How to Make Dorayaki
Japanese Red Bean Pancakes
A Beloved Japanese Sweet — and a Storytelling Symbol
Affiliate Disclaimer - There are affiliate links on this page, which means I may receive payment at no charge to you for purchases made through any links on this page.
Dorayaki is one of Japan’s most beloved confections — two fluffy, honeyed pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). Simple, nostalgic, and endlessly satisfying, it’s a treat found in homes, markets, and bakeries across the country.
I first made dorayaki in connection with the beautiful novel Sweet Bean Paste, where this dessert plays a quiet but meaningful role. But even if you're not familiar with the story, the joy of biting into soft pancakes with a rich, slightly earthy filling is unmistakable.
Ingredients
For the pancakes:
2 eggs
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon honey
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1–2 tablespoons water (as needed)
For the filling:
½–¾ cup anko (sweet red bean paste) — smooth or chunky, your choice
Optional: chestnut bits or sweetened sesame for extra texture
Instructions
1. Make the Batter
Whisk eggs and sugar until pale.
Add honey and mix well.
Sift in flour and baking soda, then stir until smooth.
Let the batter rest for 10 minutes. Add a tablespoon of water if it thickens too much.
2. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low. Lightly oil it, then wipe most of the oil away.
Spoon small circles of batter (about 3 inches wide).
Cook until bubbles form and edges dry (about 1 min), then flip.
Cook the other side for 30 seconds and remove to cool.
3. Assemble the Dorayaki
Take one pancake, add a rounded spoonful of anko, then top with a second pancake.
Gently press edges to seal.
Serving & Storage
Serve with hot matcha or green tea.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4 days (let come to room temp before serving).
🍵 Why I Always Pair Dorayaki with Osulloc Tea
If you’re going to enjoy dorayaki, make it a full sensory moment — for me, that means a cup of Osulloc matcha or green tea, my favorite tea brand. I first discovered it as a gift while learning about tea culture in Korea, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Osulloc’s teas are smooth, slightly toasted, and never bitter — the perfect match for the soft sweetness of red bean paste. You can read more about why I keep it stocked at home in this post →
📚 Literary Connection: Sweet Bean Paste
Dorayaki isn’t just dessert — in the novel Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa, it becomes a vessel for healing, regret, and human connection. If you're curious how food can shape a story as deeply as its characters, read my full review here →
