Butter Mochi Recipe | Easy Hawaiian Dessert

Butter mochi is the ultimate dessert for anyone craving something sweet, chewy, and downright irresistible. If you’ve never experienced this Hawaiian treat before, get excited! It’s the perfect blend of crispy edges, buttery richness, and that iconic mochi chew. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a mochi fanatic or simply love trying new desserts, this guide will walk you through every step to master a delicious butter mochi recipe.

What Is Butter Mochi?

Before we get baking, let’s talk about what makes butter mochi so special. Butter mochi is a Hawaiian dessert borrowing inspiration from Japanese mochi, known for its chewy texture. While Japanese mochi is typically made with glutinous rice itself, butter mochi uses sweet rice flour (also called mochiko) to achieve the same satisfying chew.

What sets butter mochi apart is the extra decadence. It’s packed with rich, buttery flavor and often features hints of vanilla or coconut milk for tropical flair. Widely popular in Hawaii, butter mochi stands tall at potlucks, celebrations, or simply as a go-to dessert. It’s easy to make, comforting, and so good you may have to fight off requests for second servings!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, but together, they create magic!

• 2 cups mochiko (sweet rice flour) – The key ingredient for that signature chew.
• 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the magic.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the mochi rise lightly without being too dense.
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted – Buttery goodness is essential.
• 4 large eggs – These bind everything together and give structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic sweetness.
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk – Creates a creamy base with a tropical vibe.
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk – Adds richness and keeps the texture smooth.

Optional Add-ins and Variations (more on this later!): Chocolate chips, shredded coconut, matcha, ube, or pineapple for extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Here’s how you can whip up your very own butter mochi in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper. This ensures your butter mochi doesn’t stick (and makes cleanup easier).

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine the mochiko, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. Whisk until everything is evenly blended.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, coconut milk, and evaporated milk. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth. The mixture will be liquidy, but don’t worry—that’s exactly how it should be!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your greased baking dish and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and set. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the butter mochi to cool completely before slicing into squares. Use a sharp knife for clean edges and that Instagram-worthy presentation.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Butter Mochi

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Room-temp eggs and melted butter will mix more easily into your batter, ensuring a smoother consistency.

• Don’t Overbake

Overbaking dries out the mochi and makes it lose its delightful chew. Keep an eye on it towards the end and trust your toothpick test.

• Experiment with Ratios

If you love an extra gooey center, reduce the baking time slightly or tweak the liquid-to-flour ratio.

• Opt for Full-Fat Coconut Milk

Trust us on this one. The creaminess makes all the difference!

Variations and Add-ins

Butter mochi is versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Here are some customizations you can try to keep things exciting for repeat batches:

• Chocolate Chips

Mix semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter for a dessert that feels extra decadent.

• Coconut Flakes

Stir shredded coconut into the batter or sprinkle on top for added texture and tropical flair.

• Macadamia Nuts

Chopped macadamias provide satisfying crunch and complement the buttery flavor beautifully.

• Ube (Purple Yam)

Blend in ube puree or ube extract for a vibrant purple color and a distinctively sweet, earthy taste.

• Matcha

Add matcha powder to the batter for a subtle, earthy flavor and a beautiful green hue.

• Pineapple

For the ultimate tropical twist, toss in small bits of fresh or canned pineapple.

• Brown Butter

Swap melted butter for browned butter to create a nutty, rich depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy Warm or Chilled

Serve warm for an ooey-gooey experience, or chill for a firmer, chewier bite.

• Pair It with Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to your buttery mochi.

• Dust with Powdered Sugar

For extra sweetness and elegance, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

• Create a Dessert Platter

Slice into small squares or rectangles and arrange on a platter for a visually appealing dessert spread.

• Serve with Drinks

Enjoy it alongside green tea, milk tea, or coffee for a cozy dessert pairing.

Storing Butter Mochi

Butter mochi is best enjoyed fresh, but it stores surprisingly well. Here’s how to keep it delicious for days to come.

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerated: For up to a week, keep it chilled in an airtight container. Reheat briefly in the microwave for that just-baked feel.
• Frozen: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.

Life’s Better with Butter Mochi

Whether you enjoy it as-is or jazz it up with your favorite add-ins, butter mochi is a dessert worth baking. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to make every bite feel like a warm hug. Time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

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