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Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes – Tall, Jiggly & Sweetly Cloud-Like

Get ready to flip your pancake expectations upside down. These Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes are like biting into a cloud — soft, airy, tall, and delicately sweet. Unlike traditional flat pancakes, these sky-high soufflé-style pancakes rise beautifully with whipped egg whites and gentle heat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience like no other. Popular in Japan and all over Instagram, these pancakes are the ultimate brunch showstopper. Whether you're looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a luxurious stack on a weekend morning, this recipe brings cafe-style pancakes into your home kitchen — no trip to Tokyo required.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 pancakes

Ingredients
  

🍳 Soufflé Pancakes
  • 2 large eggs separated
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp lemon juice optional, to balance sweetness
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil for greasing
🍓 Toppings
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • Sweetened whipped cream or homemade
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh assorted berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
🍋 Optional Garnish: Lemon zest, mint leaves, or powdered sugar dusting.

Equipment

  • To get that signature soufflé rise, you’ll need a few tools:
  • Electric hand or stand mixer
  • Large and small mixing bowls
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle with lid
  • Pancake molds or ring molds (3-inch diameter)
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Sifter or fine mesh strainer
  • Whisk
  • 🍳 Tip: Don’t skip the ring molds — they help support the batter as it cooks tall and slow.

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, vanilla, and lemon juice (if using).
  2. Sift in the flour and baking powder. Gently whisk until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Set aside — you’ll fold in the whites later.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
  1. In a clean, dry bowl, add egg whites and white vinegar. Beat on medium until frothy.
  2. Gradually add granulated sugar while beating.
  3. Continue beating until stiff peaks form — it should hold firm peaks that don’t droop.
🍥 Don’t overbeat! Overwhipping will make the pancakes collapse.
    Step 3: Fold Gently
    1. Add 1/3 of the whipped whites into the yolk batter. Mix gently to lighten the base.
    2. Fold in the remaining whites in two additions. Use a spatula and fold gently to avoid deflating the air.
    💡 Folding tip: Use the cut, scoop, and fold motion — don’t stir!
      Step 4: Prepare the Pan
      1. Heat a nonstick pan over low heat. Lightly oil the inside of the pancake molds and pan surface.
      2. Place the molds on the pan and scoop batter into each — fill ¾ full.
      Step 5: Cook Low & Slow
      1. Add a few teaspoons of water to the pan (outside the molds) to create steam.
      2. Cover with a lid and cook for 4–5 minutes.
      3. Remove the lid, gently flip the molds (if tall enough), and cook for another 4 minutes, covered.
      ⏱️ Check doneness with a toothpick — it should come out clean.
        Step 6: Serve Immediately
        1. Carefully remove the pancakes from the molds using a small knife or spoon.
        2. Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

        Notes

        🧊 Storage & Reheating
        Refrigerator
        Best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
        Reheating
        Gently warm in the microwave with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.
        Or steam in a covered pan for a few minutes to restore fluffiness.
        ⚠️ Note: These pancakes lose their signature height over time — best enjoyed fresh.
        🥄 Variations
        Make your soufflé pancakes your own with these tasty ideas:
        🍫 Chocolate Chip – Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter before cooking.
        🍵 Matcha Green Tea – Add 1 tsp sifted matcha powder for a beautiful green hue and earthy twist.
        🫐 Blueberry Lemon – Fold in blueberries and lemon zest for a fruity boost.
        🍯 Honey Vanilla – Use honey in the whipped cream and top with crushed almonds.
        🥥 Coconut Cream – Add coconut extract to whipped cream and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
        🎂 Birthday Style – Add sprinkles to the batter and serve with vanilla whipped cream for a fun twist.
        ❓ 10 FAQs
        1. What makes these pancakes "soufflé" style?
        They use whipped egg whites for volume — just like a soufflé — to create tall, fluffy pancakes.
        2. Why do I need vinegar or lemon juice?
        Acid helps stabilize the egg whites and create a firmer meringue.
        3. Can I make these without ring molds?
        Technically yes, but molds help maintain the height and shape. Use a DIY foil ring if needed!
        4. Why did my pancakes deflate?
        Possible reasons include overmixed batter, collapsed meringue, or too much heat.
        5. Can I double the recipe?
        Yes, just be sure to work quickly so the meringue doesn’t deflate as you cook in batches.
        6. Can I use gluten-free flour?
        Yes — use a 1:1 baking blend and handle gently when folding.
        7. Can I freeze these pancakes?
        Not recommended. The texture doesn’t hold up well after freezing.
        8. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
        No — the meringue will collapse. Prepare fresh for the best lift.
        9. What type of milk works best?
        Whole milk is ideal, but 2% or non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) can be used.
        10. Do I need to sift the flour?
        Yes — this ensures a light, lump-free batter and helps maintain the pancake’s delicate structure.
        🏁 Conclusion
        These Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes are more than just breakfast — they’re an experience. With a sky-high rise, a delicate texture, and a touch of sweetness, each bite feels like eating a warm cloud topped with whipped cream and berries.
        They might take a little patience and finesse, but the result is a brunch dish that will impress even the pickiest of foodies. Try them once, and they’ll be your new breakfast obsession!