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Souffle Pancakes

Featured in Morning Meal Ideas.

These Japanese Souffle Pancakes transform basic pancake ingredients into cloud-like, jiggly treats through precise technique and timing. The recipe relies on perfectly whipped meringue folded with egg yolks, flour, and milk to create their signature height and texture. What makes these pancakes special is the unique cooking method - they're steam-cooked at low heat in two stages, creating their characteristic tall, fluffy appearance. The detailed process requires attention to temperature, timing, and technique, but results in pancakes that are incredibly light and airy with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture unlike traditional flat pancakes.
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Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:15:07 GMT
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Souffle Pancakes | quickierecipe.com

Creating the perfect Japanese souffle pancakes is like mastering a delicate dance between science and art. These cloud-like pancakes transform ordinary breakfast ingredients into pillowy rounds of pure joy, each bite delivering the light, airy texture that made them famous in Japan's trendiest cafes.

The first time I attempted these pancakes, they were a complete disaster - flat and rubbery. After countless attempts and learning the crucial technique of proper meringue folding, I finally achieved that cloud-like texture that makes these pancakes so special.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Egg whites: Must be completely free of yolks for proper whipping
  • Cake flour: Lower protein content creates tender pancakes
  • Lemon juice: Fresh juice stabilizes the meringue
  • Granulated sugar: Adds structure and sweetness
  • Cornstarch: Creates tender texture and stabilizes meringue
  • Milk: Room temperature for smooth incorporation
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor
  • Oil: Light, neutral flavor for cooking

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1:
Perfect Your Meringue: Separate eggs while cold. Bring whites to room temperature. Ensure bowl is completely clean and dry. Add lemon juice before beating. Incorporate sugar gradually. Beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 2:
Create Your Batter: Sift flour and salt together. Fold flour mixture into meringue gently. Add yolks carefully to maintain volume. Mix milk in with minimal strokes. Transfer to piping bag immediately. Work quickly to maintain air bubbles.
Step 3:
Master the Cooking Technique: Preheat pan over low heat. Oil surface very lightly. Pipe batter in tall, vertical stacks. Add water for steam. Cover with lid while cooking. Flip only when bottom is set.
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Easy Souffle Pancakes | quickierecipe.com

When I teach this recipe in my cooking classes, students often worry about the flipping step. I've learned that waiting until the edges are completely set makes flipping much easier - patience is truly the key to perfect souffle pancakes.

Temperature Control

Understanding heat management is essential. Too hot, and the pancakes brown before rising; too cool, and they won't achieve that signature height. The perfect temperature allows for gentle cooking that creates an even rise.

Common Challenges

Most issues stem from three main areas: Meringue consistency, batter handling, and temperature control. Learning to master these elements ensures success.

Timing Is Everything

These pancakes require your full attention: Don't leave them unattended. Watch for visual cues. Follow cooking times precisely. Serve immediately for best results.

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yummy Souffle Pancakes | quickierecipe.com

These souffle pancakes represent the perfect blend of technique and patience. While they require attention to detail, the result is a breakfast that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to measure ingredients by weight?
Precise measurements are crucial for the perfect texture and rise of souffle pancakes.
→ Why do we cook these pancakes in two stages?
Adding batter in two stages helps create more height and ensures even cooking through the center.
→ Why do we add water to the pan?
The steam helps cook the pancakes evenly through the center, similar to a water bath method.
→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?
No, the batter should be used immediately after mixing for best results.
→ What's the secret to tall, fluffy pancakes?
Properly whipped meringue, low cooking temperature, and steam cooking are key to achieving height.

Souffle Pancakes Recipe

Light and airy Japanese-style souffle pancakes with a delicate, jiggly texture. Made with whipped meringue for the perfect cloud-like consistency.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Breakfast

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Japanese

Yield: 2 Servings (4 pancakes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 Egg whites, 65g
02 Egg yolks, 35g
03 Cake flour, 35g
04 Milk, 15g

→ Flavorings & Stabilizers

05 Granulated sugar, 25g
06 Lemon juice, 5g
07 Cornstarch, 5g
08 Salt, 3 pinches

Instructions

Step 01

Weigh all ingredients precisely and have them ready. Sift the cake flour and salt together. Lightly oil your pan with kitchen paper and start preheating it over low heat.

Step 02

Add lemon juice to egg whites and whip until bubbly. Add half the sugar and whip until soft peaks form, then add remaining sugar and whip until stiff peaks form - the tip should stand straight when lifting the whisk.

Step 03

Fold in cornstarch until smooth, then roughly stir in egg yolks until 50% blended. Gently fold in the sifted flour mixture until no dry spots remain. Finally, fold in milk until just combined and immediately transfer to a piping bag.

Step 04

Pipe about half the batter into 4 tall mounds on your preheated pan. Add a half tablespoon of water, cover, and cook for 3 minutes. Add remaining batter on top, add more water drops, cover and cook 4 minutes more. When sides feel dry near bottom, gently flip, add more water, cover and cook final 4 minutes until sides feel dry and bouncy.

Notes

  1. For best results, measure all ingredients by weight with a scale
  2. The pan must be preheated at low heat for proper height
  3. Steam from added water helps cook the centers evenly
  4. Use batter immediately after mixing for best rise

Tools You'll Need

  • Kitchen scale for precise measurements
  • Non-stick pan with lid
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Piping bag or ice cream scoop
  • Rubber spatula

Allergy Information

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

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 8 g