These jiggly Japanese pancakes are a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare, known for their incredibly fluffy texture and melt-in-your-mouth feel. With their sky-high rise and soufflé-like interior, they make mornings feel magical. A gentle wobble with every forkful turns even the simplest breakfast into an experience.

Unlike your average pancake, these are thick, airy, and almost cake-like—achieved by whipping egg whites to soft peaks and folding them delicately into a rich yolk batter. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, and a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle of syrup, they are every bit as indulgent as they look.
Why You’ll Love This Jiggly Japanese Pancakes Recipe
These pancakes are perfect for brunch, special breakfasts, or simply to treat yourself. The texture is the star—light as air but rich in flavor. They’re a conversation starter and photograph beautifully, making them a hit with guests or on social media.
The ingredients are simple, and the cooking method, while a little different, is easy to master. Once you get the hang of the folding and low-heat cooking, you’ll want to make these again and again.
What Makes These Pancakes So Fluffy and Jiggly?
The secret lies in the meringue. By separating the eggs and beating the whites into soft peaks, you introduce air that lifts the batter and gives the pancakes their characteristic jiggle. Cooking them low and slow in ring molds also helps maintain their height while ensuring they’re cooked through without browning too fast.
Ingredients for the Jiggly Japanese Pancakes
Creating the ultimate fluffy pancake relies on a careful balance of ingredients:
- Eggs – The foundation. Yolks enrich the batter, while the whipped whites create lift and structure.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides body to the pancake without making it dense.
- Baking Powder – Adds extra puff and ensures even rising.
- Whole Milk – Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and stabilizes the egg whites.
- Vanilla Extract – For subtle, sweet aroma.
- Lemon Juice or Cream of Tartar – Helps stabilize the egg whites during whipping.
- Butter or Oil for Cooking – Prevents sticking and gives a gentle golden finish.
How To Make the Jiggly Japanese Pancakes
Step 1: Separate and Prepare
Separate egg yolks and whites into different bowls. Beat the yolks with milk and vanilla extract until combined. Sift in flour and baking powder, then mix until smooth.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
Using a hand mixer, whip the egg whites with lemon juice or cream of tartar. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. The meringue should hold shape but still look glossy.
Step 3: Fold with Care
Gently fold the meringue into the yolk batter in thirds. Use a spatula and a light hand to maintain the airiness.
Step 4: Heat and Mold
Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat and grease ring molds well. Place molds on the skillet and spoon the batter into them, filling about 3/4 full.
Step 5: Steam Cook
Add a splash of water to the skillet and cover with a lid to create steam. Cook slowly for 4-5 minutes on each side. They should rise and jiggle but be cooked through.
Step 6: Serve
Carefully remove the pancakes from the molds. Serve immediately with powdered sugar, whipped cream, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Serving and Storing Jiggly Japanese Pancakes
These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the pan while they’re warm and jiggly. They serve 2 to 3 people, depending on size, and are perfect for a weekend brunch or a special morning treat.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. However, they will lose some of their jiggle.
What to Serve With Jiggly Japanese Pancakes?
Fresh Berries
Add raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for natural sweetness and color contrast.
Whipped Cream
Light and fluffy, it complements the texture perfectly.
Maple Syrup or Honey
Classic toppings that enhance the pancake’s mild sweetness.
Yogurt and Granola
For a more balanced brunch, add a scoop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
Scrambled Eggs
Serve savory on the side for a contrast to the sweetness.
Bacon or Sausage
A salty-sweet combo that always wins.
Matcha Cream
A Japanese twist that pairs beautifully with the vanilla notes.
Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?
If these jiggly Japanese pancakes made your morning special, you might love exploring these creative recipes too:
- Nutella French Toast Casserole for a gooey, chocolatey bite.
- Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole for a hearty, comforting classic.
- Fluffy Pancakes if you prefer traditional American-style pancakes.
- Avocado Bacon and Egg Toasts for a savory breakfast option.
- Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast if you’re planning ahead for brunch.
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And if you gave these pancakes a try, leave a comment below! Did you stack them sky-high or go single-layer elegance? Try adding matcha or chocolate chips?
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Jiggly Japanese Pancakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 pancakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day with an unforgettable breakfast experience—these Jiggly Japanese Pancakes are light, airy, and irresistibly fluffy. With their soufflé-like texture and gentle jiggle, they’re a fun and delicious twist on classic pancakes. Perfect for a quick breakfast, special brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner treat, they combine simplicity with a wow-factor that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re searching for breakfast ideas, easy recipes, or food ideas that stand out, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
3 large eggs
30 ml whole milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
40 g all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp lemon juice or 1/8 tsp cream of tartar
40 g granulated sugar
Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
1. Separate egg yolks and whites into two bowls.
2. Whisk the yolks with milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Sift flour and baking powder into the yolk mixture and mix until no lumps remain.
4. In a separate bowl, add lemon juice or cream of tartar to the egg whites and beat with a hand mixer.
5. Gradually add sugar to the egg whites and whip to soft peaks.
6. Gently fold the whipped whites into the yolk batter in three additions.
7. Heat a non-stick pan over low heat and grease your ring molds.
8. Place the molds on the pan and fill each 3/4 full with batter.
9. Add a few drops of water to the pan and cover with a lid to steam.
10. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
11. Gently remove from molds and serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
Use ring molds for the best height and shape. Grease them well to prevent sticking.
Whip the egg whites to *just* soft peaks—overbeating will make folding tricky and affect the fluffiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
