Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

Featured in Sweet treats that make you happy.

Light and soft, these fluffy Japanese pancakes come from perfectly whipped meringue and slow, gentle cooking. Follow these steps to make melt-in-your-mouth treats that are downright irresistible.

Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 10:30:30 GMT
A delicate stack of fluffy pancakes dusted with sugar, topped with berries and mint leaves, alongside fresh strawberries. Pin it
A delicate stack of fluffy pancakes dusted with sugar, topped with berries and mint leaves, alongside fresh strawberries. | tastyhush.com

These super soft pancakes totally blew my mind when I first tried them in Japan. I spent so many weekends messing around in the kitchen until I finally nailed them. Now you can try making these fluffy, wobbly stacks of happiness yourself. They're a little more work than your usual pancakes but watching them puff up makes it all worth it. Whenever I bring these out people are shocked I actually made them at home.

Why They're Totally Unique

All the magic comes from folding whipped-up egg whites right into the batter. That's what makes them crazy light and bouncy. I like making them slow on chill mornings when you can go at your own pace. Top them off with some fluffy cream and berries and every bite feels super fancy.

What You Need to Grab

  • Toppings: Load up on delicious extras for the top.
  • Water: It helps make everything nice and steamy.
  • Neutral Oil: Just a little for frying.
  • Baking Powder: This stuff gives those pancakes their beefy height.
  • Vanilla Extract: If you have it, everything tastes better.
  • Sugar: Sweetens things just enough.
  • Whole Milk: Brings out amazing richness.
  • Cake Flour: Keeps things extra soft and tender.
  • Eggs: Go with fresh ones for max fluff.

Magical Pancake Making

Flip and Finish:
Flip gently so you keep all that lovely fluffiness, then let them finish until they’re just right and jiggly.
Preheat and Cook:
Put your pan on low, stack that batter nice and high, then let steam puff up your pancakes.
Prepare the Batter:
First, separate the eggs. Mix up the base, then slowly fold in those foamy egg whites—that’s the secret trick.

Top Pancake Tips

Let everything warm up to room temp. That makes mixing way easier. Don't rush—really work those egg whites so they're stiff and shiny. The slow, gentle cook keeps them super puffy inside.

Take Yours Over the Top

Stack them with tons of whipped cream and whatever fresh fruit you’re feeling. I love sipping a cozy matcha latte with them to get serious Japanese café vibes. Pour over chocolate sauce if you’re craving dessert.

Switch Things Up

Try mixing in matcha powder for a cool green tea taste. Sliced mangoes or juicy peaches are the best on a hot day. Last time, I topped them with dark sugar syrup and wow—it really felt like Tokyo.

Quick Answers to FAQs

They’re at their peak fresh from the pan, but you can keep extras in the fridge for a couple days. Just reheat slowly in a pan when you’re hungry again. Seriously, whip your egg whites until they’re stiff and keep the heat low if you want them tall and jiggly.

Fluffy pancakes stacked high with berries, dusted with sugar, a sprig of green on top, and a cup of coffee off to the side. Pin it
Fluffy pancakes stacked high with berries, dusted with sugar, a sprig of green on top, and a cup of coffee off to the side. | tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do my pancakes lose their fluff?

The meringue might've been over- or under-whipped, or the pancakes weren't cooked through enough to hold their shape.

→ Can I make these pancakes earlier?

They taste best freshly made. Leftovers keep for 2 days in the fridge but won’t retain their soft, airy texture.

→ Why freeze egg whites before using?

Freezing them slightly gives better stability to the meringue, helping your pancakes keep their height and softness.

→ How can I cook them perfectly?

Use low heat (300°F), enough steam, and be patient. Don’t rush or skip steps, and handle the cooking with care.

→ Can I swap whole milk with skim milk?

Stick to whole milk since lower-fat options make the batter thinner, ruining the texture of these light pancakes.

Fluffy Pancakes

These soft, delicate pancakes are whipped up with meringue for extra fluff. They jiggle and melt in your mouth with every bite.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Japanese

Yield: 1 Servings (3 pancakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 large eggs (50g each without shells)
02 1 ½ tablespoons whole milk
03 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
04 ¼ cup cake flour
05 ½ teaspoon baking powder
06 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
07 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (for frying)
08 2 tablespoons water (to create steam)
09 ½ cup heavy whipping cream
10 1 ½ tablespoons sugar (for whipped cream)
11 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
12 Fresh fruit (berries)
13 Maple syrup

Instructions

Step 01

Separate yolks from whites and chill the whites in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Step 02

Whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla, and milk until foamy.

Step 03

Sift flour and baking powder into yolk mixture, lightly whisk to combine.

Step 04

Using an electric mixer, beat the cold egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until firm peaks form.

Step 05

Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter in three batches.

Step 06

Preheat a nonstick pan to 300°F. Lightly coat with oil and remove any excess.

Step 07

Spoon batter into the pan in small heaps, layer spoonfuls to form three mounds.

Step 08

Pour water into the pan, cover with a lid, and steam for about 6-7 minutes.

Step 09

Spoon additional batter on top of mounds, cover, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 10

Carefully flip pancakes, add more water, and steam for another 4-5 minutes.

Step 11

Plate the pancakes and serve with whipped cream, fruit, powdered sugar, and syrup.

Notes

  1. Eat immediately for the fluffiest texture.
  2. Keep the heat steady at 300°F for best results.
  3. Steaming keeps the pancakes moist.
  4. Be extra careful when flipping to keep their shape.
  5. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days.
  6. Use whole milk for the right batter consistency.

Tools You'll Need

  • Nonstick frying pan with a lid (12-inch)
  • Mixer (electric)
  • Balloon whisk
  • Small-sized ladle
  • Offset spatula for flipping
  • Digital kitchen scale
  • Cooking thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cream)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 168
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 6 g