Japanese Pancakes

Fluff up your brunch with pancakes that taste as heavenly as they look.

Table of Contents

On some mornings, typical American pancakes just don’t cut it for me. Luckily, there are many different kinds of pancakes from all around the world, each with its own unique signature. When the desire for a fluffy brunch hits, satisfy it with sweet Japanese pancakes—an extraordinary breakfast dish.

The egg whites in this recipe help shape these cloud-like cakes, which pair with a range of spreads and toppings. These pancakes are so scrumptious, you might feel like you’re eating dessert for breakfast! Also known as soufflé pancakes, these sweet Japanese pancakes are light and airy yet totally filling.

Whether you serve them with savory sides or equally sweet dishes, these pancakes are sure to satisfy. From a family-friendly weekend breakfast to brunch with friends, Japanese pancakes can take any culinary experience to the next level.

Are Japanese Pancakes Healthy?

While not the most nutrient-packed dish out there, Japanese pancakes do contain a small amount of protein from the eggs in this dish. You can boost protein levels further by spreading your cakes with nut or seed butter. For gluten-free diets, I recommend using a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. And if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, simply opt for plant-based milk and vegan butter. I personally find that oat or cashew milk work best as a creamy option for a dairy substitute.

Sweet Japanese Pancakes Vs. Salty Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is another type of Japanese pancake, though it’s a savory variety and is made from eggs, flour, cabbage, and dashi stock. It can be enjoyed for almost any meal with a side of mayo, soy sauce, or another salty or spicy dip. In contrast, sweet Japanese pancakes, like the ones in this recipe, are fluffy and cake-like, best for brunch or breakfast.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Once cooled, Japanese pancakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To heat them up, pop them in the oven at 200°F for 5-10 minutes. I generally don’t recommend freezing these pancakes, because they don’t thaw well, so be sure to enjoy your leftovers as soon as possible.

How Do I Keep Japanese Pancakes Light And Fluffy?

With this recipe, the key is to beat the egg whites thoroughly in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Then, while folding them into the batter, be careful not to over-stir—this will cause the batter to lose air bubbles and will result in a chewy, flat pancake.

What Happens When You Whip Egg Whites?

When egg whites are whipped, the mixture becomes full of air bubbles and expands. The process also helps to uncoil protein molecules, which then bond together and help trap the air bubbles inside the mixture. This causes the egg whites to stand up in stiff peaks after being beaten in the mixer for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Jazz up these Japanese pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup, agave, or honey. Top this dish with any of your favorite add-ons—like blueberries, freshly sliced banana, Chocolate-Covered Raspberries, Cinnamon Apples, or Strawberry Chia Jam. Elevate your brunch experience even more by pairing these pancakes with savory Breakfast Sausage or Hashbrown Casserole. Top it off with a Coffee Smoothie or Iced Matcha Latte, and you’ll be ready to start your day.