Japanese Fluffy Pancakes: soufflé pancakes taste lighter than air

What are Japanese fluffy pancakes?

Japanese fluffy pancakes (a.k.a. fluffy Japanese pancakes, Japanese soufflé pancakes, soufflé pancakes, cloud pancakes, fluffy pancakes, or fuwa fuwa pancakes) are a variation of pancakes that are extremely soft and fluffy—sort of like a cross between a super puffy marshmallow after it has been heated and expands, and an airy angel food cake.

These airy, yet blubbery breakfast pancakes were popularized by Gram Cafe & Pancake which opened its first location in Osaka, Japan in April 2014. Now they are available in Gram Cafe & Pancake’s 50+ restaurants and other establishments all over Asia, Europe and the US.

What do Japanese soufflé pancakes taste like?

These Japanese fluffy pancakes have a fairly neutral flavor that is taken over by the toppings (e.g. butter, maple syrup, fruits, chocolate syrup, etc.) that are used. Because it is largely made with eggs (it is a soufflé), you may wonder, “Does it taste eggy?” Yes, the pancakes themselves have a mild eggy flavor, but again, it is mostly masked by the syrup and other toppings.

However, the exceptionally soft texture is the main feature. This cloud-like texture is known as “fuwa fuwa” in Japanese. Given their light structure and low density, Japanese pancakes are naturally—and amusingly—bouncy, jiggly, wobbly, wiggly…

How do they compare with other pancakes?

Japanese soufflé pancakes are thicker and smaller in diameter than traditional American and European pancakes, or Japanese rice cooker hotcakes.

american pancakes vs. japanese rice cooker pancakes — *American pancakes (left) and Japanese rice cooker pancake (right)*

Also, they are not to be confused with savory Japanese pancakes known as okonomiyaki, azuki red bean paste-filled pancakes which are called dorayaki, or azuki red bean paste-filled fish-shaped pancakes called taiyaki.

types of Japanese pancakes - okonomiyaki dorayaki taiyaki — *okonomiyaki (left), dorayaki (center) and taiyaki (right)*

Where can I get them?

Naturally, the best place to get fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes is in Japan. Some of the most popular places include Gram Cafe & Pancakes, Mee’s Pancake, House Made Pancake and Flippers. If you happen to be in Japan, make sure to arrive early because some of these places only sell these soufflé pancakes in limited amounts.

As of 2018, a few locations in the US have started creating their own renditions of these incredibly light and spongy pancakes. The fast-growing Japanese chain, Flippers, actually opened its first US location in New York in 2019. If you’re looking to enjoy a meal that feels like you’re eating a cloud, but can’t make it to Japan, check out this interactive map to view locations where you can taste these unique Japanese-style pancakes for yourself…

How can I make them?

If there’s no way you can make it out to any of the locations that serve Japanese-style pancakes, or you just want to try your hand at making them, here’s a recipe you can try at home. This relatively quick recipe is the absolute easiest way to make these airy pancakes.

Japanese soufflé pancakes

Unbelievably soft and fluffy Japanese pancakes

Ingredients

1 cup souffle pancake mix (use Pioneer Planning souffle pancake mix, or Morinaga Hotcake Mix)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Japanese mayonaise
1/4 tablespoon vanilla extract
syrup (to taste; optional)
butter (to taste; optional)
whipped cream (to taste; optional)
non-stick oil spray

Instructions

First, combine the egg, milk and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk until an even consistency is reached.
In a separate bowl, slowly pour in the souffle pancake mix (so it’s not tightly packed). Then slowly cover with the egg and milk mix. Carefully combine the ingredients with a spoon and add the mayonnaise. Continue to mix gently until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a batter.
Spray the inside of the rings and the frying pan. Place the pan on low heat. Arrange the rings next to each other in the center of the pan.
Pour even amounts of the batter inside the rings and let it cook for 10-15 minutes (until golden brown on the bottom).
Then flip the rings with a spatula and allow to cook 10 more mins (or until golden brown on the other side).
Use a toothpick to make sure the batter is cooked through the pancake. If the toothpick comes out dry, it’s cooked. If it is wet with batter, place the pancakes back over low heat until cooked through.
Serve with butter, syrup and whipped cream. Enjoy!

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Kristina Reynolds

Kristina Reynolds is the Founder & CEO of Glutto and an alumna of the University of California, San Diego. She writes articles & posts for Glutto Digest with insights from fellow industry experts. Furthermore, she is the author of The Fittest Food Lovers: How EVERY BODY Can be Incredibly Fit and Still Enjoy Food, a collaborative philanthropic book with proceeds going to charities that fight world hunger.