Japanese soufflé pancakes are a delicious, thick but airy fluffy breakfast option that everyone will love! This easy recipe will show you how to make them at home with just a few simple ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry. They’re easy to make and perfect for a weekend morning!
What are Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes?
Fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes are a type of pancake that is very popular in Japan. They are made with a special batter that makes them light and fluffy. Japanese soufflé pancakes originated in the city of Osaka, and they have become popular all over Japan.
Many people enjoy eating them for breakfast, but they can also be eaten for lunch or dinner. If you are ever in Japan, be sure to try some of these delicious pancakes!
What makes Japanese souffle pancakes so fluffy?
The secret to making Japanese souffle pancakes are the eggs. The egg yolks and egg whites are whipped separately and the egg whites are whipped into a light and airy meringue.
The air bubbles that are created from the whipping of the egg whites make the pancakes light and fluffy that resemble soufflé.
Then, the two mixtures are combined and cooked on a griddle. This method creates a pancake that is super fluffy.
Ingredients needed for Soufflé pancakes
- Eggs
- Cake flour
- Milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Water (for steaming)
- Butter
Useful equipment needed
- Electric mixer to blend the eqq whites quickly
- 2 medium sized bowls
- Large nonstick skillet or any large skillet with a top cover
How to Make Fluffy Japanese style Pancakes
- Separate the egg yolks and egg whites into two different bowls
- Whisk together the egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Sift in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix and set aside the egg yolk mixture
- In the separate bowl whip the egg whites until soft peaks form and add in sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- In a large bowl gently fold the whipped egg whites and egg yolk batter together until well combined
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and melt some butter.
- Scoop a dollop of batter into the skillet or frying pan. Add a few drops of water and cover with a lid.
- Cook for 2-4 minutes or until the bottom is cooked through and flip. Add another tablespoon of water to steam the pancakes.
- These pancakes are best served immediately with butter and maple syrup. You can also add fresh fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream on top! Enjoy
Favorite pancake toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, bananas, raspberries, etc.
- Ice cream
- Chocolate chips
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon
- Pumpkin spice
Savoury pancake toppings:
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Ham
- Cheese
- Chives
- Green onions
Why Does My Soufflé Pancake Deflate?
There are a few reasons why your soufflé pancake might deflate.
One reason could be that the egg whites were not whipped enough and they did not create enough air bubbles.
Or the egg whites have been overbeaten and the air bubbles have popped.
Another reason could be that the batter was not mixed gently enough and some of the air bubbles were lost.
If the pancakes are not cooked on a low enough heat, the steam will escape and cause the pancakes to deflate.
Another reason could be that you overcooked the pancakes. Be sure to watch them carefully while they are cooking and only cook them for a few minutes as these are delicate pancakes.
Can I make this Japanese soufflé recipe without cake flour?
Yes, you can make this recipe without cake flour. All-purpose flour can be used instead. The pancakes may not be as fluffy but they will still taste delicious!
Do I need a ring mold?
No, you do not need a round mold to make these soufflé pancakes. A large spoon or ice cream scoop can be used to scoop the batter into the pan.
Can I make fluffy soufflé pancakes with pancake mix?
Yes, you can use pancake mix to make souffle pancakes. Just follow the instructions above and I recommend using a pancake mix that does not need oil for best results.
How to store soufflé pancakes
These pancakes are best served immediately after they are made. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Do not freeze the pancakes as they will become tough and dry.
PrintFluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes (Easy recipe)
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
2 eggs
1 Tbsp Whole milk
1 Tsp Vanilla extract
1/4 cup cake flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3 Tbsp Granulated sugar
Water
Butter
Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Maple syrup
Instructions
- Separate the egg yolks and egg whites into two different bowls
- Whisk together the egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Sift in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix and set aside the egg yolk mixture
- In the separate bowl whip the egg whites until soft peaks form and add in sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- In a large bowl gently fold the whipped egg whites and egg yolk batter together until well combined
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and melt some butter.
- Scoop a dollop of batter into the skillet or frying pan. Add a few drops of water and cover with a lid.
- Cook for 2-4 minutes or until the bottom is cooked through and flip. Add another tablespoon of water to steam the pancakes.
- These pancakes are best served immediately with butter and maple syrup. You can also add fresh fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream on top! Enjoy
Notes
Increase batch of eggs for more pancakes