Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cake flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Meringue
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Toppings
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh fruits, for garnish
Instructions
- Separate eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites and yolks into two medium mixing bowls, ensuring no yolk mixes with the whites. Set egg yolks aside.
- Beat egg whites: Add cream of tartar to the egg whites. Using an electric hand mixer at low-medium speed, beat until the whites become frothy like cappuccino foam.
- Beat until stiff peaks: Gradually add sugar to the whites in two additions, mixing between each. Increase mixer speed to medium-high and beat until stiff peaks form, meaning the meringue stands upright and tips curl slightly.
- Prepare egg yolk mixture: To the yolks, add milk and vanilla extract and mix to combine. Sift cake flour and baking powder into the yolk mixture and stir until smooth with no lumps.
- Fold meringue into yolk batter: Gently fold half of the meringue into the yolk mixture using a spatula until just combined. Fold in the remaining meringue carefully, avoiding overmixing to keep the batter airy.
- Heat pan: Preheat a large pan over low-medium heat. Lightly oil the pan using a folded paper towel to spread and remove excess oil. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles on contact.
- Scoop batter: Using a 1/4 cup scooper, add a scoop of batter to the pan and then another scoop directly on top to create thickness. Repeat for a second pancake. Cover pan and cook for about 1 minute.
- Build and cook: Remove lid and add a third scoop of batter on top of each pancake, increasing their height. Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes more to set the batter.
- Flip pancakes: When a spatula can slide underneath cleanly without sticking, gently flip each pancake by rolling them off the spatula. Cover and cook 3–4 minutes more until fully cooked through and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer pancakes to plates. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh fruits and maple syrup. Serve immediately to enjoy their fluffy texture before they deflate.
Notes
- Be careful to not overmix when folding the meringue, as it will deflate the batter reducing fluffiness.
- Use low-medium heat to prevent the pancakes from burning before cooking through.
- Covering the pan traps steam that helps the pancakes rise and cook evenly.
- Serve immediately after cooking, as these pancakes lose their soufflé texture over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian