When it comes to Japanese cuisine, most people automatically think of sushi, ramen, or tempura. However, Japan has a wide variety of desserts that are equally delicious and unique. From traditional Japanese sweets to modern twists on classic recipes, here are six Japanese desserts that will blow your mind!
1. Matcha Mochi Cake
Matcha Mochi Cake is a Japanese dessert that combines the chewy texture of mochi with the bold flavor of matcha green tea. To make this cake, you'll need glutinous rice flour, sugar, baking powder, matcha powder, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Bake in the oven until golden brown and let it cool before serving.
Taste: Sweet and Earthy
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 150
2. Dorayaki (Red Bean Pancake)
Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese dessert that consists of two small pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. To make this dessert, you'll need flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, water, honey, and red bean paste. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Cook the pancakes in a nonstick pan and fill them with the red bean paste.
Taste: Sweet and Nutty
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 200
3. Anmitsu (Japanese Fruit Jelly)
Taste: Sweet and Refreshing
Total time: 2 hours
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 180
4. Kuzumochi (Arrowroot Starch Cake)
Kuzumochi is a traditional Japanese dessert made from arrowroot starch, sugar, and water. It has a jelly-like texture and is typically served with kinako soybean powder and black sugar syrup. To make this dessert, you'll need kuzuko (arrowroot starch), sugar, water, and kinako powder. Mix the kuzuko and sugar together, then add the water and stir until smooth. Heat the mixture until it thickens, then pour it into a square mold and chill in the refrigerator until firm. Cut into small pieces and dust with kinako powder before serving.
Taste: Nutty and Sweet
Total time: 2 hours
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 120
5. Warabimochi (Bracken Starch Dumpling)
Warabimochi is a popular Japanese dessert made from bracken starch, water, and sugar. It has a chewy texture and is typically served with kinako soybean powder and brown sugar syrup. To make this dessert, you'll need warabiko (bracken starch), sugar, water, kinako powder, and brown sugar syrup. Mix the warabiko and sugar together, then add the water and stir until smooth. Cook the mixture over low heat until it thickens, then pour it into a square mold and chill in the refrigerator until firm. Cut into small pieces and dust with kinako powder before serving. Drizzle with brown sugar syrup to taste.
Taste: Nutty and Sweet
Total time: 2 hours
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 100
6. Mitarashi Dango (Soy Sauce Dumpling)
Mitarashi Dango is a popular Japanese street food that consists of small dumplings made from mochiko (sweet rice flour) and served on a skewer. They are brushed with a sweet soy sauce glaze and topped with kinako soybean powder. To make this dessert, you'll need mochiko, sugar, water, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix the mochiko and sugar together, then add in the water and knead until smooth. Form the dough into small balls and cook them in boiling water until they float to the surface. Skewer the dumplings and brush them with the soy sauce glaze, then sprinkle with kinako powder before serving.
Taste: Sweet and Savory
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 120
The best accompaniments for these Japanese desserts vary depending on personal preference and the occasion. For the matcha mochi cake, serve it with a hot cup of green tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Dorayaki can be served on its own as a sweet snack or dessert or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Anmitsu can be enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added sweetness. For Kuzumochi, serve it with kinako soybean powder and black sugar syrup on top, along with a cup of hot green tea. Warabimochi is delicious with a drizzle of brown sugar syrup and kinako soybean powder on top, and it is also perfect with a cup of hot matcha green tea. Finally, Mitarashi Dango can be served with a side of hot green tea or enjoyed as a dessert after a savory Japanese meal.
Japanese desserts are a unique and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, next time you're looking for something different, give one of these six Japanese desserts a try and let them blow your mind with their incredible taste!