Fluffy Japanese Pancakes with Matcha Whipped Cream
Light and airy Japanese-style pancakes served with a subtly earthy matcha-infused whipped cream for a delicate balance of sweetness and flavor. This japanese-inspired breakfast ready in about 30 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- for greasing the pan butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder. In another bowl, whisk 2 egg yolks with 1/2 cup milk and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until combined.
- Step 2: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 3: In a clean bowl, beat 3 egg whites with 1/4 tsp cream of tartar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add 3 tbsp granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Step 4: Gently fold one-third of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until fully incorporated but still airy.
- Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and lightly grease with butter. Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, spoon batter onto the skillet forming 3-inch tall thick pancakes. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and bubbles form on top.
- Step 6: Carefully flip each pancake and cook covered for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through and puffed up.
- Step 7: For the matcha whipped cream, whip 3/4 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in 1 tsp matcha powder until evenly green.
- Step 8: Serve the warm pancakes stacked with a dollop of matcha whipped cream on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fluffy Japanese Pancakes with Matcha Whipped Cream take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Fluffy Japanese Pancakes with Matcha Whipped Cream?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fluffy Japanese Pancakes with Matcha Whipped Cream?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Fluffy Japanese Pancakes with Matcha Whipped Cream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Fluffy Japanese Pancakes with Matcha Whipped Cream?
Japanese breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
