This Dorayaki Japanese Red Bean Pancakes recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is all done on the stovetop for a quick and easy breakfast or dessert that your family will love! Switch up the filling from traditional red bean paste to your favorite jam, nut butter, or even chocolate spread to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to clean out the fridge, just use what you have on hand!
What are Dorayaki Pancakes?
Dorayaki, for those not in the know (yet!), are delightful Japanese pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. They’re like a warm hug in pancake form! Whether you’re cooking for kids or just indulging your sweet tooth, these pancakes are a true crowd-pleaser. A classic Japanese treat, they’re perfect for a fun breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Cake Flour : 100 g
- Baking Powder : 1 tsp
- Honey : 1 tbsp
- Mirin : 1 tbsp
- Water : 2 tbsp
- Eggs : 2 large (each weighing 60 – 63 grams)
- Sugar : 80 g
- Red Bean Paste (Anko) : 300 g
- Cooking Oil : As needed
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Pancake Batter (about 10 minutes)
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, honey, mirin, and water. Mix until everything is just combined. Make sure you don’t overmix, lumps are okay! A couple pinches of salt won’t hurt either.
2. Fry the Pancakes (15 minutes)
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Drop about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute or two until golden.
3. Assemble the Dorayaki (5 minutes)
Spread a generous spoonful of red bean paste on one pancake, then top with another. It’s like a pancake sandwich! Feel free to add some fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
4. Store the Pancakes
If you have any leftover pancakes (which I doubt, because they’re just so good), let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds when you want to enjoy them again, easy peasy!
Why This Recipe Rocks!
This is my go-to recipe when my family is craving something sweet yet comforting but doesn’t want to wait too long. I’m a real sucker for any food that’s packed with memories, and dorayaki takes me back to my travels in Japan. My kids are always excited when they hear we’re having these pancakes because… well, they’re pancakes! And the best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, so it’s a great way to reduce food waste.
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What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together all in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy mornings when you want something warm and delightful but don’t have hours to spare.
Customizable
Switch things up and get creative! You can fill these fluffy pancakes with chocolate spread, peanut butter, or even fresh fruit. Seriously, it’s a fun blank canvas!
Comfort Food
Sweet, warm, and packed with tons of flavor, it’s like a delightful hug from the inside! Once you make these, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Meal Prep Friendly
These pancakes hold up wonderfully throughout the week. Make a big batch on Sunday, fridge them, and grab ‘em for quick snacks or breakfasts!
Budget-Friendly
Using simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry makes this dish super wallet-friendly!
Serving and Storage Tips
These Dorayaki Pancakes are perfect on their own, but you can also dress them up. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or fresh berries on the side. They’re excellent for breakfast but can also be a fun dessert after dinner!
Storage
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Trust me, they taste just as good reheated!
Reheating Tips
Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You can also pop them in a toaster for a couple of minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-pan warmth.
Freezer Friendly
Yep! You can freeze them. Just make sure they are fully cooled, then place parchment paper between each pancake in a freezer-safe bag for easy grabbing later. They’ll be good for about 1-2 months in the freezer!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Dorayaki Japanese Red Bean Pancakes recipe! You’ll be so glad you did. Seriously, they’re so comforting and delicious your family will be begging for more! Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, and this recipe lets you do just that. What’s not to love about it? So jump in, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy each bite! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Happy cooking!
Dorayaki Japanese Red Bean Pancakes
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs, honey, mirin, and water. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly oil the surface.
- Drop about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and cook for another minute or two until golden.
- Spread a generous spoonful of red bean paste on one pancake, then top with another pancake.