Shohei Otani’s Favorite Japanese Convenience Store Chocolate Crepe | From Japanese Conbini to Your Kitchen!

Shohei Otani, the celebrated Japanese baseball player, has publicly expressed his fondness for the delectable chocolate crepes available at Japanese Lawson convenience stores.

These delightful treats consist of thin pancakes filled with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and luscious chocolate ganache.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Japan, you’re likely familiar with the irresistible allure of Japanese convenience store cuisine. Among these culinary delights, the sweets offered at Lawson are particularly beloved by dessert enthusiasts.

To recreate this beloved conbini treat in your own kitchen, I’ve crafted a gluten-free version using rice flour, ensuring that it’s both delicious and quick to prepare.

Prepare the Crepe Batter

I used rice flour in the batter to create a nice chewy texture, but it is less elastic than wheat flour.

Advantages of using rice flour
・Gluten-free
・There are no lumps, so you can save the work of shaking it.
・Delicious natural sweetness

Crack the egg into a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined, add sugar and salt, whisking until the mixture is smooth.

Gradually add the rice flour, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth.

Pour in half of the warm milk and whisk until combined, then add the remaining milk and oil, whisking until smooth.

When mixing ingredients, I always mix in the order of

eggs → sugar → flour → milk → oil

This is because they blend together the most beautifully.
Some people mix all the ingredients in a bowl at once, but it’s difficult to mix and doesn’t mix well.
This is the method I used to make when I was running a pastry shop, and it is without a doubt the most efficient method.

Then pass the batter through a sieve into a measuring cup and set aside to rest.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

Microwaving is a convenient way to make small quantities of ganache. It only takes a few seconds and requires less washing.
What you have to be careful about is not to overcook it. Please cook on time.

Place chocolate chunks and heavy cream in a microwave-safe ramekin.

Microwave for 30 seconds, then remove and whisk until smooth. If needed, microwave for additional time until the ganache is smooth.

Chill slightly then transfer the ganache onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a strip.

Chill in the fridge until ready to use.

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.

It should be stiffer than any other cake for easy handling. If it’s soft, not easy to roll it up and keep its shape.

Gently fold in the chopped chocolate and refrigerate until needed.

Cook the Crepes

Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil.

Stir the crepe batter and pour a quarter of the batter into the pan, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly. If needed, add a little extra batter to cover any gaps.

Cook the crepe for 1-2 minutes until the edges lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip the crepe and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Assemble the Crepes

Place a cooked crepe on a flat surface and spoon two dollops of whipped cream just below the center.

Add a strip of chocolate ganache on top of the whipped cream.

Fold the crepe from the bottom over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll it up.

Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.

Chill and Serve

Allow the assembled crepes to chill in the freezer for about 20 minutes until firm but not completely frozen.

Enjoy the chewy texture of the crepe, which melts in your mouth with the creamy whipped cream and rich chocolate ganache. Keep any leftovers in the freezer for a delightful treat anytime, especially during Major League season while watching the games on TV!

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Shohei Otani’s favorite Japanese convenience store chocolate crepe, right in the comfort of your own home. Whether as a sweet snack or a decadent dessert, these crepes are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring a taste of Japan to your kitchen!