🎃 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! 👾🎃