DIY Soufflé Pancakes 🥞 – Fluffy, Cloud-Like & Irresistible!
If you’ve ever dreamed of eating clouds for breakfast, soufflé pancakes come pretty close. These Japanese-style pancakes are known for their jiggly, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sky-high fluff. Unlike regular pancakes, they’re thick, light, and delicately sweet—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a slow morning. Let’s dive into this easy DIY recipe that brings the café experience right to your kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3):
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2 large eggs 🥚🥚 (separated into yolks and whites)
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3 tablespoons white sugar
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 cup milk 🥛 (room temperature works best)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Butter or oil, for greasing the pan
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Optional: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit 🍓🍯 for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Separate the Eggs
Begin by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. Place the whites in a clean, dry bowl (preferably metal or glass), and the yolks in a separate mixing bowl. It’s important that no yolk gets into the whites—this can prevent them from whipping properly.
📝 Tip: Cold eggs separate more easily, but room temperature egg whites whip better. You can separate them straight from the fridge, then let the whites sit for a few minutes.
2. Mix the Yolk Batter
To the egg yolks, add your milk and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy. Then sift in the flour and baking powder to avoid lumps, and whisk again until the batter is smooth and thick. This forms the rich base of your pancakes.
3. Make the Meringue
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed. Once they start to foam, slowly add in the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form—this means the meringue will hold a sharp tip when you lift the whisk.
📝 Tip: Don’t overbeat or underbeat your meringue! Overbeaten whites can become dry and clumpy; underbeaten whites won’t give the pancakes enough lift.
4. Fold the Meringue Into the Batter
Start by adding one-third of the meringue into the yolk batter and gently mix to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the rest of the meringue in two more additions. Use a spatula and a gentle folding motion—cutting through the middle and sweeping around the sides—to keep the batter airy.
🧁 Think of folding like whispering to your batter. You want to keep all that fluff intact!
5. Cook the Pancakes – Low and Slow
Heat a non-stick skillet over very low heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, drop mounds of batter onto the skillet. Pile them high—don’t worry about making them perfect circles.
Add a few drops of water to the skillet (away from the pancakes) and quickly cover with a lid. This helps steam the pancakes, making them cook through without deflating.
Let them cook for about 4–5 minutes on the first side. Carefully lift the lid and flip each pancake gently using a spatula (or two if needed). Cover again and cook for another 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
🕯️ Patience is key here. Rushing the cooking process will result in flat, undercooked pancakes.
6. Serve Immediately – and Make It Fancy!
These dreamy pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a heap of berries—whatever makes your heart happy.
They may jiggle like a soufflé, but they hold their shape long enough for photos… if you can wait that long!
Final Thoughts & Tips
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Can I make them ahead? Soufflé pancakes are best eaten fresh, but you can prep your batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to an hour before cooking.
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Why did my pancakes deflate? This usually happens if the meringue wasn’t folded gently or if the pancakes were flipped too soon or cooked too fast. Try lowering the heat and giving them more time to set.
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Add-ins? You can mix in a tiny bit of lemon zest, matcha powder, or cocoa powder to the yolk batter for flavor variations!
📌 Save this Recipe!
Whether you’re cooking for brunch guests or just want a cozy solo treat, these soufflé pancakes are a surefire way to add a little joy to your morning. Light, fluffy, and totally Instagram-worthy—give them a try and let me know how it goes!
