Sakuramochi - Cherry Blossom Rice Cakes

Recipe

Sakuramochi - Cherry Blossom Rice Cakes

Cherry Blossom Delight: Homemade Sakuramochi Recipe

3.9 out of 5

Indulge in the delicate flavors of Japan with this authentic Sakuramochi recipe. These delightful cherry blossom rice cakes are a traditional Japanese sweet treat, often enjoyed during the spring season.

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

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

3 minutes

Total time

33 minutes

Yields

10 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

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

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Low-fat

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 10g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
  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 with a wet spatula.
  4. 4.
    Cover the bowl again and microwave for an additional 1 minute.
  5. 5.
    Take the bowl out and stir the mixture vigorously until it becomes a smooth and sticky dough.
  6. 6.
    Dust a clean surface with glutinous rice flour and transfer the dough onto it.
  7. 7.
    Knead the dough gently until it becomes smooth and pliable.
  8. 8.
    Divide the dough into 10 equal portions and shape each portion into a small ball.
  9. 9.
    Flatten each ball with your palm and place a teaspoon of sweet red bean paste in the center.
  10. 10.
    Gather the edges of the dough and seal the filling inside, shaping it into a round or oval shape.
  11. 11.
    Take a pickled cherry blossom leaf and wrap it around each rice cake, ensuring the leaf covers the entire surface.
  12. 12.
    Serve the Sakuramochi immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to enhance the flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Glutinous rice flour — Make sure to use glutinous rice flour specifically made for mochi. Regular rice flour will not yield the desired texture.
  • Sweet red bean paste — If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the sweet red bean paste before using it as a filling.

Tips & Tricks

  • To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, keep them slightly wet while shaping the rice cakes.
  • If you can't find pickled cherry blossom leaves, you can substitute them with salted cherry leaves or omit them altogether for a simpler version.
  • For an extra touch of elegance, dust the Sakuramochi with a sprinkle of kinako (roasted soybean flour) before serving.

Serving advice

Sakuramochi is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of green tea. Serve the rice cakes on a beautiful plate or in a lacquerware container to enhance the visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Sakuramochi on a wooden tray lined with a sakura-patterned cloth or a bamboo leaf for an authentic Japanese presentation. Garnish with a few fresh cherry blossoms if available.

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