Time is running out to try the Maple Butter Hotcake Pie from McDonald's Japan. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)

A sweet new item offered by McDonald’s Japan is sure to pep up your taste buds, but time is running out.

The Maple Butter Hotcake Pie debuted on April 24, and seems to be a hit with customers sampling the fast-food icon’s menu modeled after a kissaten, or Japanese retro-style coffee shop.

This compact hotcake is packaged in a thin cardboard pouch, just like the iconic Hot Apple Pie. Tear the perforation to conveniently eat your treat without burning your hands or getting messy.

The crust appears to be chocolatey, but don’t judge this book by its cover. The first crispy bite yields the flavors of a soft, rich pancake, including an explosion of salted butter.

The first crispy bite of the Maple Butter Hotcake Pie from McDonald’s Japan yields the flavors of a soft, rich pancake, including an explosion of salted butter. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes)

Time is running out to try the Maple Butter Hotcake Pie from McDonald's Japan. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)

This pie was definitely a hit with me. I enjoyed the crunchy, flaky, just-thick-enough crust, and it featured just the right amount of maple syrup – not overwhelmingly sweet.

This will go well with a coffee or other breakfast beverage.

Other kissaten menu items include a Coffee Jelly Parfait for 380 yen and Cream Soda for 320 yen.

The Maple Butter Hotcake Pie costs 200 yen, or about $1.28, including tax. It’s available at McDonald’s Japan through the end of May.