Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

Light and tender, these Japanese pancakes are all about whipped meringue and slow cooking. Follow the steps to get beautifully fluffy results every time.

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 10:35:20 GMT
A stack of soft, fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, served with raspberries, blueberries, mint, and strawberries. Pin it
A stack of soft, fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, served with raspberries, blueberries, mint, and strawberries. | tasteofsavor.com

The first time I tried these fluffy pancakes in Japan, I was hooked. After lots of testing back home, I finally got them to come out super soft and wobbly, just how I remembered. They take longer than your usual pancakes, but it’s so much fun watching them rise up nice and tall. Every time I make these, folks are shocked they didn’t come from a fancy café.

Why They're Awesome

You get that unreal fluff by folding beat-to-perfection egg whites into the mix. I whip these up on lazy weekends when I wanna slow down and just enjoy breakfast. Every forkful is a treat, especially when there’s cream and fresh fruit piled on top.

Shopping List

  • Toppings: All your yummiest and prettiest favorites go here.
  • Water: Makes things steamy and light.
  • Neutral Oil: Just a little to grease your cooking pan.
  • Baking Powder: Another boost for that sky-high fluff.
  • Vanilla Extract: Kicks the flavor up a notch.
  • Sugar: Sweetens everything up perfectly.
  • Whole Milk: Delivers a richer bite.
  • Cake Flour: Handles that soft texture.
  • Eggs: Fresh as possible for extra lift.

Making Pancake Magic

Flip and Finish:
Flip them super carefully so they stay nice and tall, then let them finish getting their perfect jiggle.
Preheat and Cook:
Your pan should be at a gentle low heat, batter stacked high, and let steam work its wonders.
Prepare the Batter:
Separate those eggs first, whip the whites just right, and fold 'em into your mix really gently.

My Top Pancake Tricks

If everything’s at room temp, your batter acts way better. Slow down with those egg whites; they’re what gives your pancakes their crazy soft feel. And cooking on low heat is the real secret here.

Ways to Make Them Shine

I like to stack mine high with a pile of whipped cream and the tastiest berries I find. If I’m feeling fancy, a warm cup of matcha on the side sets the mood. Some chocolate sauce on top and you’ve got a killer dessert too.

Easy Swaps and Twists

Swap a bit of matcha powder into your batter for a green tea version. Add fresh mango or slice up some summer peaches for other topping ideas. One time I poured dark sugar syrup all over, and it took things straight to Japan.

Need-to-Know Answers

These are at their best fresh out of the skillet, but you can stash them in the fridge a couple days. Just warm ’em gently in a pan to bring them back. Don’t skip making those egg whites super stiff, and always cook low and slow for the ultimate fluff.

A tall stack of pancakes with powdered sugar and fresh berries on top, set on a plate next to coffee and a leafy sprig. Pin it
A tall stack of pancakes with powdered sugar and fresh berries on top, set on a plate next to coffee and a leafy sprig. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why don't my pancakes stay fluffy?

Make sure your meringue is whipped just right—not too soft or stiff. Also, cook them fully to hold their shape.

→ How long can I store them?

They're best fresh. If needed, refrigerate leftovers for 1-2 days, but the fluffiness will fade.

→ Should I really freeze egg whites?

Partially freezing stabilizes the meringue better, helping your pancakes stay tall and fluffy.

→ What’s the trick for great results?

Use low heat (around 300°F), keep the process slow, and steam them lightly while cooking to prevent drying out.

→ Can I replace whole milk with skim milk?

Stick with whole milk. Skim milk thins the batter too much, ruining the unique texture.

Fluffy Pancakes

These delicate, airy pancakes are like edible clouds, made with meringue for maximum fluffiness. Light, bouncy, and downright delicious.

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

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Japanese

Yield: 1 Servings (3 pancakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Fresh berries for topping.
02 Maple syrup for serving.
03 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped.
04 1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
05 1½ tablespoons sugar.
06 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for the pan).
07 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.
08 1½ tablespoons full-fat milk.
09 2 tablespoons water to steam.
10 2 large eggs, each weighing about 50g (sans shell).
11 1/4 cup cake flour.
12 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Pop the whites in the freezer for 15 minutes, separate from the yolks.

Step 02

Whisk yolks with milk and vanilla until bubbly and smooth.

Step 03

Add sifted cake flour and baking powder to the yolk mixture, stir gently.

Step 04

Beat chilled whites until foamy. Slowly pour in sugar, whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 05

Fold the egg white foam bit by bit into your yolk batter.

Step 06

Preheat the pan to 300°F, brush with oil, then lightly wipe the extra off.

Step 07

Use a ladle to scoop batter into three tiny mounds, layering as you go.

Step 08

Pour water into the pan, cover, and cook for 6–7 minutes.

Step 09

Put one more spoon of batter on each and cook another 2 minutes, lid on.

Step 10

Carefully turn the pancakes over, add some water again, and cook for 4 or 5 minutes.

Step 11

Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and maple syrup before serving.

Notes

  1. Make them fresh to enjoy the best texture.
  2. Keep it steady at 300°F all the way through.
  3. Adding steam keeps the pancakes moist.
  4. Handle them as delicately as possible.
  5. They’ll keep for 2 days in the fridge, tops.
  6. Stick to whole milk for the right thickness.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 12-inch frying pan with cover.
  • Mixer (electric preferred).
  • Hand whisk for mixing.
  • Small ladle or scoop.
  • Offset spatula for flipping.
  • A kitchen scale for accuracy.
  • Thermometer to check pan heat.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk and cream contain dairy.
  • Egg content.
  • Contains wheat from the 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