Hey y'all! Get ready for a kitchen adventure—Japanese Soufflé "Jiggly" Pancakes are here to bring you clouds on a plate! These sky-high, ultra-fluffy pancakes are irresistibly soft, lightly sweetened, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want to impress. Once you see their signature jiggle and taste that melt-in-your-mouth texture, there’s no going back. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Each bite is like tasting a soft, sweet cloud—light as air and perfectly tender.
- Impressive presentation makes them ideal for brunch dates or celebrations.
- You only need a handful of pantry staples and basic equipment.
- This recipe is flexible and can be customized with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
- Make them in under 35 minutes—no special culinary skills required!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons (36g) granulated sugar, divided
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon water (for steaming)
- Powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup for serving (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Egg Yolks Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pale.
- Sift flour and baking powder into the yolk mixture and gently whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Step 2: Make the Meringue
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites (add cream of tartar if using) on medium speed until foamy.
- Add sugar gradually (in 3 portions), beating on medium-high until stiff, glossy peaks form—about 4-5 minutes total.
Step 3: Combine and Fold
- Add ⅓ of the meringue into the yolk mixture and gently fold to lighten the batter.
- Carefully fold in the remaining meringue, in two parts, using a spatula—be gentle to preserve the fluffiness!
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Preheat a nonstick frying pan over the lowest heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter.
- Scoop tall mounds of batter onto the pan (use a large ice cream scoop or piping bag for extra height), leaving space between each.
- Add 1 tablespoon water to the pan (away from the pancakes) and quickly cover with a lid to steam.
- Cook for 4 minutes, then gently add a bit more batter on top of each mound for extra height. Cover again and cook another 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and tops look set.
- Using two spatulas, carefully flip each pancake. Add more water if needed and steam + cook, covered, for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Serve immediately, dusted with powdered sugar and your favorite toppings!
Notes
- Room temperature eggs whip up fluffiest—if cold, let sit out for 30 minutes before starting.
- Don’t overmix your batter or the pancakes will lose their signature jiggle and rise.
- Using a ring mold helps create perfectly round, tall pancakes (but is optional).
Variations
- Matcha Japanese Soufflé Pancakes: Add 1 teaspoon matcha powder to the dry ingredients for a green tea twist.
- Chocolate Chip Jiggly Pancakes: Gently fold 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips into the finished batter.
- Lemon Zest Pancakes: Add 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest for a heavenly citrus aroma.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
- Whisk
- Nonstick frying pan with lid
- Spatula
- Ice cream scoop or piping bag (optional for height)
- Ring molds (optional, for extra tall pancakes)
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, as their airy texture may deflate slightly upon storage.
Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- Serve with warm maple syrup, honey, or a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for extra decadence.
- Pair alongside a hot matcha latte or iced coffee for the ultimate café-style treat!
Pro Tips
- Be sure all mixing bowls and whisks are completely clean and dry when making meringue—any fat will inhibit stiff peaks.
- Keep your cooktop on low and be patient; slow cooking ensures the pancakes cook through without browning too quickly.
- Covering the pan and adding water for steam is essential for height and that signature jiggle!
FAQ
Can I make these pancakes without a ring mold?
Absolutely! While ring molds create picture-perfect rounds, simply scooping tall mounds of batter yields delicious results.
Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
If they aren’t fluffy, the meringue may not have reached stiff peaks or was overmixed into the batter—be gentle and patient!
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can double all ingredients; just be sure to whip the meringue in batches for the best results and cook in small batches to avoid crowding the pan.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 16–18 minutes
Total time: 31–33 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cake flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- vegetable oil, for cooking
- powdered sugar and berries, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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1Separate the egg whites and yolks into two different bowls. Beat the egg yolks with milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
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2Sift cake flour and baking powder into the yolk mixture and gently whisk until combined. Do not overmix.
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3In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while beating, until stiff, glossy peaks form.
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4Gently fold one third of the meringue into the yolk mixture to lighten, then carefully fold in the remaining meringue until just combined.
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5Heat a nonstick pan over low heat and lightly oil. Spoon mounds of the batter onto the pan, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Carefully flip with a spatula.
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6Serve immediately with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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