Dorayaki: Japanese Sweet-Filled Pancakes

Written by
Setsuko Yoshizuka
Setsuko Yoshizuka is a freelance food writer and Japanese cookbook author.
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Setsuko Yoshizuka
Updated 01/07/21
Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe

 The Spruce
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 30 mins
Serving: 1 to 2 servings

Traditional Japanese confection dorayaki is made of two hand-sized American-style pancakes sandwiched together with a sweet filling, the most popular of which is azuki red beans (anko). However, custard, chestnuts (kuri), and cream (matcha cream, cream with fruits, etc.) are also popular. Dorayaki is a much-loved favorite among both children and adults in Japan. This dorayaki recipe is made the traditional way filled with anko.  

Dorayaki may be perfect for people who have never had any traditional Japanese sweets because it doesn’t have any unusual ingredients. When tasting dorayaki for the first time, you might think it's similar to pancakes with whipped cream - just delicious!  Dorayaki is also called mikasa, from Mount Mikasa in Nara, which is next to Osaka.

The soft, moist, and fluffy pancake with sweet red bean filling goes perfectly with warm and slightly bitter Japanese green tea. Enjoy this dorayaki as an on-the-go treat or as a lunchtime dessert.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs (or 3 small eggs)
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons water (or milk)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 3/4 pound anko (sweet azuki bean paste)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe ingredients
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  2. Put eggs and sugar in a bowl, and whisk very well.

    Put eggs and sugar in a bowl
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  3. Dissolve baking soda in water.

    Dissolve baking soda
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  4. Add the water into the egg mixture.

    Add the water into the egg mixture
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  5. Add sifted flour into the egg mixture gradually.

    Add sifted flour
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  6. Heat a skillet or hot plate and lightly oil it.

    Heat a skillet or hot plate
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  7. Pour a scoop of the batter into the skillet, and make a small pancake (about 3 to 4 inches in diameter).

    make a small pancake
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  8. Turn over when bubbles appear on the surface.

    Turn over
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  9. Repeat this process for each pancake.

    repeat process for each pancake
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  10. Cool the pancakes.

    cool pancakes
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  11. Make pairs of pancakes, and put a scoop of anko sweet beans between them.

    pair up pancakes and put anko in them
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  12. Serve and enjoy!

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
    The Spruce 

Tips

  • If you would like to make thicker pancakes, simply add less water (or milk).
  • You can also try kuri chestnuts to fill your dorayaki, or mix 150 grams of prepared azuki beans with 200 milliliters of whipping cream for a luxurious azuki cream filling.
  • These treats are delicious hot or cold.
  • If there are any leftovers, dorayaki will last about 1 to 3 days. Put in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap; these pancakes can be left on the counter or refrigerator. If you want them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for approximately 15 to 20 seconds.