Homemade Sakura Rakugan

Recipe

Homemade Sakura Rakugan

Delicate Cherry Blossom Sweet Treats

4.3 out of 5

Indulge in the delicate flavors of Japan with this homemade Sakura Rakugan recipe. These traditional Japanese sweets, made with cherry blossom petals and sweet bean paste, are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Japanese cuisine.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Rakugan
Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Japanese cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

45 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan sweet bean paste), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free glutinous rice flour)

Allergens

Soy (in sweet bean paste)

Not suitable for

Nut-free (contains sweet bean paste), Dairy-free (contains sweet bean paste)

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 15g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Rinse the salted cherry blossom petals under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. 2.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth batter.
  3. 3.
    Place the batter in a heatproof dish and steam it over high heat for 15 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
  4. 4.
    Remove the dish from the steamer and let the batter cool slightly.
  5. 5.
    Divide the sweet bean paste into small portions, each weighing around 10g (0.35 oz).
  6. 6.
    Take one portion of sweet bean paste and flatten it into a small disc.
  7. 7.
    Place a cherry blossom petal on top of the sweet bean paste disc.
  8. 8.
    Take a small amount of the steamed batter and wrap it around the sweet bean paste and cherry blossom petal, forming a small ball.
  9. 9.
    Press the ball into a mold to create the cherry blossom pattern.
  10. 10.
    Repeat steps 6-9 for the remaining sweet bean paste portions.
  11. 11.
    Let the Sakura Rakugan cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Sweet bean paste (anko) — If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a small amount of sugar to the sweet bean paste before using it in the recipe.
  • Salted cherry blossom petals (sakura) — Make sure to rinse the petals thoroughly to remove excess salt and preserve their delicate flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have a mold for creating the cherry blossom pattern, you can use a toothpick to draw simple designs on the surface of the sweets.
  • For an extra touch of elegance, dust the Sakura Rakugan with a sprinkle of edible gold or silver powder before serving.
  • Store the Sakura Rakugan in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.

Serving advice

Serve the Sakura Rakugan on a beautiful Japanese lacquerware plate or a traditional ceramic dish to enhance their visual appeal. They are best enjoyed with a cup of green tea to complement their subtle flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Sakura Rakugan on a serving platter in a circular pattern, with the cherry blossom patterns facing upwards. Garnish the platter with a few fresh cherry blossom petals for an extra touch of elegance.

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