Dorayaki with Custard Cream Filling

Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese confection consisting of two fluffy pancakes filled with a sweet filling. In this recipe, we’ll fill the dorayaki with a delicious homemade custard cream. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Preparation Time:

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Cooking: 30 minutes
  • Total: 50 minutes (plus refrigeration time)

Ingredients

For the Dorayaki Pancakes:

  • 100g flour
  • 60g sugar
  • 20g honey
  • 30g milk (room temperature)
  • 2 eggs (room temperature)
  • 1g baking powder

For the Custard Cream Filling:

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 35g sugar
  • 15g cake flour (sifted)
  • 200g milk
  • 1g vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the Dorayaki Batter:

  1. Mix Eggs and Sugar:
    • In a bowl, beat 2 eggs at room temperature until frothy.
    • Add 60g sugar and 20g honey, and continue to beat until well combined.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients:
    • Sift 100g flour and 1g baking powder into the egg mixture.
    • Mix until smooth and combined.
  3. Add Milk and Vanilla:
    • Stir in 30g room temperature milk and 1g vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
  4. Refrigerate Batter:
    • Cover the batter and store it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Custard Cream:

  1. Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar:
    • In a bowl, combine 2 egg yolks with 35g sugar. Beat until the mixture is pale and thick.
  2. Add Flour:
    • Add 15g sifted cake flour to the egg mixture and mix until smooth.
  3. Heat Milk:
    • In a pot, heat 200ml milk over medium heat until bubbles form around the rim. Do not boil.
  4. Combine Milk and Egg Mixture:
    • Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture in three parts, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
  5. Cook Custard:
    • Pour the mixture back into the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens. Turn off the heat when bubbles form and the custard is smooth.
  6. Cool Custard:
    • Transfer the custard cream to a wide bowl. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and cool it quickly in the refrigerator.

Cook the Dorayaki Pancakes:

  1. Heat Pan:
    • Lightly oil a non-stick pan and heat over medium-low heat.
  2. Cook Pancakes:
    • Pour small circles of batter into the pan. When bubbles form on the surface, flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown. Repeat until all batter is used.

Assemble the Dorayaki:

  1. Prepare Custard Cream:
    • Once the custard cream is completely cooled, mix it until smooth and transfer it to a piping bag.
  2. Fill Pancakes:
    • Pipe a generous amount of custard cream onto one pancake. Place another pancake on top to create a sandwich.
  3. Serve:
    • Serve the dorayaki immediately or store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Tips:

  • Consistency: Ensure the custard cream is smooth and thick enough to hold its shape when piped.
  • Refrigeration: Allow both the batter and the custard cream to chill thoroughly for the best texture.
  • Cooking: Cook the pancakes on low heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover dorayaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the custard cream filling is kept cool to maintain its texture and flavor.
  • Freezing: Dorayaki can be frozen without the custard cream filling. Wrap the pancakes individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before filling and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Deliciously Unique: The combination of fluffy pancakes and creamy custard is a delightful twist on traditional dorayaki.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these dorayaki are sure to please everyone.
  • Impressive Presentation: The finished product looks as good as it tastes, making it a great choice for entertaining guests or sharing with loved ones.

Conclusion:

Dorayaki with custard cream filling is a delicious and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fluffy pancakes and smooth, sweet custard creates a delightful dessert that will impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful Japanese confection with your friends and family. Bon appétit!