Homemade Dorayaki with Sweet Azuki Bean Paste Recipe
Introduction
Dorayaki is a delightful Japanese treat featuring fluffy pancakes sandwiched with sweet azuki bean paste. This recipe guides you through creating light, tender pancakes perfect for a comforting snack or dessert.

Ingredients
- 150 g all-purpose flour (1 cup)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs (about 50 g each)
- 110 g caster sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp mirin
- 40 ml water
- 200 g sweet azuki bean paste
Instructions
- Step 1: Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, caster sugar, honey, and mirin. Beat them together until the mixture turns pale whitish in color.
- Step 3: Gently fold the sifted flour and baking powder into the egg mixture until no flour remains visible.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes to rest.
- Step 5: After resting, add 40 ml of water to the batter and mix gently to smooth it out.
- Step 6: Preheat a hot plate or frying pan to 320°F (160°C).
- Step 7: Pour about one scoop of batter (using an ice cream scooper) onto the pan. Depending on your pan, cook one or two pancakes at a time.
- Step 8: Cover with a lid and cook the first side for 1 minute and 30 seconds or until bubbles form on the surface. Then carefully flip the pancake.
- Step 9: Cook the other side for about one minute until golden brown.
- Step 10: Remove the pancake and place it between folded kitchen towels to keep it moist while you cook the remaining batter.
- Step 11: Once all pancakes are cooled, spread sweet azuki bean paste on one pancake and sandwich it with another. Repeat to make a total of 8 dorayaki sandwiches.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh eggs and sift the flour carefully to keep the batter light and smooth.
- If you prefer a different filling, you can substitute sweet red bean paste with custard, chocolate spread, or fruit jam.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the batter.
Storage
Store dorayaki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days, but bring to room temperature before serving. Dorayaki can be gently warmed in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour for dorayaki?
All-purpose flour works best for the right texture, but you can try cake flour for a softer pancake. Avoid whole wheat flour as it may produce denser results.
What can I use if I don’t have mirin?
If mirin is unavailable, substitute with a mixture of 1 tsp sugar dissolved in 1 tbsp water or use a mild rice wine vinegar in small amounts to mimic the flavor.
Print
Homemade Dorayaki with Sweet Azuki Bean Paste Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 Dorayaki (8 sandwiches) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese sweet treat consisting of two fluffy pancakes sandwiched together with a generous filling of sweet azuki bean paste. This recipe creates light, fluffy pancakes with a hint of honey and mirin, perfect for enjoying as a dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 150 g all purpose flour (1 cup)
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (about 100 g total)
- 110 g caster sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp mirin
- 40 ml water
Filling
- 200 g sweet azuki bean paste
Instructions
- Sift flour and baking powder: Sift the all purpose flour and baking powder together to ensure they are well combined and to remove any lumps. Set aside for later use.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, caster sugar, honey, and mirin. Beat them together vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and whitish in color, indicating it is well aerated.
- Fold in dry ingredients: Gradually fold the sifted flour and baking powder into the egg mixture gently until just combined, making sure no flour pockets remain without over-mixing.
- Rest the batter: Cover the mixing bowl with cling wrap and let the batter rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and results in a tender pancake texture.
- Add water to smooth batter: After resting, add 40 ml of water to the batter and gently mix to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Preheat the cooking surface: Heat a hot plate, electric griddle, or non-stick frying pan to about 320°F (160°C).
- Pour the batter: Using an ice cream scooper, pour a scoop of batter onto the heated surface. You can cook one or two pancakes at a time depending on your pan size.
- Cook the first side: Cover the pan with a lid and cook the pancake for about 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until bubbles appear on the surface.
- Flip pancakes: Use a spatula to carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side for approximately 1 minute until golden brown.
- Cool the pancakes: Remove the cooked pancakes from heat and place them between folded kitchen towels to keep them moist and prevent drying.
- Repeat cooking: Continue cooking the rest of the batter following the same steps until all pancakes are made.
- Assemble Dorayaki: Once cooled, spread a generous layer of sweet azuki bean paste on one pancake and sandwich it with another pancake. Repeat this process to make 8 Dorayaki sandwiches.
Notes
- Resting the batter helps create fluffier pancakes.
- Maintaining the cooking temperature around 320°F ensures even cooking without burning.
- Covering the pan while cooking traps steam, aiding fluffiness.
- Use a non-stick pan or griddle for best results and easier flipping.
- Azuki bean paste can be store-bought or homemade based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Dorayaki, Japanese dessert, sweet pancakes, azuki bean paste, traditional Japanese sweets, honey pancakes

