Dorayaki: Japanese Sweet-Filled Pancakes

Written by
Setsuko Yoshizuka
Setsuko Yoshizuka is a freelance food writer and Japanese cookbook author.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Setsuko Yoshizuka
Updated 06/27/19
Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe

 The Spruce
  • Total: 30 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yield: 8-10 pancakes (1-2 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. The soft, moist and fluffy honey 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. It’s wildly popular among both children and adults in Japan. 

Dorayaki may be perfect for people who have never had any traditional Japanese sweets because it doesn’t have any unusual ingredients. Dorayaki is also called mikasa, from Mount Mikasa in Nara, which is next to Osaka.

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
     The Spruce

  2. Put eggs and sugar in a bowl, and whisk very well.

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
     The Spruce

  3. Dissolve baking soda in water.

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
    The Spruce 

  4. Add the water into the egg mixture.

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
     The Spruce

  5. Add sifted flour into the egg mixture gradually.

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
    The Spruce 

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

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
    The Spruce 

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

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
     The Spruce

  8. Turn over when bubbles appear on the surface.

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
    The Spruce 

  9. Repeat this process for each pancake.

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
    The Spruce 

  10. Cool the pancakes.

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
     The Spruce

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

    Dorayaki (Sweet-Filled Pancakes) Recipe
     The Spruce

  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.