How Pancakes are Made in 11 Countries

How Pancakes are Made in 11 Countries is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 2. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Epicurious on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 17 min | Cook: 26 min | Total: 2 hrs 58 min

Cost: $25.11 total, $12.56 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 0.125 teaspoon Salt (pinch)
  • 0.75 cup Whole Milk
  • 2 large Egg Yolks
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 large Egg Whites
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for pan)
  • 2 tablespoons Caramel Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 medium Banana (peeled and sliced)
  • 2 scoops Red Bean Ice Cream (Japanese sweet red bean (anko) ice cream)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a separate bowl combine whole milk, the two egg yolks, and lemon juice. Whisk briefly until just blended.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Combine Wet and Dry

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula just until no dry flour remains. Do not overmix.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Make Stiff‑Peak Meringue

    Using an electric mixer or a clean whisk, beat the two egg whites on medium speed, adding a pinch of salt if desired, until stiff peaks form and the whites hold their shape.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Fold Meringue Into Batter

    Gently fold the meringue into the pancake batter using a spatula, turning the bowl over and over until just incorporated. Stop as soon as the mixture looks uniform.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Chill Batter

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the batter rest and the leavening react.

    Time: PT2H

  7. Preheat Oven and Pan

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Meanwhile, heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil, swirling to coat the surface.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 400°F

  8. Bake First Side

    Spoon half of the chilled batter into the hot skillet, forming a thick pancake (about 1‑inch high). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 6 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Flip and Finish Baking

    Using a spatula, carefully flip the pancake and return the skillet to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the second side is golden and the pancake feels springy.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  10. Plate and Add Toppings

    Slide the cooked pancake onto a serving plate. Drizzle caramel sauce, arrange banana slices, and top with two scoops of red bean ice cream. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
420
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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How Pancakes are Made in 11 Countries

Recipe by Epicurious

Fluffy, tall Japanese soufflé pancakes baked in the oven for a crisp edge, served with caramel sauce, sliced banana, and red bean ice cream. The batter is lightened with a folded meringue and chilled for extra rise.

MediumJapaneseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 32m
Prep
11m
Cook
20m
Cleanup
3h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$25.11
Total cost
$12.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients.
  • Beat egg whites to stiff peaks without over‑beating.
  • Fold the meringue gently to keep air in the batter.
  • Chill the batter for at least 2 hours for optimal rise.
  • Flip the pancake carefully in the hot skillet.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not overbeat egg whites; they can become grainy and collapse.
  • Lemon juice can cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Japanese Soufflé Pancake in Japanese cuisine?

A

Japanese soufflé pancakes, known as "soufflé pancakes" or "fluffy pancakes," originated in modern Japanese cafés and have become a popular Instagram‑worthy breakfast item, reflecting Japan’s love for airy textures and playful plating.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Japanese Soufflé Pancake in Japanese cuisine?

A

While the classic version uses a meringue‑lightened batter, some regions add matcha powder, sweet red bean paste, or yuzu zest for local flavor twists, and specialty cafés often serve them with seasonal fruit.

cultural
Q

How is Japanese Soufflé Pancake traditionally served in Japan?

A

In Japan, they are typically stacked, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with syrup or caramel, and accompanied by fresh fruit and sometimes a scoop of soft‑serve ice cream, emphasizing a delicate balance of sweet and airy.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Japanese Soufflé Pancake traditionally associated with in Japanese culture?

A

These pancakes are popular for weekend brunches, café outings, and special occasions like birthdays or Valentine’s Day, where their visual appeal makes them a celebratory treat.

cultural
Q

How does Japanese Soufflé Pancake fit into the broader Japanese breakfast tradition?

A

Japanese breakfasts often feature light, balanced dishes; the soufflé pancake adds a sweet, indulgent option that complements traditional items like miso soup, grilled fish, and rice, showing the blend of Western influence with Japanese aesthetics.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Japanese Soufflé Pancake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include all‑purpose flour, eggs, milk, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and lemon juice to activate the soda. Substitutes can be cake flour for a finer crumb, buttermilk for extra tang, or a plant‑based milk for dairy‑free versions.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with Japanese Soufflé Pancake?

A

Pair the pancakes with matcha‑flavored desserts, sweet red bean paste, or a side of lightly salted soy‑caramel sauce. A cup of Japanese green tea or a milky latte balances the sweetness.

cultural
Q

What makes Japanese Soufflé Pancake special or unique in Japanese cuisine?

A

The use of folded meringue creates an ultra‑light, cloud‑like texture that is rare in traditional Japanese cooking, highlighting the country’s fascination with airy, delicate foods and meticulous technique.

cultural
Q

Why does this Japanese Soufflé Pancake recipe use lemon juice to activate baking soda?

A

Lemon juice provides the acid needed for baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, which helps the pancake rise quickly and contributes to the light, fluffy interior.

technical
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Japanese Soufflé Pancake at home?

A

Common errors include overmixing the batter, over‑beating the egg whites, and flipping the pancake too early. Each of these can deflate the air bubbles, resulting in a dense pancake.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Epicurious specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Epicurious specializes in high‑quality, test‑kitchen style cooking videos that explore classic techniques, modern twists, and detailed ingredient science for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Epicurious's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?

A

Epicurious blends rigorous culinary science with approachable storytelling, often testing multiple variations and providing precise measurements, whereas many Japanese‑focused channels emphasize tradition and visual aesthetics over detailed technique analysis.

channel

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