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Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes – Dreamy, Cloud-Like & Irresistible

Fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes with a soft, jiggly texture.
Made with whipped egg whites for airy height.
Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine Japanese

Ingredients
  

For the pancake batter

  • 2 large eggs separated
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Neutral oil for cooking

Optional toppings

  • Sweetened whipped cream
  • Assorted berries
  • Powdered sugar
  • Maple syrup

Sweetened whipped cream (optional)

  • ½ cup cold heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Make the soufflé pancake batter

  • Separate the egg whites and yolks into two clean bowls.
  • Add milk, vanilla, and lemon zest to the egg yolks and whisk briefly.
  • Sift in flour and baking powder. Whisk until smooth with no lumps. Set aside.
  • Add vinegar or lemon juice to the egg whites. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until frothy.
  • Gradually add sugar, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the yolk mixture.
  • Add the remaining meringue and fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Transfer batter to a piping bag, cookie scoop, or use a large spoon.

Cook the pancakes

  • Heat a nonstick pan over very low heat and lightly grease with oil. Wipe off excess.
  • Pipe or scoop tall mounds of batter to form 2–3 pancakes.
  • Cover with a lid and cook for 7–8 minutes until the bottoms are golden.
  • Carefully flip, cover again, and cook for another 5–6 minutes until cooked through.
  • Serve immediately with desired toppings.

Optional sweetened whipped cream

  • Combine heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla.
  • Whisk until firm peaks form. Keep chilled until serving.

Notes

These pancakes are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. They will slowly deflate as they cool, which is normal for soufflé-style pancakes.