Dorayaki (どら焼き) is a beloved Japanese sweet made of two castella-like pancakes sandwiched with sweet red bean paste (anko). Its name comes from “dora” (銅鑼) meaning “gong,” because the pancakes are round like a gong!
🎃 Spooky Pumpkin Dorayaki Monsters 👻
Soft, Fluffy, and Frightfully Delicious Japanese Pancakes
🍡 A Bite of History: What is Dorayaki?
Dorayaki (どら焼き) is a beloved Japanese sweet made of two castella-like pancakes sandwiched with sweet red bean paste (anko).
Its name comes from “dora” (銅鑼) meaning “gong,” because the pancakes are round like a gong!
It’s said that dorayaki originated in the early 20th century in Tokyo, though similar sweets date back much earlier. The modern two-layered version was popularized by the confectioner Usagiya in 1914.
Dorayaki is also famously known as Doraemon’s favorite snack, making it iconic for generations of Japanese children. 🍥💙
Today, it’s enjoyed in countless variations — with fillings like matcha cream, chestnut, and now pumpkin for Halloween!
When pumpkin season arrives, so do our Dorayaki Monsters! 👾
These soft, mochi-like pancakes are golden, fluffy, and filled with creamy pumpkin purée.
They’re as fun to make as they are to eat — perfect for Halloween or any cozy autumn afternoon.
Follow our step-by-step guide (with video!) and bring a little spooky sweetness to your kitchen. 🍂✨
Dorayaki Recipe: About 6 dorayaki (3 sandwiches)
Ingredients
For the Dorayaki Batter:
Shiratamako (glutinous rice flour): 100 g
Milk: 100 ml
1 Egg
Cane Sugar: 50 g
Cake Flour: 70 g
Baking Powder: 1 tsp
For the Pumpkin Filling:
Small Pumpkin (Pie variety): 1/2
Sugar: 100 g
Milk: 2 tbsp
Optional Fillings: Sweet red bean paste, cream cheese, raisins, or anything you love! 🍬
Directions
Make The Batter: Mix shiratamako and milk until smooth. In another bowl, whisk egg and sugar until pale. Combine both, add flour and baking powder, and stir gently.
Cook The Pancakes: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat. Spoon 1 tbsp of batter per pancake. Cook until golden on both sides. Keep warm under plastic wrap.
Make Pumpkin Purée: Steam or microwave pumpkin until soft. Mash or blend until smooth. Heat with sugar and milk until thick.
Assemble the Dorayaki: Spread pumpkin filling (and optional fillings) between two pancakes. Decorate with chocolate or candy eyes to create your monster! 👾
Enjoy!!
1. Make The Batter: Mix shiratamako and milk until smooth. In another bowl, whisk egg and sugar until pale. Combine both, add flour and baking powder, and stir gently.
2. Cook The Pancakes: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat. Spoon 1 tbsp of batter per pancake. Cook until golden on both sides. Keep warm under plastic wrap.
3. Make Pumpkin Purée: Steam or microwave pumpkin until soft. Mash or blend until smooth. Heat with sugar and milk until thick.
4. Assemble the Dorayaki: Spread pumpkin filling (and optional fillings) between two pancakes. Decorate with chocolate or candy eyes to create your monster! 👾
5. Enjoy!!
💡 Special Tips
Don’t overmix — it can make pancakes dense.
Let the batter rest 10 min before cooking for a smoother texture.
Wipe the pan with a damp cloth between batches.
Low heat gives a beautiful even golden color.
Use canned pumpkin purée — just heat it with sugar and milk to taste!
🕸️ Decoration Ideas
Melted chocolate for smiles or stitches
White chocolate chips for monster eyes
Dust with cocoa or matcha powder for color contrast
These Pumpkin Dorayaki Monsters combine Japanese tradition with Halloween fun.
Soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet pumpkin, they’re a treat for kids and adults alike.
So, light up your jack-o’-lantern, heat your pan, and summon your own dorayaki monsters! 👾🎃
