I Tried Making Japanese Dorayaki Pancakes
I TRIED MAKING JAPANESE DORAYAKI PANCAKES is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Denitslava on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $1.47 total, $0.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pcs Eggs (large, room temperature)
- 40 g Granulated Sugar (for batter sweetness)
- 1 tbsp Honey (liquid honey, adds extra sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (tiny packet from the store; can use whole packet if desired)
- 100 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted before adding)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder (leavening agent)
- 10 ml Water (helps thin the batter)
- 50 g Chocolate Chips (melted for filling; any semi‑sweet chocolate works)
Instructions
Crack Eggs
Crack the two eggs into a mixing bowl.
Time: PT1M
Add Sugar, Honey, Vanilla, and Water
Add 40 g sugar, 1 tbsp honey, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and 10 ml water to the bowl.
Time: PT1M
Whisk Wet Ingredients
Whisk the mixture until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the liquid looks uniform.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift 100 g flour and 1 tsp baking powder over the bowl, then whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Time: PT2M
Rest the Batter
Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Heat the Skillet
Place a non‑stick skillet over medium heat (about 180 °C) and let it warm for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 180°C
Lightly Oil the Skillet
Brush the skillet with a thin layer of oil or spray.
Time: PT1M
Cook First Side
Pour a small ladleful of batter (≈2 tbsp) onto the skillet, forming an 8‑10 cm circle. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, about 1‑2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 180°C
Flip and Finish
Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook the other side for another 1 minute, until lightly golden.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 180°C
Repeat for Remaining Batter
Repeat steps 8‑9 until all batter is used, adjusting heat as needed. You should end up with about 9‑10 pancakes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 180°C
Melt Chocolate
Place chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in 20‑second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Dorayaki
Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate on one pancake, place a second pancake on top, and gently pinch the edges together. Repeat for all pancakes.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Arrange the finished dorayaki on a plate and enjoy while warm or at room temperature.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Eggs, Wheat (gluten), Milk (in chocolate), Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: brown sugar, honey (reduce other honey)
- Instead of Honey: maple syrup, agave nectar
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: almond extract (use half amount)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: cake flour, whole wheat flour (may affect texture)
- Instead of Baking Powder: baking soda + cream of tartar (1/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Water: milk (will make batter richer)
- Instead of Chocolate Chips: Nutella, caramel sauce
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Non‑Stick Skillet
- Spatula
- Small Saucepan or Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Plate
- Knife (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Resting the batter for 10 minutes
- Waiting for bubbles to appear before flipping
- Maintaining medium heat (≈180 °C) to avoid burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- Sift the flour and baking powder together for an even rise.
- Use room‑temperature eggs; they blend more easily with sugar and honey.
- A thin layer of oil on the skillet prevents sticking without making the pancakes greasy.
- If you prefer a sweeter filling, add a pinch of powdered sugar to the melted chocolate.
Troubleshooting
Batter is too thick and pancakes are dense.
Add a splash more water (5‑10 ml) to thin the batter; ensure flour is fully incorporated.
Pancakes brown too quickly before bubbles form.
Lower the skillet heat to medium‑low and allow more time for bubbles to appear.
Chocolate does not stick to the pancake edges.
Spread a slightly thicker layer of chocolate or press the edges gently while the chocolate is still warm.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours if covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; give it a quick stir before cooking.
- Melted chocolate can be kept warm in a small bowl over a pot of hot water.
- Pancakes can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Japanese Dorayaki in Japanese cuisine?
Dorayaki originated in the Edo period as a sweet snack sold by street vendors. It traditionally consists of two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste, but modern variations use chocolate, custard, or fruit spreads.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dorayaki in Japan?
In Kansai, dorayaki often uses a slightly thicker batter and is filled with smooth anko (red bean paste). In Tokyo, a thinner, more cake‑like pancake is common, and contemporary cafés serve versions with chocolate, matcha, or cheese fillings.
How is Dorayaki traditionally served in Japan?
Dorayaki is usually served at room temperature as a snack with tea. It is often packaged in paper boxes for convenience and sold in bakeries, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
During which occasions is Dorayaki traditionally eaten in Japanese culture?
Dorayaki is a popular everyday treat, but it is also enjoyed during festivals, school events, and as a nostalgic snack for children’s birthdays and tea ceremonies.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Dorayaki versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Dorayaki uses wheat flour, eggs, sugar, honey or syrup, and sweet red bean paste. Acceptable substitutes include using cake flour for a lighter texture, maple syrup instead of honey, and chocolate or Nutella as a modern filling.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with Dorayaki?
Dorayaki pairs nicely with green tea, matcha latte, or a light miso soup. For a full snack platter, serve it alongside dango, taiyaki, or a small portion of mochi ice cream.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dorayaki at home?
Common mistakes include flipping the pancake before bubbles appear, using too high heat which burns the surface, and making the batter too thick. Also, over‑filling the sandwich can cause the edges to split.
Why does this Dorayaki recipe use a 10‑minute batter rest instead of immediate cooking?
Resting allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, resulting in a softer, more tender pancake. It also gives the baking powder time to activate, creating the characteristic fluffiness.
Can I make Dorayaki ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can store cooked pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, and keep the chocolate filling separate until serving for best texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when cooking Dorayaki pancakes?
The pancakes should be golden‑brown on the outside, slightly domed, and have visible bubbles on the surface before flipping. After flipping, they should puff up a little and remain soft and spongy inside.
How do I know when Dorayaki pancakes are done cooking?
When the edges are set and bubbles have formed and popped on the surface, the pancake is ready to flip. After the second side turns light golden and the pancake springs back when pressed lightly, it is done.
What does the YouTube channel Denitslava specialize in?
The YouTube channel Denitslava specializes in playful, experimental cooking videos where the host tries recipes with quirky challenges, often focusing on Asian dishes and fun home‑cooking experiments.
How does the YouTube channel Denitslava's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?
Denitslava mixes humor and personal challenges (like using the non‑dominant hand) with straightforward recipe steps, whereas many Japanese cooking channels focus purely on technique and traditional presentation.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
