Dora cakes, also known as Dorayaki, are delightful Japanese treats consisting of fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste.
Here's a recipe along with a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
For the pancakes:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2-3 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency)
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
For the filling:
- Sweet red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)
- You can also use other fillings like chocolate spread, custard, or fruit preserves if preferred.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add water gradually to achieve a smooth, slightly thick consistency. The batter should flow easily but not be too runny. Set the batter aside for 10-15 minutes.
2. Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil.
- Pour a small ladleful of batter onto the skillet, making small round pancakes (about 3-4 inches in diameter). Maintain some distance between each pancake as they will spread slightly.
- Cook for about 2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes and the edges start to set.
- Gently flip the pancakes using a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
3. Assemble the Dora Cakes:
- Once the pancakes have cooled slightly, take one pancake and spread a teaspoon or so of sweet red bean paste onto the center of the pancake.
- Place another pancake on top to create a sandwich, pressing gently to adhere the two pancakes together.
- Repeat this process for the remaining pancakes and filling.
4. Serve:
- Serve the Dora cakes while they're still warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as a delightful snack or dessert.
Additional Tips:
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or honey in the pancake batter.
- If you can't find red bean paste, you can substitute it with Nutella, fruit preserves, custard, or any other filling of your choice.
- Store any leftover Dora cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
Enjoy creating these delicious Dora cakes and experimenting with different fillings to suit your taste preferences!
