If you’ve ever seen Japanese fluffy pancakes, you’ve probably wondered how it’s possible to get pancakes that tall, soft, and jiggly. This fluffy pancake recipe will guide you step by step to recreate these iconic treats from Japanese cafés, also known as soufflé pancakes.
Unlike classic American pancakes, fluffy pancakes have a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. The secret lies in the meringue: egg whites are whipped until stiff and gently folded into the batter, creating a sweet cloud that literally jiggles on the plate.
Why Try This Fluffy Pancake Recipe
These beautiful Japanese fluffy pancakes aren’t just eye-catching: they’re perfect for a special breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a treat to share. With just a few ingredients and some care in cooking, you can recreate the cozy Tokyo café atmosphere right at home.
- Soft and cloud-like
- Tall and spongy
- Easy to customize with fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup
Tips for Perfect Fluffy Pancakes
For a successful soufflé pancake recipe, make sure to follow these essential tips:
- Use a low-protein cake flour and sift it well to avoid lumps.
- Whip egg whites carefully, adding sugar gradually until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the meringue into the batter gently with a silicone spatula.
- Cook over very low heat with the lid on: the steam helps the pancakes rise without burning.
- For picture-perfect results, cook the batter inside tall ring molds.
Equipment
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Sifter
- Non-stick pan with lid
- Silicone spatula
- Ring molds or cookie cutters (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 Large eggs
- 3 tablespoons Whole milk
- 60 g Cake flour ((low-protein))
- 40 g Granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- Few drops of lemon juice ((to stabilize egg whites))
- Sunflower oil ((for greasing the pan))
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the milk and vanilla. Sift the flour and baking powder directly into the bowl and mix until smooth.
- In another clean, grease-free bowl, whip the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add a few drops of lemon juice, then gradually beat in the sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Using a silicone spatula, fold one-third of the meringue into the yolk mixture to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining meringue in two additions, making sure not to deflate the egg whites.
- Heat a non-stick pan over very low heat and lightly grease it with a pastry brush or paper towel dipped in oil.Grease the inside of the ring molds and place them in the pan. Fill each mold up to two-thirds with batter. Cover with a lid and cook for 4–5 minutes.
- When the base is golden, carefully flip the pancakes with a wide spatula, keeping the molds around them. Cover again and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
- Remove the molds carefully and serve the pancakes immediately, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
Nutrition
How to Serve Fluffy Pancakes
Soufflé pancakes taste amazing on their own, but the right toppings make them irresistible. You can dust them with powdered sugar, add fresh berries and whipped cream, or drizzle with maple syrup for a classic touch.
For a truly authentic Japanese twist, try serving them with anko (sweet red bean paste) or a sprinkle of matcha powder.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fluffy Pancakes Recipe
Yes. While ring molds (or high metal rings) help give height and uniform shape, you can still make fluffy pancakes freeform. Use a very low heat, a non-stick pan, and gently spoon the batter to build up thickness. You won’t get perfectly round edges, but the texture can still be airy and soft.
Fluffy pancakes are best served immediately after cooking. The meringue-air bubbles begin to collapse after a few minutes, causing them to deflate somewhat. To preserve texture, serve hot and avoid stacking too long before eating.
Yes. You can swap the milk with a plant-based alternative (almond, oat, soy milk) that has a bit of fat content to mimic creaminess. Use a neutral oil instead of dairy fat. The texture might be slightly different, but with gentle folding and low heat, you can get very close.
You can—but with caution. The meringue (whipped egg whites) loses some of its lift over time, especially when refrigerated. If making ahead, it’s best to prepare the dry mix and wet mix separately, then combine with freshly whipped egg whites just before cooking.
Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with a light gluten-free flour blend that’s rich in starches. This way you’ll still get soft, delicate gluten-free fluffy pancakes.
Recommended blend (to replace 60 g / ½ cup of all-purpose flour):
-
25 g (about 3 Tbsp) superfine rice flour
-
20 g (about 2½ Tbsp) cornstarch
-
15 g (about 2 Tbsp) potato starch
This mix keeps the pancakes airy and jiggly, just like traditional soufflé pancakes, but without gluten.
Conclusion
The Japanese fluffy pancakes recipe brings a spectacular, show-stopping dessert to your table that is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and a little extra care, you’ll enjoy fluffy pancakes that are light and airy, just like the ones served in the best cafés in Japan.