Momiji Manjū with a Twist

Recipe

Momiji Manjū with a Twist

Maple Leaf Delights: A Modern Twist on Momiji Manjū

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern twist in this recipe for Momiji Manjū. These delightful maple leaf-shaped cakes are a beloved treat in Japan, typically filled with sweet red bean paste. Our version adds a unique twist to the classic recipe, infusing the cakes with a creamy matcha filling for a delightful fusion of flavors.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Momiji manjū
Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

15-18 minutes

Total time

35-38 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan red bean paste), Dairy-free (if using dairy-free milk), Nut-free, Kosher

Allergens

Wheat (all-purpose flour), Soy (in some brands of red bean paste)

Not suitable for

Gluten-free (contains all-purpose flour), Paleo, Low-carb, Keto, Halal (contains matcha)

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 10g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a maple leaf-shaped mold with cooking spray.
  2. 2.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. 3.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. 4.
    Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
  5. 5.
    Divide the batter in half. In one half, sift in the matcha powder and mix until evenly incorporated.
  6. 6.
    Spoon the plain batter into one side of the maple leaf mold, filling it halfway. Repeat with the matcha batter on the other side.
  7. 7.
    Place a small dollop of sweet red bean paste in the center of each side of the mold.
  8. 8.
    Cover the red bean paste with the remaining batter, ensuring the mold is filled to the top.
  9. 9.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cakes comes out clean.
  10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the mold for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Matcha powder — Ensure you use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color in the filling.
  • Sweet red bean paste (anko) — Look for pre-made anko at Asian grocery stores or make your own by simmering cooked adzuki beans with sugar until thickened.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more pronounced matcha flavor, you can increase the amount of matcha powder in the filling.
  • If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a teaspoon of powdered sugar to the matcha filling mixture.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for a variety of flavors.
  • Dust the finished Momiji Manjū with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Serve the Momiji Manjū with a cup of green tea to enhance the overall experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Momiji Manjū as a delightful snack or dessert. Arrange them on a plate or in a traditional Japanese lacquerware box for an authentic touch. These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle a small amount of matcha powder on top of the finished Momiji Manjū. This will add a pop of color and highlight the matcha flavor in the filling. Additionally, you can place a real maple leaf or a decorative leaf-shaped pick alongside the cakes for an elegant touch.

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