create signature cloud-like height and soft, jiggly consistency.
  • Whip egg whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of cream of tartar for maximum volume and stability, which prevents deflation during cooking.
  • Consider gluten-free adaptation by substituting all-purpose flour with rice flour or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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