Sky-High Japanese Fluffy Souffle Pancakes with Whipped Butter & Maple Syrup

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites (chilled cold from the fridge)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar (divided)
• 1/4 cup (35g) cake flour or all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp whole milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (or 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice to stabilize meringue)
• 2 tbsp water (for skillet steam cooking)
• Unsalted butter for the skillet
• Powdered sugar, salted whipped butter, and pure maple syrup for serving

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 2 egg yolks, whole milk, and vanilla extract until pale. Sift in the flour and baking powder, whisking gently just until combined into a thick, smooth batter. Do not overmix.
2. 2
   Step 2: In a separate clean, grease-free glass or metal bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with cream of tartar using an electric hand mixer on medium speed until foamy.
3. 3
   Step 3: Gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while whipping on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form that stand straight when beaters are lifted.
4. 4
   Step 4: Add 1/3 of the whipped meringue into the yolk batter, folding gently with a silicone spatula to lighten. Gently fold in the remaining meringue in two additions using wide sweeping strokes from bottom to top until just combined, being careful not to deflate the delicate air bubbles.
5. 5
   Step 5: Heat a large non-stick lidded skillet over lowest heat setting. Lightly wipe the pan with buttered paper towel.
6. 6
   Step 6: Scoop tall mounds of batter onto the pan (use an ice cream scoop for 3 pancakes). Add 1 teaspoon of water around the empty edges of the pan, cover tightly with the lid, and steam-cook on low for 4 to 5 minutes.
7. 7
   Step 7: Lift the lid and add a second scoop of batter directly on top of each pancake to build height. Add another teaspoon of water, cover, and steam for 3 more minutes.
8. 8
   Step 8: Carefully flip each pancake with an offset spatula. Add a few drops of water, cover, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until golden and springy. Transfer immediately to warm plates, top with whipped butter, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)