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Dora cake is a Japanese dessert that is made of red bean paste sandwiched between two pancakes. It was invented in the early 1800s by a man named Doraemon, who named it after himself. Dora cake is popular in Japan and can be found in most convenience stores. It is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world, and can be purchased from online retailers.
What is a Dora Cake?
A dora cake is a traditional Japanese dessert that is made with two small pancakes sandwiching a sweet filling. The most common filling is red bean paste, but other flavors such as chestnut or chocolate are also popular. Dora cakes are often served with green tea and are a popular snack throughout Japan.
Dora cakes are said to have originated in the Edo period, when a man named Usagiya Doraemon created them by accident. He was making regular pancakes at his shop when he ran out of hot water and had to use cold water instead. When he flipped the pancakes over, he noticed that they were shaped like doras (a type of drum). He decided to fill them with an sweet bean paste and the dora cake was born!
Why Do They Call It a Dora Cake?
The word dora means “drum” in Japanese, and these cakes get their name from their shape. The two small pancakes that make up a dora cake resemble the drums (tawara) that were used in ancient Japan.
What is Dora cake made of?
Dora cakes are made with two small pancakes sandwiching a sweet filling. The most common filling is red bean paste, but other flavors such as chestnut or chocolate are also popular.
The pancakes are made with a simple batter of eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk. The fillings can vary depending on what you like, but the most common is red bean paste. This is made by cooking azuki beans with sugar until it forms a thick paste. Other popular fillings include chestnut, chocolate, and custard.
What are the Different Types of Desserts from Japan?
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are often served with tea. They are made from a variety of ingredients, such as rice flour, sugar, and beans. Common types of wagashi include mochi (rice cakes), manjū (steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste), and daifuku (a type of mochi stuffed with sweet bean paste).
Other popular Japanese desserts include anmitsu (a dessert made with agar jelly, fruits, and beans), dango (rice flour dumplings), and yokan (a thick jellied dessert made from red bean paste). Pudding, ice cream, and cake are also popular in Japan.
Types of Dora Cake
There are many different types of dora cake, each with its own unique flavor and filling. Below are some of the most popular varieties:
- Anko Dora Cake: This type of dora cake is filled with sweet red bean paste (anko).
- Chestnut Dora Cake: These cakes are filled with a sweet chestnut paste.
- Chocolate Dora Cake: As the name suggests, these cakes are filled with chocolate.
- Strawberry Dora Cake: These cakes are filled with a sweet strawberry jam.
- Matcha Dora Cake: These cakes are flavored with matcha green tea and often contain a green tea-flavored filling.
How to Make Dora Cake?
There are many dora recipes out there, but we think the best way to make a dora cake is from scratch! This way, you can control the ingredients and make sure that they are of the highest quality.
The key ingredients for a doraeyaki cake are:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Baking Powder
- Milk
- Vegetable Oil
To make the pancakes, mix together the flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, milk, and vegetable oil. Then, cook the pancakes in a frying pan over medium heat. Once they are cooked, let them cool slightly before adding the filling.
For the filling, you can use either red bean paste or chestnut paste. If you want to make your own red bean paste, you can find a recipe here.
Once the pancakes are filled, they are ready to be served! Enjoy your doraeyaki cake with a cup of green tea.
What Tools You Need for Storing a Dora Cake
When it comes to storing dora cakes, there are a few things you will need:
- A clean, dry container with a tight-fitting lid. We recommend using a Tupperware or similar type of container.
- Wax paper or parchment paper. This will help to keep the pancakes from sticking to each other and make them easier to remove from the container.
- A damp paper towel. This will help to keep the pancakes moist and prevent them from drying out.
To store the doraeyaki cakes, first line the bottom of the container with wax paper or parchment paper. Then, add a layer of pancakes, followed by a damp paper towel. Continue adding layers of pancakes and damp paper towels until all of the pancakes are in the container. Finally, place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper on top and seal the container tightly.
The dora cakes will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in this manner.
Why Did Japan Develop Different Form of Doraeyakis?
The dora cake is a very popular snack in Japan and can be found in almost any convenience store. However, there are many different variations of this cake, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients.
One of the most popular variations is the matcha dora, which is made with green tea powder. This gives the cake a slight bitterness that contrasts well with the sweetness of the filling. Other popular flavors include chocolate, cheese, and strawberry.
There are also savory versions of the doraeyaki cake that are filled with meats or vegetables. These savory versions are usually served as a main course, rather than a dessert.
10 Additional Ways to Enjoy a Dora Cake
There are many different ways to enjoy a doraeyaki cake, beyond just eating it as is. Here are 10 additional ways to enjoy this delicious snack:
- Add some fruit to the filling for a fruity twist.
- Make mini dora cakes using a mini muffin tin.
- Use different flavored fillings, such as chocolate or cheese.
- Make savory dora by filling them with meat or vegetables.
- Dip the edges of the cake in chocolate or other sauces.
- Top the cake with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Place the cake in between two wafers for an ice cream sandwich-style treat.
- Toast the cake for a warm and gooey treat.
- Freeze the cake for a cool and refreshing treat.
- Enjoy the cake with a cup of green tea.
Tips and Tricks on Making the Perfect Dora Cake
Here are a few tips and tricks on making the perfect dora cake:
- Be sure to mix the batter well so that there are no lumps.
- Cook the pancakes over medium heat so that they are cooked through but not burnt.
- Let the pancakes cool slightly before adding the filling, otherwise the filling will melt.
- If you are using red bean paste, be sure to mash it well so that it is smooth.
- For a more sophisticated flavor, you can use matcha powder in the batter or filling.
- You can also use different flavored fillings, such as chocolate or cheese.
- If you want to make mini dora cakes, use a mini muffin tin.
- For a quick and easy dora cake, you can use store-bought pancake mix.
Dora cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
How Long Does It Take for the Doyarki Cake Filling To Set?
The filling for a doraeyaki cake is usually made from red bean paste or chestnut paste. If you are using store-bought paste, it will likely be sweetened and will not need to set. However, if you are making your own paste, it is best to let it set for at least 30 minutes so that the flavors can develop.
Once the filling is set, you can assemble the cakes by spreading the filling on one pancake and topping it with another pancake. The cakes are then ready to be served! Enjoy your doraeyaki cake with a cup of green tea.
How Many Calories Are in a Dora Cake?
A typical dora cake has about 150 calories. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients and the size of the cake. If you are concerned about calories, you can always make mini dora cakes using a mini muffin tin.
The Pros & Cons of Making Your Own vs Buying Them at a Convenience Store
There are both pros and cons to making your own dora cake versus buying them at a convenience store.
Pros of Making Your Own:
- You can control the ingredients and make sure they are of high quality.
- You can make the cakes to your desired size and shape.
- You can experiment with different flavor combinations.
Cons of Making Your Own:
- It takes time and effort to make your own dora cakes.
- You may not be able to replicate the exact taste of store-bought dora cakes.
Pros of Buying at a Convenience Store:
- They are quick and easy to buy.
- They are usually less expensive than homemade dora cakes.
- There is a wide variety of flavors and brands to choose from.
Cons of Buying at a Convenience Store:
- The quality of the ingredients may not be as high as homemade dora cakes.
- The cakes may be less fresh than homemade dora cakes.
Best Places to Get a Delicious Dorayaki in Tokyo
If you’re in Tokyo and looking for a delicious dorayaki, here are a few places to check out:
Fuji Bakery
This bakery is known for its fresh and fluffy pancakes. The dorayaki here are made with red bean paste and chestnut paste, giving them a unique flavor.
Address: 1-5-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032, Japan
Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Kameju
This shop is located in the famous Ameya Yokochō market and specializes in dorayaki. The dorayaki here are filled with either red bean paste or chestnut paste.
Address: Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Street, 6 Chome Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Saryo Tsujiri
This shop is located in the Asakusa district and is known for its delicious matcha dorayaki. The pancakes are made with green tea powder and filled with red bean paste.
Address: 2-18-2 Kaminarimon, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0034, Japan
Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm
FAQs on Dora Cake
Can You Freeze Dora Cake?
Yes, you can freeze dora. However, the texture of the pancakes may change after being frozen. If you plan on freezing them, it is best to do so within 2 days of made them.
To freeze dora, place them in an airtight container with wax paper in between each pancake. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a toaster oven or microwave.
How Much Does Dorayaki Cost?
Dorayaki typically cost between 100-200 yen each. However, this can vary depending on the shop and the ingredients used.
What Is The Difference Between Dorayaki and Taiyaki?
The main difference between dorayaki and taiyaki is the shape. Dorayaki are two small pancakes sandwiching a filling, while taiyaki is fish-shaped and usually has a filling in the center. Taiyaki also tend to be made with a sweeter batter than dorayaki.
Is Dorayaki named after Doraemon?
Yes, dorayaki is named after the popular manga character Doraemon. In the manga, Doraemon loves to eat dorayaki and often brings them with him on his adventures.
What Does Dorayaki Taste Like?
Dora cake typically have a sweet, slightly savory flavor. The pancake itself is similar to a traditional American pancake, while the filling can vary depending on the ingredients used. Common fillings include red bean paste and chestnut paste.
Do You Eat Dorayaki Warm or Cold?
Dorayaki can be eaten warm or cold. However, they are typically served warm with the filling melted slightly. If you are eating them cold, the filling will be more solid.
What Is the Difference Between Dorayaki and Pancake?
The main difference between dorayaki and pancake is the filling. Dorayaki have a sweet filling in the center, while pancakes do not. Pancakes are also typically served with savory toppings, while dorayaki are usually eaten as is.
How Do You Reheat Dorayaki?
Dorayaki can be reheated in a toaster oven or microwave. If you are using a toaster oven, heat for 3-5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a microwave, heat for 1 minute at 50% power.
Final Thoughts
Dora cake is a popular Japanese dessert that is made from two pancake-like doughnuts filled with red bean paste. The cakes are often served with green tea or sweet soy sauce. While the dish may seem simple, there are some key steps to follow in order to make sure your dora cake turns out perfectly. We’ve outlined all of the necessary instructions for you below, so be sure to give this recipe a try! Thank for reading Ohsnap Cupcakes’s blogs!