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

  1. Crack Eggs

    Crack the two eggs into a mixing bowl.

    Time: PT1M

  2. 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

  3. Whisk Wet Ingredients

    Whisk the mixture until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the liquid looks uniform.

    Time: PT2M

  4. 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

  5. Rest the Batter

    Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  6. 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

  7. Lightly Oil the Skillet

    Brush the skillet with a thin layer of oil or spray.

    Time: PT1M

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. Melt Chocolate

    Place chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in 20‑second bursts, stirring until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  12. 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

  13. 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

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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I TRIED MAKING JAPANESE DORAYAKI PANCAKES

Recipe by Denitslava

Fluffy Japanese dorayaki (sweet pancake sandwiches) made from a simple batter of eggs, sugar, honey, vanilla, flour and baking powder, then filled with melted chocolate. Inspired by the Del Mira Cooking video and recreated by Denitslava with a fun left‑hand challenge.

EasyJapaneseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
58m
Prep
3m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.47
Total cost
$0.37
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Resting the batter for 10 minutes
  • Waiting for bubbles to appear before flipping
  • Maintaining medium heat (≈180 °C) to avoid burning

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when melting chocolate; it can scorch quickly.
  • Raw eggs can carry salmonella; ensure they are fresh and consider using pasteurized eggs if concerned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Japanese Dorayaki in Japanese cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Dorayaki in Japan?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Dorayaki traditionally served in Japan?

A

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.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Dorayaki traditionally eaten in Japanese culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Dorayaki versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with Dorayaki?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dorayaki at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Dorayaki recipe use a 10‑minute batter rest instead of immediate cooking?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Dorayaki ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when cooking Dorayaki pancakes?

A

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.

technical
Q

How do I know when Dorayaki pancakes are done cooking?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Denitslava specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Denitslava's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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