Dorayaki pancakes, a traditional Japanese treat, are soft, fluffy pancakes filled with a smooth and creamy custard. This recipe pairs the light sweetness of the pancakes with a rich custard cream, making it an irresistible dessert or snack.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dorayaki Pancakes:

• • 100 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
  • 60 g (5 tbsp) sugar

• • 20 g (1 tbsp) honey
  • 30 g (2 tbsp) milk (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 g (¼ tsp) baking powder

For the Custard Cream Filling:

• • 2 egg yolks

• • 35 g (2 ½ tbsp) sugar
  • 15 g (2 tbsp) cake flour, sifted
  • 200 g (¾ cup) milk

• 1 g (¼ tsp) vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Dorayaki Batter:

• • Mix Eggs and Sugar:
    • In a bowl, beat 2 eggs until frothy. Add 60 g sugar and 20 g honey, mixing until well combined.
  • Add Dry Ingredients:
    • • Sift 100 g flour and 1 g baking powder into the egg mixture. Mix until smooth.
  • Add Milk:
    • Stir in 30 g room-temperature milk and mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

• Refrigerate Batter:
  • Cover and refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Custard Cream Filling:

• • Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar:
    • In a bowl, whisk together 2 egg yolks and 35 g sugar until the mixture is pale and thick.
  • Add Flour:
    • • Gradually whisk in 15 g sifted cake flour until smooth.
  • Heat Milk:
    • Heat 200 ml milk over medium heat until bubbles form around the rim (do not boil).

• • Combine Milk and Egg Mixture:
    • Slowly add the warm milk to the egg mixture in three parts, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
  • Cook Custard:
    • • Return the mixture to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat when bubbles form.
  • Cool Custard:
    • Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and cool in the refrigerator.

Cook the Dorayaki Pancakes:

• • Heat Pan:
    • Lightly oil a non-stick pan and heat over medium-low heat.

• Cook Pancakes:
  • Pour small circles of batter into the pan (about 2-3 tablespoons each). When bubbles form on the surface, flip and cook until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Assemble the Dorayaki:

• • Prepare Custard Cream:
    • Once cooled, mix the custard cream until smooth and transfer it to a piping bag.
  • Fill Pancakes:
    • • Pipe a generous amount of custard onto one pancake and top with another to create a sandwich.
  • Serve:
    • Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

• • Pair with green tea for a traditional Japanese experience.
  • Add fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

• • Use room-temperature eggs for smoother batter and fluffier pancakes.
  • Stir the custard continuously while cooking to avoid lumps.

• Keep the pan temperature low to prevent burning the pancakes.

Nutritional Benefits

• • Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins.

• Milk: Rich in calcium and supports bone health.
• Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidants.

Dietary Information

• Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
• Not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets but can be modified with substitutions.

Nutritional Facts (per dorayaki, based on 6 servings)

• • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Fat: 7 g
• Sugar: 18 g

Storage

• Store assembled dorayaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Unfilled pancakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• • Soft and fluffy pancakes filled with creamy custard make an indulgent treat.
  • Perfect for tea time, dessert, or as a snack.
  • A homemade twist on a Japanese classic that’s easy and fun to prepare.

Conclusion
This Dorayaki Pancakes recipe brings a taste of Japan to your table with its pillowy soft texture and rich custard filling. A delightful combination of sweet and creamy, these dorayaki are sure to become a favorite treat for both kids and adults. Try them today and enjoy a traditional dessert with a homemade touch!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1. Can I use store-bought custard?
      Yes, store-bought custard can save time and works well.

1. 1. Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?
      Yes, prepare and store them in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving.
   2. Can I use a different filling?
      Absolutely! Try red bean paste, Nutella, or whipped cream.
   3. How do I prevent the batter from sticking?
      Use a non-stick pan and lightly grease it before cooking.

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser.
2. How do I keep the pancakes soft?
   Cover them with a clean towel while cooling to retain moisture.