Mochi (Japanese Rice Cake)

Skip the takeout tonight and make your own Mochi, or Japanese rice cakes, at home! This easy homemade version is made with rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk for a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Whip up a batch for the entire family to enjoy today!

If you have never had mochi before, you are in for a real treat. I can’t even compare it to anything because I just can’t think of anything to compare it to! The best description I can think of is a cross between a marshmallow and the chewy texture of a gummy candy.

Trying mochi for the first time was an interesting experience I was not sure what to expect when I picked up the soft, squishy treat, but from the first bite, I was hooked! It’s a little weird, definitely wonderful, and totally addictive!

Now, believe it or not, not everyone in my family is a fan. I guess this is one of those things that you either love or do not like at all, kinda like Brussels Sprouts. 😂

What is Mochi?

Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine  (especially for the Japanese New Year!) and has become quite a popular treat throughout the world. The key ingredient is a short-grain, steamed glutinous rice that is ground into a paste (although for simplicity’s sake, we use a glutinous rice flour in our recipe).

You can find mochi cake in all shapes and sizes, with different colors and flavors. Some different types of mochi have fillings like a sweet red bean paste or ice cream, and can be sweet or savory. I see it as a topping at our local self-serve frozen yogurt shop, and I just have to get it every time!

Ingredients for Homemade Mochi

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this tasty treat. Gather the following items:

Mochiko glutinous flour (NO substitutions, this is the one you need!)

Granulated white sugar

Coconut milk

Water

Potato starch or cornstarch for dusting

Food coloring (optional)

Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of the post for a detailed list of ingredients and instructions!

How to Make Mochi

This easy recipe is a different way of making mochi than the traditional Japanese method. Instead of making a paste from steamed rice, we use rice flour and bake it with other ingredients for a similar treat.

First,  preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9×13-inch glass pan by coating it with nonstick cooking spray. Using a glass pan will help prevent sticking.

Next, mix together the rice flour and sugar in a large bowl.

Add the coconut milk, water, and desired amount of food coloring. Mix it all together with a whisk until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.

Gently pour the rice flour mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover it tightly with a sheet of aluminum foil. Bake for 45-55 minutes until cooked through. It may still appear a bit wet after 55 minutes, but it will set as it cools.

Allow the mochi to cool completely to room temperature. Using a plastic knife, cut the mochi into small pieces and toss them gently in the potato or corn starch to coat all sides. Enjoy!

Recipe Note

Do not use any other rice flour other than the Mochiko sweet rice flour specified in the recipe. It can be purchased from online sources such as here at Amazon, in Asian markets, and some people have been able to find it at Walmart. Do you know of another source? Drop it in the comments below.

FAQs

How do you store Mochi?

Store your mochi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Can you freeze Mochi?

Yes, to store mochi for a longer period, you can freeze mochi in a resealable plastic bag for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Is Mochi dough gluten-free?

Yes, since mochi is made from rice flour, it is naturally gluten-free.

How much Mochi does this recipe make?

This recipe makes up to 84 1-inch squares of mochi.

More Bite-Sized Treats to Enjoy

Sometimes it’s nice to have a small treat you don’t feel too guilty about eating! Try these mini treats next time you want something sweet:

These Mini Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecakes are individually sized peanut butter cheesecakes with a Peanut Butter creme Oreo for the crust, a surprise mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the middle, and a drizzle of chocolate all over. You chocolate and peanut butter lovers are going to go nuts for this dessert!

Blueberry Cherry Mini Crumb Pies – fresh blueberries and cherries give you the fresh tastes of summer in a bite-sized treat!

These Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are hard to resist. Made of peanut butter cookies stuffed with a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, they’re frosted with chocolate buttercream.

Thinking about what to bring to your next cookout? These Salted Caramel Cashew Brownie Bites have a Marich Chocolates Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel tucked inside, topped with vanilla buttercream and a Marich Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cashew. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat!

Japanese-Inspired Recipes

These recipes have flavors often found in Japanese cuisine. Which one will you try next?

Take your appetizer game to the next level with this easy Garlic Edamame recipe. Edamame pods are sautéed with garlic and ginger for the perfect start to any Asian meal.

An unexpected flavor combination makes these Chocolate Wasabi Crinkles stand out from the crowd! Pungent wasabi and crushed wasabi peas are added to classic chocolate crinkle cookies for a uniquely delicious holiday treat.

Miso Chicken Salad is an easy and flavorful option for your standard chicken salad. Made with shredded chicken, miso, fresh ginger, mayo, and other simple ingredients, it might just become your new favorite.

This Pork Potstickers recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again because it’s so easy! They’re made of ground pork, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and cabbage tucked into a potsticker wrapper, fried, and then steamed.

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This post was originally published June 18, 2011 and was Day 138 of my original 365 Days of Baking. It has been updated in format and with pictures on May 16, 2025.

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