Coffee Daifuku with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice flour 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee 1/2 cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120g) sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup (120g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
• Cornstarch or potato starch, for dusting Cornstarch or potato starch, for dusting
• Cocoa powder, for dusting (optional) Cocoa powder, for dusting (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, brewed coffee, and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. 2.
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
3. 3.
   Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it forms a sticky dough.
4. 4.
   Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for an additional 1 minute.
5. 5.
   Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the dough again until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Transfer the dough onto a surface dusted with cornstarch or potato starch.
7. 7.
   Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
8. 8.
   Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each portion into a circle.
9. 9.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Mix well until smooth.
10. 10.
    Place a spoonful of the coffee cream filling onto the center of each flattened dough circle.
11. 11.
    Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside.
12. 12.
    Roll each filled dough ball in cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking.
13. 13.
    Dust the Coffee Daifuku with cocoa powder for an extra touch of flavor and presentation (optional).
14. 14.
    Serve the Coffee Daifuku immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice flour — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically, as it provides the desired chewy texture for the mochi.
• Sweetened condensed milk — Adjust the amount according to your desired level of sweetness. You can also substitute it with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
• Cocoa powder — Dusting the Coffee Daifuku with cocoa powder adds a hint of bitterness and enhances the coffee flavor. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a milder taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the mochi dough from sticking to your hands, keep them lightly dusted with cornstarch or potato starch while shaping the Coffee Daifuku.
• Experiment with different coffee flavors and strengths to find your preferred taste.
• If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the mochi dough mixture.
• For a decorative touch, you can wrap each Coffee Daifuku in a small piece of edible rice paper before serving.
• Store any leftover Coffee Daifuku in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Coffee Daifuku as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. Arrange them on a plate or in a traditional Japanese lacquerware box for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Coffee Daifuku on a serving platter, ensuring that the cocoa-dusted ones are evenly distributed for visual appeal. Garnish the platter with coffee beans or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.