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Emmy holding half a custard-filled wheel cake on the right side of the frame. More cut wheel cakes with custard oozing out stacked up in left frame.

Imagawayaki - Wheel Cakes

Toasted round treats that sandwich a creamy custard or sweetened bean filling.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 6
Calories 435 kcal

Equipment

  • wheel cake pan

Ingredients
  

Custard

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1⅓ C. whole milk
  • 4 tbsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla paste vanilla extract

Batter

  • C. all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 oz. whole milk
  • 4 tbsp. sugar
  • 3/4 tsp. Kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp. vegetable oil any neutral flavored oil is fine
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 6 tsp. prepared red bean paste (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Vanilla Custard

  • In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
  • Add the cornstarch and mix until smooth.
  • In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla paste until small bubbles form around the edges. Do not boil.
  • Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to temper the eggs.
  • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens (it should come to a full boil to activate the cornstarch).
  • Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and cool in the refrigerator or set outside to chill.

Make the Batter

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt.
  • Gradually add the milk, mixing until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
  • Stir in the oil.

Cook the Imagawayaki

  • Preheat your wheel cake pan over low heat.
  • Lightly oil the pan using a paper towel to ensure easy release.
  • Pour the batter into each divot, filling them about halfway.
  • Add a spoonful of vanilla custard or red bean paste into the center of each divot.
  • Carefully pour more batter on top to cover the filling.
  • Cook on low heat until the cakes are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to flip them to ensure even cooking.

Finish and Serve

  • Remove the wheel cakes from the pan and let them cool slightly before serving.
  • Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 11gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 161mgSodium: 383mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 340IUCalcium: 176mgIron: 3mg
Keyword griddle, hot cakes, imagawayaki, Obanyaki, wheel cakes
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