Name: Doraemon’s Favorite Dora Cakes (Dorayaki) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup azuki beans; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp water

If you’ve ever watched the beloved anime Doraemon, you know just how much the iconic blue robot cat loves his Dora Cakes (or Dorayaki, as they’re called in Japan). These sweet, fluffy, pancake-like treats filled with a rich, smooth red bean paste are a delicious and comforting snack. But beyond being a staple of Doraemon’s world, Dorayaki has become a beloved treat for many across the globe. In this post, I’ll take you through every step of creating these delicious cakes, from ingredients to preparation, plus some tips and variations to make them truly your own.

So, whether you’re a fan of Doraemon or just someone with a love for Japanese desserts, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, soft, and utterly delightful.

1. What is Dorayaki?

Dorayaki, also known as Dora Cakes in the Doraemon anime series, is a traditional Japanese dessert consisting of two fluffy, golden pancakes sandwiched with a sweet filling of red bean paste, or anko. The name “Dorayaki” is derived from the Japanese word dora, meaning “gong,” because the shape of the cake resembles the traditional Japanese gong.

Though Dorayaki has been a favorite among Japanese children for generations, it gained even more global recognition when it became Doraemon’s favorite treat in the Doraemon anime series. The cake’s irresistible combination of sweetness and softness makes it a perfect snack, and it’s often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need for Doraemon’s Favorite Dora Cakes

To make a batch of these delightful Dorayaki, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this sweet treat:

For the Pancake Batter:

1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base for the pancake batter. You’ll want to use regular all-purpose flour for the best texture.

2 large eggs: Eggs give the batter its structure and richness, contributing to the soft, fluffy texture.
1/4 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance out the red bean paste filling.
1/4 cup honey: This adds a mild sweetness and a subtle floral flavor to the batter.

1/2 tsp baking powder: Baking powder helps the pancakes puff up slightly, giving them their signature light texture.
1/4 tsp vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes.
1/4 tsp salt: This balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors in the pancakes.

1/4 cup water: The water thins out the batter to the right consistency.

For the Red Bean Paste Filling (Anko):

1 cup azuki beans: These small, reddish-brown beans are the traditional base for the anko filling.
1/2 cup sugar: The sugar sweetens the beans to create the smooth, sweet paste.

1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and add depth to the flavor.
2 tbsp water: To cook the beans and create a smooth texture.

3. How to Make Dorayaki: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the process of making Dorayaki. Don’t worry if this is your first time making pancakes or red bean paste; I’ll guide you through each step carefully.

Step 1: Making the Anko (Red Bean Paste)

Prepare the Azuki Beans: Rinse the azuki beans under cold water to remove any impurities.
Cook the Beans: Place the beans in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the beans for about 1-1.5 hours until they’re soft. You may need to add more water occasionally.
Mash the Beans: Once the beans are soft, drain them and return them to the pot. Add sugar and salt, and cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should begin to break down and form a paste.

Blend for Smoothness: Use a hand blender or food processor to smooth the bean mixture into a thick paste. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water, but ensure it’s still thick enough to hold its shape.

Once the red bean paste is done, set it aside to cool.

Step 2: Making the Pancake Batter

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the water. Stir gently to combine until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Let the Batter Rest: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the batter rest for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flour to hydrate, resulting in softer pancakes.

Step 3: Cooking the Pancakes

Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over low to medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil or butter, wiping off any excess.
Cook the Pancakes: Using a small ladle or measuring cup, pour a small amount of batter into the pan to form a pancake about 3 inches in diameter. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Repeat: Continue cooking the rest of the pancakes, adding a little more oil as needed. Be sure to let the pancakes cool slightly before assembling the Dorayaki.

Step 4: Assembling the Dorayaki

Fill with Anko: Once the pancakes have cooled, spread a generous tablespoon of anko on the flat side of one pancake.
Sandwich the Pancakes: Place another pancake on top, flat side down, gently pressing the two together. Repeat the process for the rest of the pancakes and filling.

4. Pro Tips for Perfect Dorayaki Every Time

Rest the Batter: Letting the batter rest for 30 minutes allows the flour to absorb the liquid, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

Control the Heat: Cooking over low to medium heat ensures the pancakes cook evenly without burning.
Smooth the Anko: If the anko is too thick, add a little water to reach a smoother consistency that spreads easily between the pancakes.
Size Consistency: Try to keep the pancakes the same size so that they align well when assembled.

5. Creative Variations on Dorayaki

While the classic Dorayaki is beloved for its simple and comforting red bean paste filling, you can experiment with different variations to suit your tastes or add a fun twist to the traditional recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Chocolate Dorayaki: Replace the red bean paste with a rich chocolate spread or Nutella for a decadent twist.
Matcha Dorayaki: Add a spoonful of matcha (green tea powder) to the pancake batter for a lightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the filling.

Fruit-filled Dorayaki: Use whipped cream, fresh berries, or even custard in place of the red bean paste for a fruity, creamy version.
Vegan Dorayaki: Substitute the eggs with flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with water, and use plant-based honey or maple syrup in the batter.

6. Serving Suggestions for Dorayaki

Dorayaki is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways to enhance the experience. Here are some ideas:

With Green Tea: Dorayaki pairs beautifully with a warm cup of green tea, which helps balance the sweetness of the cake.
For a Snack: These delightful cakes make a perfect snack or breakfast item, either on their own or with a bit of whipped cream on the side.
For Parties: Dorayaki can be cut into halves or quarters and served as a fun and delicious bite-sized treat for parties or gatherings.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Dorayaki in advance? A: Yes! Dorayaki can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Q: What is the best way to store Dorayaki? A: Store Dorayaki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge and warm them up in a microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Dorayaki? A: Yes! You can freeze the pancakes without the filling and then assemble them once thawed, or you can freeze the assembled Dorayaki for up to 3 months.

8. Conclusion

Doraemon’s Favorite Dora Cakes (Dorayaki) are a sweet, fluffy, and nostalgic treat that brings the beloved anime character’s love for this dessert into the real world. Making Dorayaki from scratch may seem like a big task, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a batch of these delightful cakes in no time.

With the right ingredients, some practice, and a touch of creativity, you can craft the perfect Dorayaki every time. Whether you stick to the classic red bean paste filling or explore fun variations, these delicious cakes are sure to become a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them with a warm drink and share the love—just like Doraemon would!

Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. Let me know how your Dorayaki turns out, and feel free to share any fun variations you try!