Dorayaki (The Fluffy Pancake Sandwich That Stole Doraemon’s Heart)

Dorayaki is what happens when pancakes and sandwiches fall in love. Two fluffy, honey-kissed pancakes hugging a thick slab of sweet red bean paste. Soft, simple, and completely addictive. Make a batch. Eat them all. No judgment.

Ingredients

Makes 5 dorayaki (10 pancakes).

For the Pancakes:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp mirin or rice vinegar (optional, for shine)
• Vegetable oil for cooking

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (250g) anko (sweet red bean paste) — store-bought or homemade

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make Batter

1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and honey until pale and thick (about 2 minutes).
3. Add water and mirin to egg mixture. Whisk. Pour dry into wet. Stir until just combined. Rest 15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Pancakes

1. Heat a nonstick pan over low-medium heat. Lightly oil. Wipe off excess with a paper towel.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons of batter into a 3-inch circle. Cook until bubbles appear on top (about 1–2 minutes).
3. Flip. Cook 30 seconds more until lightly browned. Remove to a rack. Repeat. You need 10 pancakes (5 sandwiches).

Step 3: Cool

1. Let pancakes cool completely. Hot pancakes + anko = messy melty sadness.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Spread about 2 tablespoons of anko on the flat side of one pancake.
2. Top with another pancake (flat sides together). Gently press.
3. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap for 15 minutes (this = chewy, authentic texture).

Step 5: Serve

1. Unwrap. Eat with your hands. Try not to eat all five.

Summary

Prep Time: 10 min + rest | Cook Time: 15 min | Total: 25 min + rest

Yield: 5 dorayaki | Difficulty: Easy

Storage Notes

Fridge: 3 days wrapped tightly. Freezer: 1 month. Pro tip: Dorayaki tastes even better the next day — flavors meld, texture gets perfectly chewy. Bring to room temperature or microwave 10 seconds.