Soufflé pancakes are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, offering a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. These Japanese-style pancakes are known for their sky-high fluffiness and delicate sweetness, making them perfect for an indulgent breakfast or brunch.
Unlike regular pancakes, soufflé pancakes rely on whipped egg whites to create their signature cloud-like texture. The batter is carefully folded to maintain airiness, resulting in a soft, jiggly pancake that feels almost like eating a sweet, pillowy cloud. Whether topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup, these pancakes are a showstopper that will impress anyone at the breakfast table.
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter
- 2 large eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup milk (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
For Cooking
- Butter or oil (for greasing the pan)
- 2 tablespoons water (for steaming)
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Yolks
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, then mix until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
- In a separate clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy.
- Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. The meringue should hold its shape when lifted.
Step 3: Fold the Batter
- Gently fold one-third of the meringue into the egg yolk mixture to lighten it.
- Carefully fold in the remaining meringue in two more additions, using a spatula and a gentle motion to keep the batter airy.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop mounds of batter onto the skillet, stacking them slightly for height.
- Add a few drops of water to the skillet (away from the pancakes) and cover with a lid to create steam.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
- Carefully flip the pancakes using a spatula.
- Add another tablespoon of water to the skillet, cover, and cook for another 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer the pancakes to a plate and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for an extra indulgent touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like experience.
- Enjoy with a side of crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal.
These DIY soufflé pancakes are light, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, they bring a touch of elegance to your morning routine. Enjoy! 🍽️🥞