How to Make Extra Thick and Fluffy Japanese Style Pancakes in 10 Steps

Have you ever craved a breakfast that feels like a warm hug? Well, let me introduce you to the world of Thick Pancakes with my delightful recipe for Extra Thick and Fluffy Japanese Style Pancakes! These pancakes are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a feast for the eyes too! Perfect for a special breakfast or a cozy brunch with family, these fluffy delights will make your mornings feel extra special. And if you’re looking for easy pasta recipes for dinner, I’ve got you covered there too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistibly fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
  • Perfect for a weeknight dinner idea or a lazy Sunday brunch.
  • Customizable toppings to suit every taste.
  • Impressive enough to serve guests, yet easy enough for a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

To whip up these delightful pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup self-raising flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (to make up 1 cup with the egg)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
  • Butter (for serving, along with maple syrup, ice cream, or your favorite toppings)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these fluffy Japanese pancakes!

  1. Sift all the dry ingredients together into a bowl and combine.
  2. In another bowl (or jug), add the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, and whisk until just combined.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the liquid mixture in.
  4. Mix together, then add the mayonnaise and mix well to combine. (Don’t worry if you notice any scent coming from the mayonnaise; it will disappear completely after it’s cooked.)
  5. Place a homemade pancake mold (instructions for this are listed in the blog post above) onto a frying pan over low heat and pour half the mixture into the mold.
  6. Place a lid on the frying pan and leave it for 15 minutes.
  7. Once little bubbles appear on the surface of the pancakes and the edge is slightly cooked, lift the bottom of the pancake with an egg flipper, then cover the pancake with the inverted frying pan and flip the whole thing together before placing it back on the heat.
  8. Place the lid over the top again and cook for another 15 minutes on the other side.
  9. To test if it is done, stick a skewer into the pancake. If it comes out clean, then the pancake is cooked through.
  10. Remove the pancake from the heat, remove the staples from the mold, and take the pancakes out of the mold wearing gloves or a cooking mitten.
  11. Serve the pancakes with your favorite toppings (e.g., whipped butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, ice cream, chocolate flakes, etc. Let your imagination run wild!).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your pancakes turn out perfectly fluffy:

  • Make sure to sift your dry ingredients well; this helps incorporate air for fluffiness.
  • Use a low heat to cook the pancakes slowly; this allows them to rise without burning.
  • Don’t skip the mayonnaise! It adds moisture and richness to the pancakes.
  • Experiment with different toppings—try fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent treat!

How to Serve

These fluffy Japanese pancakes are best served warm. Stack them high on a plate and let everyone choose their favorite toppings. I love to drizzle mine with maple syrup and add a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them with fresh berries for a burst of flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, why not add a scoop of ice cream on top? The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare these pancakes ahead of time, you can make the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking. Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave until warmed through.

So, are you ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful Fluffy Japanese Pancakes? I promise they will be a hit! And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or Moist Chocolate Cake for dessert. Happy cooking!

Extra Thick and Fluffy Japanese Style Pancakes 厚焼きホットケーキ

Enjoy irresistibly thick and fluffy Japanese-style pancakes with a rich, tender texture and delightful toppings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 pancakes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dry ingredients
  • 1 cup self raising flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup sugar
Wet ingredients
  • 1 egg egg
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk to make up 1 cup with the egg
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Additional ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
  • Butter (for cooking) butter for frying

Method
 

  1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Whisk egg, buttermilk, and vanilla until combined.
  3. Combine wet and dry, then add mayonnaise and mix well.
  4. Pour batter into a preheated mould on low heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  5. Flip the pancake, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes until done.
  6. Remove from heat, take out of mould, and serve with toppings.

Notes

Use a pancake mould for perfect thick shapes and flip carefully to maintain fluffiness.