There’s nothing like sinking your teeth into a slice of perfectly baked mochi cake. The texture is a lovely blend of chewy and soft. At the same time, the flavor achieves a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re a longtime fan of mochi treats or new to mochi cake recipes, this guide is here to help.
If you’ve never made mochi cake at home, you’re in for an absolute delight! This butter mochi recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation, giving you all the flavor of traditional mochi with the ease of a classic cake recipe. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and unlock the secrets to a perfect, chewy mochi cake.
Table of Contents
What is Mochi Cake? A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore what makes mochi cake so unique:
- Unique Texture: Mochi cake stands out for its chewy texture, thanks to glutinous rice flour. It’s the perfect blend of dense and soft—unlike any traditional cake you’ve had before.
- Simple Ingredients: A classic mochi cake recipe typically uses only a handful of ingredients: glutinous rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, eggs, and butter. This simplicity makes it an accessible dessert for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist: While traditional mochi is often steamed or pounded, a butter mochi recipe is baked, giving you a crispy outer layer while keeping the chewy center intact.
Fun Fact
Did you know that mochi cake is a popular dessert in Hawaii, often made with coconut milk and a hint of vanilla?
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Mochi Cake Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this step-by-step mochi cake recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour (sometimes called sweet rice flour)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of coconut milk (or evaporated milk for a creamier taste)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: shredded coconut or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor
Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey for serving
Make sure to use glutinous rice flour, not regular rice flour—this gives the cake its signature chewy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Mochi Cake
Let’s break down the baking process step by step. Follow these easy instructions to ensure your mochi cake recipe turns out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is critical for achieving that crispy edge.
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make removing the cake easier and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the coconut milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are completely blended.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This step is essential for achieving a smooth batter.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Gently shake the dish to even out the batter.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean. The edges should be crispy, with the center remaining soft and chewy.
Step 5: Let It Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting it into squares. Mochi cake firms up as it cools, making it easier to slice.
- Dust with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for an extra touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Mochi Cake Every Time
Want to take your mochi cake recipe to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to guarantee excellent results:
- Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Opt for full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture. It adds richness to the cake and enhances the chewy texture.
- Stay undermixed: Stir the batter until it is combined. Overmixing may lead to a thicker, denser cake.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so watch the cake in the last 10 minutes of baking. The top should be golden, with a slightly springy center.
- Personalize Your Flavor: Don’t hesitate to try out different flavors. Add a tablespoon of matcha powder for a green tea twist, or mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
Butter Mochi Recipe Variations You’ll Love
Once you’ve mastered the basic mochi cake recipe, why not try a few delicious variations? Here are some famous twists:
- Classic Hawaiian Butter Mochi:
- Swap out half of the coconut milk for evaporated milk.
- Add a tablespoon of shredded coconut for a hint of tropical flavor.
- Chocolate Mochi Cake:
- Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and stir.
- Drizzle with melted dark chocolate once baked.
- Matcha Green Tea Mochi Cake:
- Mix 1-2 tablespoons of matcha powder into the batter.
- Top with a powdered sugar dusting and a hint of matcha for an elegant look.
- Mango Butter Mochi:
- Fold in diced mango pieces just before baking for a fruity touch.
- Serve with fresh mango slices on top.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
How to Serve Mochi Cake
- Enjoy mochi cake warm with a cup of green tea or coffee.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair it with fresh fruits like strawberries or mango for a refreshing contrast.
Storing Your Mochi Cake
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for three days.
- Refrigerator: You can keep the cake in the fridge for up to a week. Note that refrigeration can make the cake denser.
- Freezing: Mochi cake freezes well. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.
Why This Mochi Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Dessert
This mochi cake recipe offers the ideal combination of tradition and simplicity. You’ll get a delicious, satisfying, and unique dessert with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. The chewy texture and buttery taste are:
- A crowd-pleaser.
- I am making it a fantastic treat for gatherings.
- Potlucks.
- Just a cozy night at home.
Once you try this butter mochi recipe, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. The endless variations mean you can customize it for any occasion or flavor craving. Happy baking!
Step-by-step mochi cake recipe you’ll love
Course: DessertCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy8-10
servings15
minutes45
minutes300-350
kcalThis delightful mochi cake recipe combines the chewy texture of mochi with a sweet, buttery flavor. It’s easy to make and will impress anyone who loves unique desserts.
Ingredients
2 cups glutinous rice flour (sometimes called sweet rice flour)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1 cup of coconut milk (or evaporated milk for a creamier taste)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: shredded coconut or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is critical for achieving that crispy edge.
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make removing the cake easier and prevent sticking. - Whisk together the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the coconut milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are completely blended.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This step is essential for achieving a smooth batter. - Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Gently shake the dish to even out the batter.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean. The edges should be crispy, with the center remaining soft and chewy. - Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting it into squares. Mochi cake firms up as it cools, making it easier to slice.
Dust with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for an extra touch. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Butter mochi recipe variation: You can replace half the coconut milk with cream or full-fat milk for a richer flavor, giving your mochi cake a richer texture and deeper flavor.
- The mochi cake will have a chewy texture, so don’t be surprised if it’s denser than traditional cakes.
- Any leftover mochi cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
This mochi cake recipe is easy, quick to prepare, and yields a dessert that everyone will love!
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- Deliciously Easy Sherbet Ice Cream Recipe
- Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
- Healthy Banana Bread Recipe: Low Sugar, Whole Wheat, and Dairy-Free Options
Frequently Asked Questions About Mochi Cake
What is Mochi Cake?
Mochi cake is a fusion dessert that combines traditional Japanese mochi—made from glutinous rice flour—with Western-style baking techniques. The result is a sweet, chewy cake that’s naturally gluten-free.
Can I Make Mochi Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! Mochi cake can be made a day in advance. Some people think it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
How Do I Store Leftover Mochi Cake?
Store your mochi cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it fresh. For more extended storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them. Reheat frozen slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the chewy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use vegan-friendly coconut milk. The texture might be slightly different, but it’s still delicious.
Conclusion: Mochi cake is a versatile and delightful dessert that will win over anyone who takes a bite. You’ll love the results whether you stick with the classic recipe or branch out into a fun twist like butter mochi. So grab your ingredients and get baking—a world of chewy, sweet goodness awaits you!
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