Have you ever thought about Takoyaki shaped Nutella dessert? Takoyaki is a Japanese street food made from fried batter shaped in small round balls with octopus bits in them. Japanese people and other people around the world love this snack but I know not everyone likes octopus. So I decided to make a dessert version with Nutella!
Savoury to Sweets
Takoyaki was invented in the 1930s in the Kansai region of Japan. The Kansai region is famous for street food called Kona-mono (flour-things) such as Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki. Nowadays, Japanese people are experimenting with different fillings of takoyaki and incorporating sweet ingredients.
Why is it called ‘Nutella Dessert Takoyaki’?
“Tako” means octopus but Nutella Dessert Takoyaki is still called Takoyaki even though it does not contain any octopus. It is made out of a different batter but its shape looks just like Takoyaki and is made in the takoyaki pan. Any kind of sweets made in the takoyaki pan are called “Dessert Takoyaki”. It is a trend to use the special takoyaki pan to make not only takoyaki but sweets too because of its cute round shape.
Is the same takoyaki batter used for Nutella Dessert Takoyaki?
No, Takoyaki batter is very thin and watery. That type of batter is only suitable for savoury Takoyaki. The batter to make Nutella Dessert Takoyaki is more like pancake batter. I use Morinaga brand Japanese “Hot Cake” mix. If you can get “Japanese Hot Cake mix” this is very easy to make fluffy popcake like dessert. Otherwise you can use your own pancake recipe.
But, I don’t have Takoyaki Pan…
Well, If you really really love Japanese food, I recommend to purchase a Takoyaki Pan. As I mentioned, you can make real Takoyaki which is delicious too. If you don’t want to spend money on this special pan, then there are another options. You probably have seen those Dutch mini pancakes called “Poffertjes”. You can use those pans but they are shallower than Takoyaki Pan so therefore, you can not make completely round Takoyaki. You could also try using cakepop tins.
Filling options
The filling options are endless so let your imagination run wild. I choose Nutella because my daughter loves Nutella and, well, who doesn’t like Nutella? Because this is a sweet pancake-like dessert, really anything will go well. My suggestions are custard, peanut butter, chocolate chips, jam, sweet bean paste, and fruit like blueberries. And also you can decorate by topping with drizzled nutella, powdered sugar icing, etc.
Here is my recipe for Nutella dessert Takoyaki and If you liked it, please rate it and leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Youtube, Pinterest, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest happenings on Chopstick Chronicles. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ChopstickChronicles so I can see your wonderful creations!
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Nutella Dessert Takoyaki
Ingredients
- 1 cup self raising flour
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg + milk to make up 1 and 1/2 cups altogether
- 15 g melted butter
- Nutella 1 mini spoon size per pancake pop- about 15 tsp
Instructions
- Spoon 1 tsp of Nutella onto a tray lined with baking paper to make about 15 Nutella balls. Cover the tray with cling wrap and place it in the freezer until it is ready to be used.
- Sift the flour, sugar, and baking powder together into a large bowl.
- Break the egg into a measuring jug and whisk it then add the milk to make 1.5 cups of liquid and mix it together.
- Add it to the dry ingredients and mix together.
- Add the melted butter and combine the ingredients until it makes a smooth batter.
- Heat a Takoyaki maker or a profiterole maker (these are a bit more shallow though) on medium heat and spray a little oil then pour the batter into each hole about 80% full (so a bit below the top).
- Once the outside of each pancake pop is a bit more firm, add about 1 tsp of Nutella in the centre of each.
- Use a kebab stick or skewer to scoop the pancake pops and flip them over.
- Continuously keep spinning them around until they form a round circle and are evenly lightly brown.
- Serve and enjoy!
Van@Lello Pasta Bar says
This is quite interesting. I do love takoyaki garnished with veggies and this one is awesome. I do love Nutella anyway.
Shihoko | Chopstick Chronicles says
Thank you Van 😀
Linda says
I’ve never hear of takoyaki before but the concept of a sweet ball with Nutella inside has me drooling over here. And that pan is so cute, I can see how it could be used for many sweet or savory recipes. Thanks for such an interesting recipe and all the background on where it’s from.
Shihoko | Chopstick Chronicles says
The pan is super cute isn’t it? 😀
Jenn says
These look so totally addictive! Such a creative recipe!
Shihoko | Chopstick Chronicles says
Thank you Jenn 😀
Humairah says
i made these using UK measuring cups without realising that you had to use US cups and they still taste nice!
Shihoko | Chopstick Chronicles says
Hi Humairah, I am glad it worked for you. UK, US, Australian and Japanese measuring cups are so confusing for me too.
Pablo says
This is crazy good! love it
Chopstick Chronicles says
Wow thank you 😀 I’m happy you love it
Jenny says
Hi Shiho! Chanced upon your website and these sweets you’re making look so delicious! I don’t have access to such pans, but would really love to make these nutella balls, so can you suggest another way of making this? Like using a regular-sized 12 muffins tin? Is it possible and the modifications? Really appreciate any advice!
Shihoko | Chopstick Chronicles says
Hi Jenny, Thank you for visiting my blog 😀 It is not baked, rather being cooked over the cook top so it is difficult if you don’t have those pan. If you are in UK, you can may b find a poffertjes( dutch round pancake ) pan? They are very similar, just a little bit shallower than the one I use.
Jenny says
Hi Shiho, thanks for the quick reply! Ah, was too excited trying to find an alternative way to cook these, didn’t notice they’re cooked on the stove-top. By the way, do you have any recipes for making Japanese muffins or cupcakes? Or even quickbreads? Thank you!
Rikki Herche says
How many servings does this recipe make?
Shihoko | Chopstick Chronicles says
Hi Rikki 😀 this recipe makes about 15 dessert takoyaki balls 😀
Tammy says
Oh what a wonderful idea! My son will be very impressed with this. Thank you
Shihoko | Chopstick Chronicles says
Thank you Tammy, I am sure your son will love this 😀
Boastful Food says
These look dangerous and delicious:)
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Haha they are delicious and a bit too tempting but definitely worth it
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
Wow – these look delicious! Definitely on my “must make” list. Love the photos too!!
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Thank you Kathryn! These are definitely a must, they’re so yummy!
Amanda@ChewTown says
OMG! Now these are a dessert I can TOTALLY get behind! They look simply incredible – so glad I’ve found your lovely blog. Gotta love FBC.
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Thank you Amanda. I am so glad that I am a part of FBC too which connect me with all wonderful food bloggers from all over the world.
Claudia | Gourmet Project says
I tried these in Japan, but Nutella? that’s heaven in a ball!
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Hi Claudia, Thank you. I like Tako(Octopus) version too of course but I like Nutella filling better because I have sweet teeth.
Wajeeha says
I need these in my life…they’re so cute and omg I just want to gobble them up…my daughter would love these too 🙂
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Thank you! My daughter loves them so I’m sure your’s will too! 🙂
Dalia says
These are such a delicious treat! Pancake and NUTELLA, Shiho you are amazing! I mean I could easily be bribed by anyone who will offer me those. I actually I am afraid to try those cuz they can be my next foodie addiction 😉
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Hehehe Dalia, we made about 30 of them and my daughter and myself ate them all after we took photos….yeiks.
Lokness @ The Missing Lokness says
I can’t tell you how excited I am to see this recipe! My husband and I love takoyaki. When we were visiting Tokyo, we made sure to spare a meal just for takoyaki. Just like your daughter, I’m a Nutella fanatic! These nutella takoyaki are way too awesome! I am drooling over that gooey and warm nutella center. I think I really have to buy a takoyaki maker now!
Christina says
great idea and love your blog!
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Thank you Christina<3
AiPing | Curious Nut says
Oh no… what have you done? Not good Shiho, not good… but I mean, they look so good. I want them all!!!
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Hehe, Aiping, I put about 15kg in last 2 years. Not good….but I enjoy all of my food creation bahaha.
Christine | Vermilion Roots says
Pancake pops! This is so creative. It’s going to turn breakfast into a party! I admire how you create new foods from traditional favorites. This blog is such a delight to read. I’m looking forward to seeing what you cook next!
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Thank you Christine for such a lovely comment!!
mila furman says
OMG these look TO DIE FOR!!! And your blog it’s absolutely gorgeous!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! Great blog! Great pics! Great recipes! SO glad I stopped over!!!
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Oh Thank you Mila for your kind words and thank you for stopping by
Juventia | Foodiestory says
This is an awesome recipe Shihoko! You just gave me an idea of what I’m going to make for the next house party. <3 <3
Shiho@ChopstickChronicles says
Thank you Juventia, I am glad that you get some idea from my blog<3 It will be a cloud pleaser.