Hawaiian Butter Mochi

Hawaiian Butter Mochi is a beloved island dessert made with sweet rice flour, coconut milk, and butter, creating a cake that is chewy, rich, and wonderfully fragrant. The texture is soft and slightly bouncy, with a golden crust and a custardy centre. It is an easy, mix-and-bake recipe that suits beginners and experienced bakers alike. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with a total time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes including baking and cooling.

Ingredients

For the Butter Mochi Batter

• 450 g mochiko sweet rice flour
• 400 g caster sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 350 ml evaporated milk
• 170 g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Butter or oil, for greasing the tin

How to Make Hawaiian Butter Mochi

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease and line a 23 x 33 cm baking tin so the mochi releases easily after baking.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mochiko flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
• Add wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, coconut milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth, then pour into the dry mixture and whisk until lump free.
• Bake the mochi: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the top is golden and the centre is set with only a slight wobble.
• Cool completely: Leave the mochi in the tin to cool fully so it firms up and slices cleanly.
• Slice and serve: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature for the best chewy texture.

Tips for Perfect Butter Mochi

Why is my butter mochi too dense?

Overmixing or incorrect measurements can make the texture heavy. Measure ingredients carefully and mix only until smooth.

How do I get a golden crust?

Bake until the top is deeply golden and slightly crisp. Do not remove it too early.

Why does my mochi stick when slicing?

Allow it to cool fully, then use a lightly oiled knife for clean slices.

Can I add toppings?

Yes. Toasted coconut, sesame seeds, or a light dusting of icing sugar work well.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slightly warm with tea or coffee.
• Add fresh tropical fruit on the side.
• Drizzle with coconut cream for extra richness.
• Enjoy as a lunchbox or picnic treat.

Storage

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in a cool spot away from heat.

Refrigerator

Keeps well for up to 5 days chilled. Warm slightly before serving to restore softness.

Freezing

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before eating.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Sodium: 120 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs