If you’re looking for a unique twist on your typical breakfast, look no further than Japanese pancakes. Known for their pillowy texture and impressive height, these pancakes are unlike any you’ve had before. Fluffier and thicker than traditional pancakes, they create a decadent breakfast experience that’s perfect for a special morning treat or brunch.
The magic behind Japanese pancakes lies in their batter and cooking technique. Unlike regular pancake batter, the Japanese version uses whipped egg whites to create a light, airy texture. The batter is gently folded together to preserve the air pockets, giving these pancakes their signature fluffy structure. The result is a stack of pancakes that are thick, soft, and cloud-like, every bite feels like a little bite of heaven.
Typically, these pancakes are cooked on a griddle or non-stick pan over low heat, allowing them to cook slowly and evenly. You can even use pancake molds to achieve that signature round, towering shape. The slow cooking process ensures that the pancakes are cooked through while still maintaining their airy fluffiness. When done correctly, these pancakes have a beautifully golden-brown exterior while remaining light and fluffy on the inside.
Japanese pancakes are best enjoyed with a simple drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh fruits like berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also make for perfect toppings. For those looking for a more indulgent twist, you can even top them with chocolate sauce or matcha cream to bring a Japanese-inspired flavor.
Perfect for a weekend brunch or a treat to share with friends and family, Japanese pancakes take the traditional breakfast dish to new heights, literally. Their light, airy texture and the ability to customize toppings make them a fun, memorable dish to enjoy.

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg large
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease with vegetable oil.
- Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour the pancake batter onto the skillet.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve the pancakes warm with maple syrup, fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Very easy to make, but be careful not to overmix! I did and they didn’t rise much. Still tasty tho.
Thanks for the tip! I was thinking of trying these this weekend. How can you tell when not to overmix?
How come u got to use baking soda and baking powder? Isn’t that too much? Hmmm. 🤔
My pancakes were a gooey mess. I followed the recipe, but maybe I overmixed it? Not great.
Soo good! I made them with almond milk and they were still fantastic!
I’m glad you loved them! Almond milk is a great substitute. Did you add anything extra like fruit or nuts?
Sounds weird… Pancakes without regular milk? How can that be so good? I might need to try it, but I’ll stick to cow’s milk for now.
I don’t know why there’s baking soda AND baking powder? Just pick one! Anyway, they tasted okay.
Baking soda + baking powder makes fluffier pancakes! It’s science! 🤓
I don’t know why everyone loves these. Mine turned out flat and kinda soggy. Not impressed.
Japanese pancakes? I thought pancakes were American! But I tried this recipe and now I’m confused. So good!
I dunno. They didn’t turn out like I expected. Mine were kinda flat. Maybe I did it wrong?
Pancakes
These look amazing! I love pancakes, especially fluffy ones like this. Can’t wait to try it!
Just made these for breakfast and my kids loved them! They said it’s better than the store bought ones! So easy to make too!
Pancakes. 😍
I followed the recipe but my pancakes were flat and greasy. What did I do wrong? Maybe the temperature was too high? Not sure I’ll try again.
These pancakes are amazing! Fluffy and delicious. Will make them again for sure!
How much is a cup? I rarely bake, can someone tell me in grams? Also, I forgot the sugar and it still tasted fine.
My kids loved these! Thanks for the easy recipe.
Yummy! A little too sweet though. Next time I’ll cut back on the sugar.
Mm, so good! I’ll be serving these at my dinner party! Everyone will love them!
Couldn’t figure out what 1/4 cup meant… so I just eyeballed it. Came out fine, I guess!
Why is everyone making such a big deal about these pancakes? They’re just regular pancakes! 🥞
Honestly, I was skeptical at first. But they turned out even better than I thought! So good!
I followed it step by step, but it didn’t turn out like in the picture. Disappointed.
Pancakes aren’t supposed to be Japanese! What’s the deal with that?
These pancakes turned out amazing! So fluffy and delicious. I topped mine with strawberries and whipped cream. Will definitely make again!
Fluffy!!! Fluffier than any pancake I ever made! I’m in love with this recipe!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I tried this recipe and they turned out pretty good! Not as fluffy as I hoped, but still tasty. I added some blueberries too. 🥞❤️
No way these are Japanese pancakes! Where’s the soufflé style? Disappointed.
These are actually fluffy, but I get your point. Soufflé style is different! Trying it next time for sure.
Nah, man, these ain’t the real deal. They look flat! I ain’t making this again.
Why do you need baking soda AND baking powder? Seems excessive.
Baking soda helps with browning and fluffiness. Both have their own role in baking!
I don’t get it either! Just use one or the other, right? Seems complicated.
I don’t believe these are real Japanese pancakes. The ones I’ve seen are WAY fluffier. Maybe I just misunderstood the recipe…
Easy peasy recipe! I added chocolate chips and they were a hit at the brunch!
Yum! Chocolate chips sound like a great idea! I’ll try that next time. Thanks for sharing!
These are super fluffy! I added chocolate chips and they were a hit with my kids. Definitely making again!
Why on earth do you need vanilla in pancakes? They should taste like pancakes, not cake.
These pancakes are amazing! So fluffy and delicious. I added some blueberries for an extra twist.
Yum! So good! I added chocolate chips and they were gone in minutes!
I’m not sure what I did wrong, but mine came out flat and chewy. 😕
Just what I needed for a Sunday morning. So light and fluffy! ❤️
Yummy!
These pancakes were fluffy and delicious! My kids loved them. Will definitely make again!
Simple and tasty! Perfect for a Sunday breakfast. Thanks for sharing!