Dorayaki from Doraemon (Pancakes with Azuki Paste)
Two fluffy golden pancakes sandwiching sweet azuki bean paste — the favorite treat of the robot cat Doraemon. Tender, honeyed and very Japanese.
Dorayaki are two tender pancakes hiding a sweet red-bean (azuki) paste called anko between them. In the Japanese manga and anime Doraemon, this treat is adored by the hero — a robot cat from the future — and it's largely thanks to him that fans worldwide discovered dorayaki. The batter is close to pancakes but with honey and mirin, so the cakes come out especially fragrant and springy. We make the classic version with shop-bought or homemade anko paste.
🧺 Ingredients
🍽 6 servings👩🍳 Method
- 1
Base
Whisk the eggs with sugar and honey until pale and fluffy. Add mirin if using. This gives the pancakes aroma and a lovely color.
- 2
Batter
Sift the flour with baking powder and fold it into the egg mixture. Add water until the batter is like thick cream. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
- 3
Cook
Lightly oil the pan and wipe it with a paper towel. Over medium heat, pour 2 tbsp of batter into rounds. Cook until bubbles form on top, flip and brown for 1 minute.
- 4
Cool
Lift off the finished pancakes and cover them with a towel so they don't dry out. You need an even number — each pair becomes one dorayaki.
- 5
Fill
On a cooled pancake, mound a spoon of anko paste in the center, leaving the edges clear. Top with a second pancake and press gently.
- 6
Shape
Gently cup the edges with your palm so the paste reaches almost to the rim and the dorayaki take on a rounded shape. Serve with green tea.
💡 Tips
- 💡
Wipe the pan with a paper towel after oiling — this gives the pancakes an even color without spots.
- 💡
Pour the batter from the same height and don't touch it until bubbles appear — then the rounds come out neat.
🔄 Swaps & variations
- 🔄
Swap the anko for mascarpone cream, custard or chocolate spread for a modern version.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Why are dorayaki connected to Doraemon?
Dorayaki is the favorite treat of Doraemon, a robot cat from the future. In the manga and anime he'll do anything for these pancakes, and the show is largely why the world knows them.
What is anko paste and where do I get it?
Anko is a sweet paste of azuki red beans. It's sold ready-made in Asian shops or cooked at home from azuki beans and sugar.
Why do the pancakes get such a nice color?
The honey in the batter gives the golden hue and aroma. It also keeps dorayaki slightly moist and springy, so they don't dry out.