Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes are like biting into sweet, airy clouds. I love how they melt in my mouth while leaving a gentle touch of vanilla behind. With their golden-brown exterior and delicate texture, they turn any simple morning into something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I find these pancakes to be more than just breakfast—they’re an experience. I love that they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if I don’t consider myself an expert in the kitchen. Their light and airy texture, combined with a subtly sweet flavor, makes them irresistible. They also look stunning on a plate, which means I can impress friends at brunch or treat myself to a special moment. On top of that, I can play around with toppings, from maple syrup to fresh berries, making them fit my mood every time.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 large eggs
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1/2 cup whole milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
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1 teaspoon baking powder
For toppings:
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Maple syrup
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Fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries
Directions
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I start by separating the egg yolks from the whites, making sure no yolk slips into the whites.
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In a bowl, I whisk the yolks and sugar until pale and creamy, then I add milk and vanilla extract.
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I sift flour with baking powder and gently fold it into the yolk mixture until combined.
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I beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then, I fold a third of the whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it, before folding in the rest.
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I heat a non-stick skillet over low heat, lightly grease it, and pour in about half a cup of batter per pancake. I cover it with a lid and cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
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I serve them warm with maple syrup and fresh berries.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2 servings (2–3 pancakes).
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
When I want to mix things up, I like adding lemon zest or matcha powder into the batter for a flavor twist. If I’m craving a gluten-free version, I swap out the all-purpose flour with almond flour. For toppings, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar make these pancakes even more indulgent.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet on low heat to bring back their soft, fluffy texture, but a quick zap in the microwave also works if I’m in a hurry.

FAQs
What are Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes?
They’re light, airy pancakes made with whipped egg whites folded into the batter, giving them a cloud-like texture.
How do I achieve the perfect texture for Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes?
I make sure to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and fold them gently into the batter without overmixing. Cooking them slowly over low heat with a lid helps trap steam and create that soufflé effect.
Can I customize Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes with different flavors?
Yes! I like adding lemon zest, matcha powder, or even cocoa powder for different flavor profiles. The toppings can also vary from fresh fruits to whipped cream or syrups.
How do I store leftover Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes?
I place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, I either use a skillet on low heat or microwave them briefly.
Why do my pancakes deflate after cooking?
This usually happens if the egg whites were over-whipped or deflated while folding. Cooking at too high a heat can also cause them to collapse quickly after removing them from the pan.
Conclusion
Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes are one of my favorite indulgences for breakfast or brunch. Their airy texture and soft sweetness make them feel extra special, yet they’re simple enough to whip up at home. I enjoy customizing them with different flavors and toppings, and I love that they never fail to impress. For me, these pancakes are the perfect way to turn an ordinary morning into a little celebration.
Print
Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (2‑3 pancakes)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes are light, airy, and sweet pancakes that feel like eating clouds. With vanilla flavor, golden crusts, and soft, melt‑in‑your‑mouth centers, they’re perfect for an elegant breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (separated)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all‑purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
Instructions
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites, being careful to have no yolk in the whites.
- In a bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar until pale and creamy. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Sift the flour together with baking powder; gently fold this into the yolk mixture until smooth and combined.
- In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold one‑third of the whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the rest, keeping as much air as possible.
- Heat a non‑stick skillet over low heat and lightly grease it. Pour in about ½ cup of batter per pancake. Cover with a lid and cook for about 4 minutes until the bottom is golden and the batter has puffed somewhat.
- Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 3 minutes under lid until cooked through and both sides are golden.
- Serve immediately, with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh berries.
Notes
- Don’t overmix after adding the egg whites—folding gently preserves the airy texture.
- Cooking on low heat with a lid helps trap steam and ensure the inside cooks without burning the outside.
- Additions like lemon zest or matcha powder can add interesting flavor variations.
- For gluten‑free, substitute flour with an appropriate gluten‑free blend (watch texture).
- Serve fresh—these pancakes are best right away as they can deflate with time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Stove / Pan
- Cuisine: Japanese / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg