easy desserts japanese

10 Simple Japanese Desserts You Can Actually Make At Home

Japanese dessert recipes

To the chagrin of our doctors, many of us have a sweet tooth, whether we’d like to admit it or not. We also have a particularly soft spot for pretty little desserts – they’re as satisfying to the eyes as they are to our tummies. Japan has plenty of these delightful treats, from traditional desserts known as wagashi to Western ones such as pancakes and parfait, but with a Japanese twist.

Unless you live in Japan, visiting a Japanese dessert shop won’t be possible in the near future. But if your dessert cravings simply can’t wait that long, pick up a mixing bowl and try recreating these 10 simple Japanese desserts , guaranteed to be both delicious and easily made at home.

Mochi is a well-loved Japanese sweet treat – it’s a ball of sticky, chewy goodness. It’s traditionally made and consumed for the new year, but that shouldn’t stop you from having it whenever you like.

This Japanese glutinous rice cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be used with a variety of fillings that’ll add that extra oomph .

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of mochiko rice flour 
• 2 cups of sugar 
• ¾ cup of water
• Cornstarch for dusting the dough
• Mix the flour and water together until it reaches a soft dough-like consistency. Slowly add more water if need be.
• Steam the mochi for about 20 minutes.
• Transfer the mochi to a pot. Over low to medium heat, add in a third of the sugar and mix it into the mochi until it’s completely dissolved. Add another third and do the same until all of the sugar is dissolved into the mochi . While this may seem like a lot of sugar, it’s key to keeping the mochi soft and chewy. You can reduce the amount of sugar if you are going to serve it right away.
• Once the mochiko is soft, sticky, and shiny, transfer it to a tray layered with cornstarch. Do be careful as the dough is very hot. You can dust your hands with some cornstarch to help prevent burns.
• The mochi is now ready to be shaped and served.

You can cut the mochi into small pieces, or wrap anko (餡子) with it to make daifuku mochi (大福餅). Anko is the sweet Japanese red bean paste that’s found in other Japanese sweets such as dorayaki and taiyaki , and you can purchase canned versions of it or make it fresh yourself. 

Another popular way to enjoy mochi is to wrap ice cream with it to make mochi ice cream. Also, try wrapping strawberries with mochi for a fruity twist.

Check out the original recipe here:

2. Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese cheesecakes are renowned for their fluffy and cotton-like texture. It’s like a cross between an airy soufflé and the cheesy-goodness of a New York cheesecake.

The secret behind its jiggly texture is in the egg whites – don’t use too much pressure when you incorporate them into the cake batter as it’ll deflate it. Plus, the cheesecake is baked in a bain-marie, or water bath, for gentle heating in the oven. It also helps to retain moisture, keeping it light and fluffy.

• 100g butter
• 100g cream cheese
• 130ml (½ cup) milk
• 8 egg yolks
• 60g cornstarch
• 13 large egg whites
• Mix the butter, cream cheese, and milk into a pot and cook it over low heat. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and thick.
• Whisk the egg yolks together in a bowl and gradually whisk in the mixture.
• Sift the flour and cornstarch over the batter and stir until it’s smooth and shiny.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites together until soft peaks form. Then, add sugar to form a meringue with somewhat-stiff peaks. We recommend gradually pouring the sugar in 3 parts to ensure that all of the sugar is dissolved into the meringue.
• Gradually fold the meringue into the batter, quarter-parts at a time. Be gentle as the fluffiness of the cheesecake depends on the amount of air inside the mixture, so you don’t want to use too much pressure.
• Transfer the mixture into a round greased baking pan lined with parchment paper. Tap the pan against the table to remove any air bubbles inside.
• Place the baking pan over a wider baking dish and fill the outer tray with hot water until it’s about 2cm high.
• Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes at 160℃, then reduce the heat to 140℃ and bake it for another 55 minutes.
• Once the cheesecake is baked, carefully invert the cake onto your hand and remove it from the baking pan. While you can invert it onto a plate, this will cause the cake to deflate even more.
• Serve the cake with a layer of powdered sugar and freshly sliced fruits of your choice.

3. Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi dango (御手洗団子) is an iconic Japanese sweet, so much so that it has appeared in numerous TV and anime series – there’s even a dango shop in the Konohagakure Village in Naruto . Its round shape, bamboo stick skewer, and syrup-laden appearance makes it instantly recognisable.

This sweet rice dumpling is believed to have originated from a tea house in Kyoto and named after the bubbles of the mitarashi , or purifying water, of the Shimogamo Shrine. Today, it’s found in supermarkets and speciality shops all over Japan.

Dango (rice balls)

• 100g Shiratamako (lumpy glutinous rice flour)
• 150g Kinugoshi-tofu (silken Tofu)
• 1 tsp sugar

Mitarashi sauce (sweet and savoury sauce)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tbsp katakuriko (potato starch)

Anko (red bean paste)

• Tsubu-an (a type of sweet azuki red bean paste with skin)
• Mix the ingredients together and knead to form a dough.
• Adjust the texture by adding more shiratamako or water, until the texture of the dough is like your earlobe.
• Divide the dough into 12 parts.
• Roll each part of the dough into a ping-pong ball-sized dango .
• Drop the dango into a pot of boiling water. The dango will float after a minute or so. After it begins to float, let it boil for another minute.
• Remove the dango from boiling water and submerge it into cold water. After a minute, drain it well.
• Put 3 to 5 dango onto a skewer each.
• Pan-fry the dango until the sides are lightly charred.

Mitarashi sauce

• Mix the ingredients together in a pot.
• Cook over low heat and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. 
• For extra sweetness, you can add 2 tbsp of mirin (sweet cooking rice wine).

Finally, brush the mitarashi sauce onto the dango and top it off with anko . We recommend using tsubu-an as it has a chunky texture, which goes well with the gooey mouthfeel of the dango .

This deliciously sweet and savoury snack tastes best when you pair it with a cup of hot green tea.

Anmitsu (あんみつ) is a traditional chilled dessert from Japan that’s said to have been around since the Meiji Era. It’s usually enjoyed in the summer, but can also be enjoyed year-round.

Its special ingredients are the kanten (agar-agar jelly), mochi, anko , fruits, ice cream, and the kuromitsu black sugar sauce that’s draped over the dish. It’s a fun and delicious treat, and has made its way into the pilot episode of the Netflix series Kantaro: The Sweet Tooth Salaryman – a hilarious chronicle of a Japanese salesman trying out the dessert shops in Tokyo.

Agar-agar jelly

• 4g agar-agar powder (powdered kanten )
• 2 cups (500ml) water
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional)

Shiratama dango

If you’re using mochiko rice flour:

• ⅓ cup (55g) mochiko
• 2½ tbsp water
• ½ tsp sugar

If you’re using shiratamako rice flour:

• ⅓ cup (42g) shiratamako
• 3 tbsp water
• 6 tbsp of anko
• 6 scoops of vanilla or green tea ice cream 
• Sliced fresh fruits (kiwi, strawberries, bananas)
• Kuromitsu (black sugar syrup)
• Add water and agar-agar powder to a pot and bring it to a boil. Then, add sugar and let it simmer over low heat for 2 minutes. Stir well.
• Pour the mixture into a baking dish and let it cool.
• In the meantime, prepare the shiratama dango . Mix the ingredients together and knead them into small dumplings.
• Cook the shiratama dango in a pot of boiling water. After they float, let them boil for 2 more minutes before chilling them in an ice bath.
• Once the dumplings are done, cut the agar-agar jelly into ½ inch cubes. Transfer them into a bowl to form the anmitsu base.
• Top the dessert off with fresh fruits, shiratama dango , anko , ice cream, and a generous amount of kuromitsu syrup.

Check out the original recipe:

The Japanese take on the classic parfait is more similar to a Western sundae – it uses ice cream rather than yoghurt, and is closer in taste to the American version, rather than the French. Today, parfait can be enjoyed in dessert shops all over Japan, with distinctly Japanese ingredients – from shiratama dango and anko , to fresh fruits such as strawberries and peaches from the Okayama Prefecture.

The Japanese parfait is best enjoyed in a tall sundae glass that lets you see the pretty layers of the dessert. If you don’t have one, you can also use a bowl with a wide-opening.

Ingredients: 

• 480ml heavy cream
• 3 tbsp sugar
• Strawberries
• Canned yellow peach
• Honeydew melon
• Corn flakes or granola
• Ice cream of any flavour
• Pocky of any flavour
• Sponge cake
• Whip heavy cream and sugar to form soft peaks. Keep it refrigerated until needed.
• Cut strawberries and peaches into very small pieces. Set aside a few whole strawberries for garnishing.
• Tear the sponge cake into 1-inch squares.
• Cut the rest of the fruits into the sizes appropriate for your serving dish or parfait glass.
• In a parfait glass or ice cream dish, add chopped strawberries, corn flakes, ice cream, peaches, and sponge cake pieces. Do this in layers, with whipped cream to fill up the spaces between the layers.
• Top the parfait off with a scoop of ice cream. Garnish the dessert with fruits around the ice cream. Finally, pipe whipped cream and add a cherry on top of the ice cream.

6. Raindrop Cake (Mizu Shingen Mochi)

Mizu shingen mochi (水信玄餅), better known as the raindrop cake , is an agar-agar jelly that looks like a large ball of water. It’s pretty, but because it’s mostly made of water, it doesn’t taste like much. It’s typically paired with kuromitsu and kinako , a type of powdered roasted soybean, but you can use any topping you like.

The main ingredient of mizu shingen mochi is water. To get the dessert to be as clear as possible, we recommend using bottled mineral water for the recipe. It also helps to have an ice ball mould. Otherwise, a bowl works too.

• 8g agar-agar powder
• 10g granulated sugar
• 250ml water
• Kuromitsu (Black sugar syrup)
• 10g cherry blossoms (optional)
• Kinako ( Roasted soybean powder, optional )
• Ground peanut powder (optional)
• Mix 8g of agar-agar powder and 10g of sugar together before pouring it into a pot of boiling water. Begin with high heat to let the mixture dissolve, but be careful not to let the mixture boil over.
• Lower the heat and let the liquid boil for another 2 minutes.
• Chill the liquid by submerging it in an ice bath for 3 minutes.
• Pour the agar-agar mixture into an ice ball tray. Add cherry blossoms into the tray for an extra-beautiful dessert.
• Refrigerate the tray for an hour.
• Serve the raindrop cake with a generous amount of kuromitsu syrup and kinako on the side.

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it on the first try. Measurements are important for this recipe, and it’ll take a few tries to get the right jiggly and melty texture. Do consume the raindrop cake within 30 minutes, before it turns back into a pool of water.

7. Fluffy Souffl é Pancakes

The Japanese are masters at adopting food from different cultures and adding their own twist to it – ramen and Japanese curry are perfect examples of their gastronomic reinventions. Pancakes are no different, too. Japan created a fluffy cross between soufflés and pancakes that took the world by storm a few years ago.

These soufflé pancakes are light, airy, and known to deflate after a while. The secret to its fluffy texture is in the meringue – be careful not to overbeat it as the air bubbles inside are key to the pancakes’ cotton-like goodness.

• 125g all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 3 egg whites
• 25g melted butter (2 tbsp)
• 150g buttermilk (½ cup + 4 tbsp)
• 30g sugar (2 ½ tbsp)
• Zest of ¼ of a lemon or 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp Cream of Tartar or ½ tsp lemon juice
• Whisk the buttermilk, egg yolk and lemon zest in a bowl.
• Once the mixture is well-mixed, mix in the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter, or the pancakes may be too tough and dry. Once the batter is mixed, leave it aside.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites and lemon juice or Cream of Tartar. Slowly incorporate the sugar until stiff peaks form. This will give the pancake its fluffy texture.
• Gently incorporate the egg whites into the batter in parts, and be careful not to deflate the batter and air inside.
• Preheat a non-stick pan and cook ½ cup of the batter over low heat. Try to retain the shape and volume that you want. After 3 minutes, flip it over to cook the other side.
• Serve it with your favourite toppings and syrups.

8. Dorayaki

Best known as Doraemon’s favourite food, the dorayaki is familiar to those who grew up watching Japan’s beloved robot cat from the future. For the uninitiated, dorayaki (どら焼き) is a delicious sandwich made with honey pancakes and filled with anko .

• 4 large eggs
• 140g (⅔ cup) sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 160g (1⅓ cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• Whisk the honey, eggs, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture becomes fluffy.
• Sift flour and baking powder into the bowl and mix all together. Keep in the fridge to rest for 15 minutes.
• When the mixture is smooth, stir in 1 tbsp of water.
• Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Dip a paper towel in vegetable oil and coat the bottom of the pan with the oil, before removing the oil completely with another paper towel. This is the key to an evenly golden-brown dorayaki .
•  With a ladle or a small measuring cup, pour 3 tbsp of the batter to create pancakes of ~8cm in diameter.
• When the surface of the batter starts to bubble, flip it over and cook the other side.
• Transfer to a plate and cover with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
• Continue making pancakes.
• Sandwich anko in between 2 pancakes and put more red bean paste in the centre so the shape of dorayaki will be curved – the middle should be thicker. Wrap dorayaki with plastic wrap, or individually in ziplock bags, until ready to serve.

While the most popular filling is anko , don’t let that restrict you. Get creative with dorayaki fillings – try it with custard, ice cream, or even Nutella.

9. Japanese Strawberry Shortcake

The Japanese strawberry shortcake is made with layers of soft and airy sponge cake, whipped cream, and strawberry slices. It’s a simple dessert that certainly packs a delicious punch.

• 2 egg yolks
• 4 egg whites
• 120g of sugar (½ cup + 2 tbsp)
• 110 g of milk (7 tbsp)
• 45g of melted butter (3 tbsp)
• 120g of all-purpose flour (¾ cup + 1 tbsp)
• 1 tsp good vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• Strawberries for the filling
• Whipped cream
• Whisk the egg whites and lemon zest. Once they start to foam, gradually add the sugar in to form the meringue. Incorporate a lot of air to make the cake light and fluffy. Once the meringue has stiff peaks, set it aside.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk and vanilla extract before adding in the milk and melted butter.
• Once it’s properly mixed, mix in the flour until the dough has a uniform consistency and colour.
• Add a few dollops of the meringue into the mixture before incorporating the rest of the mixture into the meringue. This helps to make the process easier and also retain the air inside the batter.
• Pour the batter into 2 pans lined with butter and parchment paper, and even it out with a spatula.
• Bake the cakes in a preheated oven at 160℃ for around 20-22 minutes.
• Allow the cakes to cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tray to cool completely.
• Coat the cake with a layer of whipped cream evenly before topping it with thinly-sliced strawberries. Again, cover the strawberries with another layer of whipped cream and stack on the second layer of cake over it. Finally, coat the top layer with whipped cream.
• Slice off the sides of the cake to reveal the strawberries and layers. Finish the cake by garnishing it with more strawberries.

10. Matcha Mille Crêpe

No Japanese dessert list is complete without at least one item with matcha in it. Mille Crêpe literally translates to a thousand crepes in French, referring to the many layers of crepes in the cake. It’s soft, chewy, and creamy – we’re sure you’ll love this very matcha .

Serves: 4-6 pax

• 80g of all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp matcha powder
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 eggs at room temperature
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 160ml warm milk
• A few drops of vanilla extract (optional)

Matcha Cream

• 200ml whipping cream
• 1 tbsp Matcha powder
• Place whipping cream and granulated sugar in a dry clean bowl. Sift in matcha powder. Dip the base of the bowl in an ice-water bath, then whisk the cream until it forms a soft peak.
• Sift in the flour and matcha powder in a bowl. Add sugar and salt, then mix well with a wire whisk.
• Add beaten egg little by little and mix well.
• Add melted butter and mix well.
• Add warm milk little by little and mix well. Mix in a few drops vanilla extract if you like, and strain through a sieve. Then, cover with plastic wrap and leave the batter to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Use a non-stick pan or wipe the surface of a frying pan with a thin layer of cooking oil using a paper towel. Heat the pan on medium heat, pour half a ladle of the batter into the pan, and slowly move the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter evenly.
• Cook until the edges begin to dry, then flip it over and cook the other side for about 10 seconds.
• Leave them to cool completely.

To finish, place 1 crêpe on a plate, spread some matcha cream, then place another crêpe on top. Repeat until it reaches a height you like and finish it by dusting matcha powder on the cake.

Place the cake in the fridge for a few hours to let the cream set. Eat within the next day.

Simple Japanese desserts

When one thinks of Japanese cuisine, it’s rather common to overlook the desserts. That’s a real shame as Japanese desserts are some of the most delicious and aesthetically-pleasing ones out there. Hopefully, these easy recipes for Japanese desserts will satiate your sweet tooth until the next time you can fly to Japan again.

Check out these articles for more ideas on what to do at home:

• Japanese cocktails with supermarket ingredients
• Anime recipes to recreate IRL
• Horror anime series
• Free Japanese livestreams
• Japanese anime movies

Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @mon.origine , @chihiro_cafe.sweets and   @igpppppppppp

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14 Must-Try Easy Japanese Desserts To Make At Home

Here are some super easy Japanese desserts to make at home! Check it the recipes below!

Did you ever observe that if you spell “stressed” backward, it becomes “desserts”!!

Hmm, it seems like you just encountered something you never knew before.

Well, just like how the word changes when being reflected on the mirror, desserts can actually take away all your stress from your mind.

But do you need to head to a Japanese dessert shop to enjoy it?

I will say no, because today, I am presenting a list of 13 Japanese desserts to make at home, along with easy-to-follow recipes.

Now, get ready to take a sweet ride with me from here.

13 Easy Japanese Desserts to Make at Home

In Japanese cuisine , traditional Japanese desserts are called wagashi that are made with different ingredients like red bean paste and mochi.

Besides the traditional ones, there are many modern Japanese sweets that can easily take place in the list of your guilty pleasure.

As it’s not possible to discuss each of the Japanese desserts at once, I will only talk about those that are popular and easy to make.

Okay, now pick up your mixing bowl and try to recreate any of the below dishes that you like.

  DAIFUKU

Daifuku is one the most popular Japanese desserts. This is basically mochi cake filled with sweet and creamy red bean paste or anko. Here’s how to make Daifuku: 

Ingredients for making Mochi 

• Shiratamako (sweet glutinous rice flour) aka mochiko
• Granulated sugar

Ingredients for the anko or red bean paste:

• Red beans or azuki beans 

How to make Red bean paste or anko

• Step 1: Rinse the azuki red beans 
• Step 2: Add some water in a sauce pan and add the azuki red beans into this. Place the saucepan in medium high heat
• Step 3: Let it boil for about 5 minutes and then remove the water. 
• Step 4: Add water again and cover it with a lid. Keep the flame in medium low. Let it simmer for about an hour to an hour and a half. 
• Step 5: Drain the water from the pan.
• Step 6: Keep the heat on medium low and start adding sugar as you keep mixing. Stop once the paste has reached your desired consistency
• Step 7: Transfer the paste to a flat dish so it cools 
• Step 8: Place it in the fridge for sometime before making dessert 

How to make Mochi

• Step 1 : Take a large sheet of parchment paper and place it on your platform. Dust it with cornstarch generously. 
• Step 2: Take a microwave-safe bowl and add the mochiko and sugar and mix it together. Add water and mix it
• Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave the mixture for 2 minutes on high. Then take a wet spatula and mix the mixture again. 
• Step 4: Cover and stick it into the microwave again for about 30 seconds. This time the mixture should turn a little translucent (from white). 
• Step 5: Move the mixture on to the parchment paper you set aside earlier and add dust more cornstarch over it
• Step 6 : Roll the dough to make it thinner about ⅛ in
• Step 7: Now cut it in circles.

How to make daifuku?

• Step 1: Take a mochi circle on your palm and put a small amount of red bean paste on it
• Step 2: Pinch the corners of the mochi wrapper together

Mochi is one of the delicious, cute Japanese treats that is soft and chewy. It is also a Japanese new year dessert that both grown-ups and kids like to eat.

Although this glutinous rice cake is tasty on its own, you can enhance its taste by using a variety of fillings.

Alright, let’s move on to the recipe.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of mochiko (sweet rice flour).
• 2 cups of sugar.
• ¾ cup of water.
• Cornstarch for dusting the dough.

1. Combine the flour with water in a bowl till it becomes a soft dough. Add more water if it’s dry.

2. Steam the dough for around 20 minutes.

3. Transfer the mochi (or dough) to a pot at medium to medium-low heat and add 1/3 of the sugar until it’s completely dissolved. Then mix another third and do the same till the sugar is melted into the mochi.

It may seem like a lot of sugar, but it is important to make the mochi soft and chewy. You can lessen the amount of sugar in case you serve it right away.

4. After the mixture is soft, sticky, and shiny, move it to a tray dusted with cornstarch. Be careful with the dough since it is hot. You should dust your hand with some cornstarch to prevent burning while handling the mixture.

5. You can shape it to any form and put different types of fillings inside as per your taste. The most famous filling is red bean paste.

6. Also, you may add green tea powder with the dough to transfer it to a matcha-flavored mochi.

You can cut the mochi into tiny pieces or wrap them with strawberries to give it a fruity twist. A popular way to enjoy mochi is by wrapping ice cream with it and making a mochi ice cream.

Once you try it out, you are going to relish this Japanese mochi dessert for a long time.

You may also check out the recipe from the below video.

You May Read:

Is Mochi Bad For You

Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi Dango is a famous Japanese sweet that appeared in various TV and anime series. It’s basically sweet rice dumplings shaped like a ball that is stuck into a bamboo stick.

And the stick is covered with sweet soy sauce, giving it a glassy glaze and burnt fragrance.

In Japan, you will find them at every supermarket or dessert shop.

Servings: 2

You will need to make rice balls, sweet & savory sauce and red bean paste for preparing this dish.

For making Dango (rice balls) you will need:

• 100 gm Shiratamako (chunky glutinous rice flour).
• 150 gm silken tofu.
• 1 teaspoon of sugar.

For making Mitarashi sauce (sweet and savory sauce), you will need:

• 50 ml water.
• 1 tablespoon of sugar.
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
• ½ tablespoon of potato starch.

For red bean paste:

Tsubu-an (sweet Azuki paste).

Dango making process:

1. Mix the flour, tofu, and sugar together and knead until it forms a dough.

2. Adjust the texture by adding flour or water to make it as soft as the earlobe.

3. Then, divide the dough into 12 parts.

4. Roll each of them into small ping-pong-sized balls (dango).

5. Now, bring a large pot of water to boil and gently put the dango into it. A few minutes later, you will see that the dangos’ are floating. After that, you need to keep boiling them for another minute.

6. Remove the balls from the boiling water and drown them in cold water. After a minute, drain them well.

7. Put 3 to 4 dango on each skewer.

8. Fry them on a pan until each side is light brown.

Mitarashi sauce making process:

1. Mix up all the mentioned ingredients together in a pot.

2. Cook the mixture on low heat and constantly stir until the sauce comes to a syrup-like consistency.

Finally, brush the sauce on top of the dango and garnish it with sweet red bean paste. I recommend you to use tsubu-an because of its chunky texture. But, if you don’t like it, then you may skip it.

I like to eat this sweet and savory dessert with a cup of hot green tea as it balances the taste.

But, you can try it without anything because their own taste is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Did your kids ever ask you to make Doraemon’s cake?

Well, if they are big fans of Doraemon (Japanese manga series), then I guess it happened to you.

And dorayaki is that famous Japanese dessert made with honey pancakes and filled with anko (sweet red bean paste made from azuki beans).

Now check out the recipe.

Servings: 6

• 140 gm (or 2/3 cup) sugar.
• 2 tablespoons of honey.
• 160 gm ( or 1⅓ cup) all-purpose flour.
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
• 1 tablespoon of water.
• 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.
• 520 gm anko.

1. Whisk the eggs, honey, and sugar in a mixing bowl until it becomes fluffy.

2. Strain the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture bowl, and mix them all together. Keep it in the fridge for 15 minutes.

3. After taking out the batter from the fridge, pour 1 tbsp of water into it and stir well.

4. Place a non-stick frying pan over medium-low flame. Dip a paper towel in oil and brush it on the pan to coat the bottom with oil. Then remove the oil with another paper towel. This process will help to make the dorayaki evenly golden-brown.

5. Now, pour the mixture on the pan with a ladle or small measuring cup.

6. When you see bubbles on the surface of the batter, flip it over and cook the other side until it looks golden brown.

7. Transfer the pancake to a plate and continue making one by one.

8. Take one and spread red bean paste over it, and put another pancake on top to make them look like a sandwich. You need to put the paste a bit more in the middle so that the dorayaki appears in a curved shape.

9. You can serve them instantly or wrap them with plastic and keep them in a ziplock bag for serving later.

Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding)

Custard pudding is one of the easy to make Japanese sweets that doesn’t require any particular oriental ingredients.

Even though the ingredients are simple, you need to be careful with the timing not to overcook the egg mixture.

And when you are done with cooking, you will be rewarded with a tasty, mouth-watering dessert that can impress all of your family members or guests instantly.

You will have to make caramel sauce and custard base for preparing this dessert.

Ingredients needed for the custard base:

• 400 ml milk.
• 3 large eggs.
• 60 gm sugar.
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla essence.

Ingredients needed for the caramel sauce:

• 70 gm sugar.

Steps for making caramel sauce:

1. Pour water in a saucepan, mix sugar, and cook on medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

2. Keep cooking until the mixture turns into a golden brown color.

3. Then turn the heat off and pour the caramel sauce into 4 pudding molds.

Steps for making custard base:

1. Pour the milk in a jug and microwave for one minute to heat the milk up.

2. Take the eggs, sugar, and vanilla essence in a mixing bowl and whisk them all together.

3. Strain the custard base using a strainer.

4. Pour the mixture into the 4 molds (on top of the caramel sauce).

5. Place the molds in a shallow frying pan, add about 750-1000 ml water into it, and put the burner over high heat.

6. When the water starts to simmer, turn the heat down to low, wrap a dry towel on the pan lid, and put the lid on. Now, leave it to boil for 3 to 5 minutes.

7. Then, turn the heat off and leave it for 15 minutes without opening the lid.

8. Take the molds out from the pan and leave them to cool down.

9. Refrigerate the molds for at least 1 hour.

10. Take the puddings out from the mold and serve them on a plate.

If you wanna bake the puddings in the oven instead, you may check out the recipe from the below video.

Anmitsu is a traditional Japanese dessert. It is one of the foods that have been around since the Meiji period.

If you wanna refresh yourself on hot summer days with a cool dessert, this dish is the perfect example.

All your sweat will disappear, and with every bite you will take, only the word “WoW!” will come out of your mouth.

Okay, I will not make you wait any longer, so dig into the recipe.

Servings: 1

You will need agar-agar jelly, shiratama dango, and different types of toppings for preparing this classic Japanese dessert.

Ingredients for agar-agar jelly:

• 4 gm agar-agar powder.
• 500 ml (2 cups) water.
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (optional).

Ingredients for Shiratama dango:

In case you are willing to use mochiko rice flour:

• 1/3 cup (55 gm) mochiko.
• 2½ tablespoon of water.
• ½ teaspoon of sugar.

If you are willing to use shiratamako rice flour:

• 1/3 cup (42 gm) shiratamako.
• 3 tablespoons of water.
• 6 tablespoons of anko.
• 6 scoops of green tea/ vanilla ice cream, whatever you prefer.
• Sliced fresh fruits (strawberries, kiwi, bananas).
• Kuromitsu (black sugar syrup).

1. Add agar-agar powder and water to a pot and bring it to a boil. Then, add sugar to the mixture, let it simmer for 2 minutes over low heat, and don’t forget to stir well.

2. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and leave it to cool. Meanwhile, you may prepare the shiratama dango.

3. Mix all the ingredients for dango, form a dough, and make small dumplings.

4. Now, cook the dango in a pot of boiling water. When the balls start to float, boil for another 2 minutes and then scoop out. Then let them chill in an ice bath.

5. After the dumplings are done, cut the agar-agar jelly into small (1/2 inch) cubes. Transfer the cubes to a serving bowl to form the anmitsu base.

6. Put different types of toppings: fresh fruits, shiratama dango, anko, ice cream scoops, and a generous amount of kuromitsu syrup (optional).

Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese cheesecake is one of the desserts that I can’t stay away from. The fluffy cotton-like texture melts in my mouth and makes all of my worries disappear in a moment.

It’s not the usual cheesecake but a mixture of airy souffle and cheesy goodness.

Alright, it’s time to bake our fluffy and jiggly cheesecake.

• 100 gm butter.
• 100 gm cream cheese.
• ½ cup (130 ml) milk.
• 8 egg yolks.
• 13 egg whites.
• 60 gm flour.
• 60 gm cornstarch.
• 130 gm sugar.

1. Mix the cream cheese, butter, and milk into a pot and cook it over low heat. Keep stirring until they blend in a smooth and thick consistency.

2. Whisk the egg yolks and pour the prepared mixture into them.

3. Sift the cornstarch and flour over the batter and gently stir until it’s smooth and shiny.

4. Whip the egg whites in another bowl till soft peaks form. Then, add sugar and keep whisking until the meringue looks like foam. I suggest you gradually pour the sugar into 3 parts to ensure all the sugar is dissolved into the meringue finely.

5. Mix the meringue into the batter little by little, quarter parts at a time. Be gentle while mixing the batter, as the fluffiness of your cheesecake depends on the amount of air inside the blend. So, if you use too much pressure, the cake will come out flat instead of fluffy.

6. Now, transfer the batter into a greased baking pan with parchment paper, and tap it against the counter to remove air bubbles inside.

7. Place the baking pan on a wider baking dish and fill up the outer tray with hot water until it reaches about 2cm high.

8. Bake the cake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius. Then reduce the heat to 140 degrees Celsius and bake for another 55 minutes.

9. Once the cheesecake is baked, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a plate.

10. You can serve the cake by dusting powdered sugar on top and sliced fruits.

Mizu Shingen Mochi (Raindrop Cake)

Mizu Shingen mochi, known as the raindrop cake, is a Japanese treat that looks like a large water ball.

The raindrop cake looks really pretty if you put a sakura flower inside.

Wait! Wait!

Are you worried about eating Sakura?

Well, you shouldn’t because it’s safe to eat a few varieties of cherry blossom.

Anyway, the raindrop cake is typically paired with kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and kinako (powdered roasted soybean), but you can add any toppings according to your preference.

As the main ingredient of this dessert is water, I recommend using bottled mineral water to get clear water drops.

• 8 gm agar-agar powder.
• 10 gm granulated sugar.
• 250 ml water.
• 10 gm cherry blossoms (optional).
• Ground peanut powder (optional).

1. Mix the agar-agar powder with the sugar in a pot and pour water into it. Then place the pot on high heat. When the water starts simmering, lower the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes.

2. Chill the liquid in an ice bath for 3 minutes.

3. Pour the mixture into an ice ball mold. You may put cherry blossoms in each portion to make them extra attractive.

4. Put the mold in the fridge for an hour.

5. Then, take it out from the fridge and serve with kuromitsu syrup on top and kinako on the side.

Don’t feel down if you fail to get the perfect raindrop on the first try. Measurement of each ingredient plays a significant role in this recipe, and you need to try a few times to achieve the perfect jiggly and melty texture.

And the most important thing is that you have to consume the cakes within 30 minutes before they turn back into a pool of water!

Nama Chocolate

For me, chocolate is a piece of happiness that I can buy and eat!

And when it comes to Nama Chocolate, I can never control myself from taking a bite instantly. The taste will explode in your mouth, and you will keep wanting to have another bite of this delicious Japanese chocolate dessert.

Servings: Around 36 small cubes.

• 400 gm dark chocolate (70% cacao), use semi sweet for less bitter taste.
• ¾ cup of heavy whipping cream (38% fat).
• 1 tablespoon of liqueur (optional).
• Cocoa powder.

1. Cut off the chocolate into small pieces with a sharp knife. It will make them melt faster.

2. Line parchment paper on a baking dish. You may choose a 8″ x 8″ (20 x 20 cm) dish.

3. Add the heavy cream into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Whisk the cream so that the heat distributes evenly. When you see bubbles, remove the pan from the heat.

4. Put the chocolate into the heavy cream and stir until the chocolate melts completely. Make sure there are no lumps left.

5. Pour out the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula. Then, tap the dish on the table to evenly distribute the chocolate.

6. Refrigerate the mixture for about 4 to 5 hours.

7. After that, remove the chocolate from the dish and cut it into small cubes.

8. Sprinkle some cocoa powder on the top, or you can dip each cube in chocolate powder and enjoy.

In case you just take out the chocolate from the fridge, I suggest you wait 5-10 minutes before serving. In that way, the chocolate won’t be chilled or hard, and it will be soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Japanese Strawberry Shortcake

Japanese strawberry shortcake is also known as Christmas cake. It is made with soft and spongy cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberry slices.

The combined flavours of these items can make you dance on your toe.

Okay, it’s time to stop imagining things and start with our recipe.

• 4 egg whites.
• 2 egg yolks.
• 120 gm of sugar.
• 110 gm of milk (7 tablespoons).
• 45 gm of melted butter (3 tablespoons).
• 120 gm of all-purpose flour.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence.
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (optional).
• Some fresh strawberries.
• Whipped cream.

1. Whisk the egg whites and lemon zest in a bowl, and when they start to form foam, add sugar little by little to make meringue. Once you see stiff peaks, set the bowl aside.

2. Beat the egg yolks in another bowl and add vanilla essence, milk, and melted butter into it.

3. Once you are done mixing, add dry ingredients (flour, baking powder) and make a dough of uniform consistency.

4. Add a few portions of the meringue into the batter and then combine the rest foam as well. This process will help retain air inside the mixture.

5. Pour the batter into two pans covered with butter and parchment paper. And even out the surface of the mixture with a spatula.

6. Bake the cakes in a preheated oven for about 20 to 22 minutes at 160 degrees Celsius.

7. Remove the cake molds from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before taking them out from the baking dish.

8. Now, place one layer of cake, cover the surface with whipped cream, and put sliced strawberries on top of the cream. Then cover the strawberries with a layer of whipped cream and stack on the other layer of cake over it. Finally, coat the last layer with whipped cream.

9. Slice off the uneven sides of the cake so that the layers of strawberries can be seen. Give the cake a final touch by garnishing with more strawberries on top.

Taiyaki is one of the most popular desserts in Japan that’s commonly eaten as a snack. It is a common item in almost every street fair and festival.

This Japanese snack is mainly waffles, shaped like fish and stuffed with different sweet fillings like anko, nutella, and custard.

To get the classic fish shape, you need a taiyaki mold pan. But, if you don’t have it, then you may use a regular waffle maker too.

Servings: 5 pieces.

• 1 ¼ cup cake flour.
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
• 1 large egg (50 gm without shell).
• ¾ cup whole milk (depending on the egg size, you may need to adjust the amount of milk).
• 3 tablespoons of sugar.
• 5 tablespoons of anko (red bean paste). You can also use nutella, custard, or any fillings you like.
• 1 tablespoon of neutral-flavored oil.

1. Sift the cake flour, baking soda, and baking powder into a large bowl. Add sugar and combine them finely.

2. Whisk the egg in a separate bowl and add the milk.

3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients and mix well. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to rest.

4. After taking it out, pour the mixture into a measuring cup.

5. Heat the taiyaki pan and grease the pan with oil using a brush.

6. Fill the mold with the batter about 60% over medium-low heat.

7. Put anko or your favorite fillings in the center and pour batter on top to cover it. Close the lid and instantly flip the pan.

8. Cook for 2 to 2.5 minutes on each side. Then, open and check whether the taiyaki is golden brown or not. If it comes out with a nice brown color, then remove and put the waffle on a wire rack.

Depending on your preference, you can serve them hot, warm, or chilled. During winter, I like to eat them hot paired with honey. So, you can try out my method too.

Matcha Mille Crepe Cake

No Japanese dessert list is complete without one item with matcha in it. For centuries, it has been used in tea ceremonies to increase focus and calm body & mind.

In the modern age, matcha is being used in cakes, mochi, and many other desserts. And one of the trendy Japanese sweets is matcha mille crepe cake.

Servings: 4 to 6 slices.

You have to make crepes and matcha cream to prepare this cake.

Ingredients for making crepe:

• 80 gm of all-purpose flour.
• 1 tablespoon of matcha powder.
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
• A pinch of salt.
• 2 eggs (room temperature).
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
• 160 ml warm milk.
• Few drops of vanilla essence.

Ingredients for making matcha cream:

• 200 ml whipping cream.
• 1 tablespoon of matcha.

1. Sift all-purpose flour and matcha powder in a bowl, add granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients with a whisk.

2. Now add 2 beaten eggs to the dry mixture gradually and mix well. Then pour melted butter and blend well.

3. Add warm milk gradually and mix the batter finely. Add a few drops of good-quality vanilla extract to the mixture and strain through a sieve to remove lumps. Cover up the bowl with plastic wrap, then leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes.

4. Take a non-stick pan and rub the surface with cooking oil by using a paper towel. Heat the pan on medium heat and pour half a ladle of the batter into it. Move the pan slowly in a circular motion so that the batter can spread around evenly.

5. Flip over the crepe when the edges begin to dry, and cook the other side for a few seconds.

6. When all the crepes are done, leave them to cool down completely.

7. Meanwhile, prepare the matcha cream. Take whipping cream, granulated sugar, and sifted matcha powder in a bowl. Whisk the cream till it forms a soft peak.

8. Place one crepe, spread the cream, and then put another crepe on top. Repeat this till you complete placing all the crepes with cream in each layer.

9. Finish the process by dusting matcha powder on top of the cake.

10. Leave the cake in the fridge for a few hours so that the cream can be set.

Japanese Fruit Parfait

The classic Japanese parfait is kinda similar to the western sundae. It uses ice cream instead of yogurt and tastes close to the American version rather than the French.

You will find parfait in different dessert shops in Japan with distinct ingredients such as shiratama dango, anko, and fresh fruits.

If you want to avoid Japanese bakery recipes and try something simple, this parfait is a perfect example.

To enjoy it in the best way, you need a tall sundae glass that makes the pretty layers of this dessert visible. In case you don’t have one, you may also use a clear glass bowl.

• 480 ml heavy cream.
• Strawberries.
• Canned yellow peach.
• Honeydew melon.
• Corn flakes or granola.
• Ice cream of any flavor.
• Sponge cake.

1. Whisk the heavy cream and sugar until they form soft peaks. Keep the cream in the refrigerator up till needed.

2. Cut all the fruits into bite sizes and set them aside.

3. Tear the sponge cake into 1-inch squares.

4. Take a parfait glass or bowl, and place sliced fruits, corn flakes, ice cream, peaches, and pieces of sponge cake. Do this in layers and fill up the spaces with whipped creams.

5. Put a scoop of ice cream on top of the parfait and place slices of fruits around it.

6. Finally, pipe whipped cream and add a cherry on the top.

Although you will find parfait in almost every dessert menu in a regular or Japanese restaurant, sometimes they are costly.

But, if you have some fruits, ice creams, and leftover cake at home, you can easily make this dessert and enjoy it with your family after dinner.

Anyway, you may also check out the recipe from the video below.

Japanese Milk Pudding

In case you have celiac and are looking for a Japanese gluten-free dessert to make at home, then I have a perfect recipe for you.

So, if you are craving a Japanese milk pudding after tasting it back in Japan, dig into the recipe now.

• 1½ cups of milk.
• 1/2 cup cream.
• 2 to 4 tablespoons of stevia (as per your taste).
• 2½ teaspoons of gelatin.

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a saucepan.

2. Place it over a medium heat stove and whisk the blend continuously until the gelatin has dissolved.

3. Remove from the heat when you see the mixture boiling.

4. Allow it to cool down to room temperature and then pour into cups.

5. Keep the cups in the fridge to set and thicken.

I have finished discussing all the popular Japanese desserts that are easy to make at home. All of them have the wow factor that can easily win the heart of your partner, friend, family member, or guest.

As we are done for today, let’s wrap it up here.

After going through all the Japanese desserts to make at home, it’s time to decide which one you will make.

Don’t be disheartened if you fail to make the dish perfectly on your first try. Who knows, you may hit the bullseye on your second try.

Just put on your kitchen apron and follow the steps. I believe that your dessert will make everyone lick their spoon off and ask you for the secret recipe.

Japanese Desserts: FAQs

What is the national sweet of japan.

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are commonly enjoyed with a cup of green tea.

Some of the popular wagashi are Dango, Daifuku (mochi), Dorayaki, Taiyaki, Anmitsu, and Namagashi, which tourists love.

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• Japanese Food
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15 Sweet Japanese Desserts To Try Now

The Spruce/Cara Cormack

What could make life sweeter than expanding your dessert repertoire? Many know and love Japanese cuisine, and their regional desserts are no different. We've rounded up the most iconic dessert recipes for you to try, including easy tips for making them turn out great. From trendy matcha green tea ice cream and delectable Japanese cheesecake, to fancier bites like syrupy dango dumplings and coffee jelly, you're sure to find a recipe here to share with your guests.

Japanese Cheesecake

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Japanese cheesecake , called soufflé cheesecake in Japan (and elsewhere Japanese cotton cake, or jiggly cake), is a light and bouncy confection to delight cheesecake lovers. It shares similar ingredients with classic American cheesecake, except it omits the crust, and calls for stiffly whipping the egg whites before incorporating them in the batter. The resulting dreamy dessert combines the tangy taste and creaminess of cheesecake, with a fluffy, cloud-like texture.

Japanese Coffee Jelly

Japanese coffee jelly (or kohii zerii ) is a fun and unique coffee creation popular in Japan since the 1960s, when it was inspired by the popularity of British and American gelatin desserts . It's a jiggly and refreshing treat made with black coffee and gelatin, and a great way to cool off (and caffienate) on warmer days. Try it with whipped cream on top as a cooling finish to the meal.

Dorayaki (Japanese Sweet-Filled Pancakes)

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

In Japan, dorayaki is a much-loved treat for kids and adults alike. It's made of two smallish, American-style pancakes, sandwiched together with a sweet-meets-savory red bean paste, and eaten hot or cold. While the usual dorayaki pancake batter includes honey , our version is a little less sweet, which means it may be difficult to stop eating at just one.

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

If you've ever wound up at a Japanese restaurant with a bowl of green tea ice cream , you may have wondered how you could enjoy the sweet and refreshing treat at home. We've got you covered with our essential ice cream maker recipe that uses matcha powder (available online and at Asian grocery shops), and a handful of pantry staples to churn up a delightful frozen dessert .

Japanese Christmas Cake

Elaine Lemm

Japanese Christmas cake is nothing like the dense, heavy fruitcakes of British origin. In fact, this beloved Japanese holiday treat is closer to an American strawberry shortcake, with layers of pillowy sponge cake, fresh cut strawberries , and fluffy whipped cream. Originally inspired by Western desserts, it is sold on nearly every corner during holiday time in Japan, and is a symbol of prosperity. It's a lighter way to end any festive meal, from Yuletide dinners to birthday celebrations.

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Often served in summer, mizu yokan is a sweet and refreshing, chilled Japanese red bean jelly. It is usually shaped into a smooth, rectangular block and served as a traditional tea-time treat (or wagashi ) with matcha green tea . While several varieties of yokan exist, mizu yokan is one of the most popular and simple way to celebrate the natural flavors of red beans, which play a starring role in many Japanese desserts.

Mitarashi Kushi Dango

The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

Dango are soft and chewy rice flour dumplings that are a popular wagashi in Japan. These mitarishi kushi dango drizzled in a simple, sweet syrup will remind you of honey glazed donuts or Greek honey balls , except that you steam them first before briefly pan-frying. Served on a skewer, they make a great hand-held dessert for parties, or even a special breakfast-on-the-go.

Isobeyaki (Japanese Sweet Rice Cake)

Isobeyaki is a popular way to enjoy Japanese mochi or rice cake. This sweet and savory snack is especially popular on Japanese New Year, and is eaten throughout the winter months. In Japanese, " isobe " means rocky seashore (where seaweed is sourced), and " yaki " means to bake. Whip up a batch in just 5 minutes, by grilling or pan-frying prepared (fresh or frozen) mochi , with a little sugar and soy sauce. Then wrap the toasted, seasoned cakes in dried seaweed ( ajinori ) for serving.

Purin (Japanese Custard Pudding)

​The Spruce / Teena Agnel

Somewhat firmer than the gooey French crème brûlée, Japanese purin is the ultimate in elegant Japanese comfort food desserts. Made with simple ingredients you likely stock in your pantry already, it is a silky, rich, smooth, and creamy pudding that cooks in a bain-marie (warm water bath) in your oven, and is topped with caramel sauce.

Chi Chi Dango Mochi

The Spruce / Bahareh Niati

Sweet, oh-so-chewy, and pink, chi chi dango is a favorite children's treat often enjoyed at holiday parties or whenever families gather. A variation on the ubiquitous mochi (rice cake) dessert, chi chi dango is sweetened with sugar and coconut milk (the name literally means "milk dumpling"), and then baked in the oven. It is typically colored pink, but you could use any color of food coloring to make it suit your theme.

Anmitsu is a nostalgic cold fruit salad enjoyed during the warmer months in Japan. Much like an American Jell-O salad , it combines canned or fresh fruits with gelatin — in this case, kanten jelly, which is made from agar and naturally vegan — and a sweet red bean paste ( anko ). It is commonly topped with ice cream, and a dark sugar syrup, to make it even more dessert-like.

Manju (Steamed Cake With Sweet Red Bean Filling)

Manju is a favorite Japanese confectionery (or wagashi ) that goes wonderfully well with a piping hot mug of green tea. You need just 5 ingredients to make classic manju, a round, steamed cake filled with a sweet red bean paste ( anko ). While these cute little bundles may look like chewy mochi , our manju cakes use all-purpose flour, for a more cake-like consistency.

Sakura Mochi (Cherry Blossom Sweet Rice Cakes)

Plump, pink sakura mochi are sweet little glutinous rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste and typically wrapped in a salty, edible pickled cherry leaf. In Japan, they are enjoyed in March during Hinamatsuri (Japanese Girls' Day) to celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossom trees in spring. They are also thought to bring good luck and good health to all the girls in the family.

Mochi Ice Cream

 Kristina Vanni

A Japanese-American woman named Frances Hashimoto is credited with inventing mochi ice cream after her husband conceived an idea of wrapping ice cream in a rice cake. Experts in construction and microbiology were brought in to perfect mochi ice cream as we know it today. Classic ice cream flavors such as vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are often used, but you'll also find more complex flavors like Kona coffee, green tea, plum wine, and red bean.

Japanese Shu Cream

The Spruce / Ana Zelic

Shu  cream is a Japanese dessert inspired by the famous French "choux cream." Although these decadent puffs are French in origin, they have become a Japanese culinary staple that kids of many generations have grown up eating. They are available everywhere from high-end patisseries to vending machines.

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25 Incredible Japanese Desserts That, IMO, Beat Just About Every Other Dessert Out There

They're typically not overly sweet — at least compared to some traditional American desserts — and many of them are easier to make than you think.

BuzzFeed Contributor

Japanese desserts are classic, versatile, and contain some of the most universally accessible recipes out there. (In fact, you may have already tried your hand at a few of these!)

They're typically not overly sweet — at least compared to some traditional American desserts — and many of them are easier to make than you think. From taiyaki and mille crepe cakes to purin and kasutera sponge cake, here are all the classic Japanese dessert recipes you should try at home. If I missed your favorite, leave it in the comments!

1. Matcha Roll Cake

No coffee break is complete without a slice of this matcha roll cake, which is light and delicate, and melts in your mouth. Don't be alarmed if you finish the entire roll in a day. 

Recipe:  Matcha Roll Cake

You might be aware of this dessert from its popular pairing with ice cream . Turns out, the fish-shaped pastry was served without ice cream for a very long time before the ice cream hybrid went viral. To make this recipe (which, to be clear, tastes nothing like fish), you'll need to get a taiyaki pan . Just consider it an investment into the funnest snack/party favor you'll want to show off for years to come. 

Recipe:  Taiyaki

3. Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

If you're looking for the jiggliest, fluffiest pancakes in the world, you've come to the right place. You'll want a hand mixer to beat the egg whites into stiff peaks, but other than that, this recipe — and the best Sunday brunch ever — is yours for the taking. 

Recipe:  Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

4. Dark Chocolate Terrine

Chocolate terrine is by origin a French flourless chocolate dessert that's become popular in the Japanese food world. This recipe uses mascarpone cheese in lieu of the usual cream. Since chocolate is the overpowering flavor, try to find an especially high-quality kind. 

Recipe:  Dark Chocolate Terrine

5. Matcha Mille Crepe Cake

Don't worry: You won't need to make a thousand layers for this mille crepe cake. But you will  need a lot of patience and an entire afternoon to carefully create and stack the layers of this gorgeous matcha dessert. 

Recipe:  Matcha Mille Crepe Cake

6. Dorayaki

This pancake "sandwich" is traditionally made with sweet azuki bean paste, which is widely used across East Asian desserts. It's the perfect snack or sweet breakfast.

Recipe:  Dorayaki

7. Kabocha Shiruko

This sweet porridge is made using kabocha, coconut milk, and condensed milk, and is swimming with firm but chewy rice dumplings (also known as shiratama). It's a comforting and not-too-sweet dessert that people of all ages can love. 

Recipe:  Kabocha Shiruko

This recipe may call for just a few simple ingredients (eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla), but it does involve careful observation and timing so you don't overcook the egg mixture. You'll be rewarded with an elegant, tasty dessert that'll impress all your dinner guests.

Recipe:  Purin

9. Kasutera Sponge Cake

Also known as Castella, this moist sponge cake is an essential pastry found in most East Asian bakeries, but especially Japanese ones. It's lightly sweetened with honey and sugar, and has a soft, pillowy texture you could really sink into.

Recipe:  Kasutera Sponge Cake

10. Green Tea Mochi

Highly chewy and sticky, these mochi rice balls are fun to eat and even easier to make. Just mix together glutinous rice flour with sugar, green tea powder, and water to get the dough started. Then, flatten it out into equal circular shapes. Fill it with red bean paste, and pinch the ball closed to finish. Ta-da!

Recipe:  Green Tea Mochi

11. Chakin Shibori Sweet Potato With Cinnamon

You'll need Japanese sweet potatoes for this dessert, but the result is a delicious, crumbly, dense dessert that you'd never guess uses potatoes as its base. 

Recipe :  Chakin Shibori Sweet Potato With Cinnamon

12. Strawberry Shiratama Dango

Shiratama dango is a mochi dessert usually served in a bowl and drizzled with condensed milk or served with ice cream for flavor. Like most mochi recipes, it's straightforward to make, so don't be shy.

Recipe:  Strawberry Shiratama Dango

13. Chocolate Cake Roll

As you might've realized, you can personalize Swiss cake rolls however you want, whether it's with matcha flavor, or, as in this version, double chocolate flavor.

Recipe:  Chocolate Cake Roll

14. Matcha Pound Cake (Vegan)

Fun fact: Pound cake named as such because the original recipe called for one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This recipe is vegan and replaces the butter and eggs for sesame oil and baking powder, but you'll still get the same soft, sweet bread you can enjoy all day long. And by the way, you can browse through all of Chef Ja Cooks ' recipes for vegan takes to tons of classic Japanese recipes. 

Recipe:  Matcha Pound Cake (Vegan)

15. Sweet Potato Yaki Mochi

These panfried sweet potato mochi totally redefine how to incorporate sweet potato into desserts, proving once again what a versatile vegetable it is. Oh potato, what can't  you do?

Recipe:  Sweet Potato Yaki Mochi

16. Strawberry Shortcake

A classic Japanese shortcake is made with airy sponge cake that pairs perfectly with fluffy whipped cream that just barely weighs down the cake. Use the freshest, ripest strawberries for the best result.

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

17. Sweet Black Sesame Soup

This might not be a soup in the traditional sense, but it does have all the makings of a nutty, sweet, and filling dessert. For an extra lil' something, feel free to top it with a few chewy mochi.  

Recipe:  Sweet Black Sesame Soup

18. Shokupan (Milk Bread)

This is the pillow soft, not-too-sweet bread to end them all. And like most good breads, you'll need to commit at least a day to getting the perfect bread. But if you're a true bread aficionado, have you ever known a good bread that's not worth the wait?

Recipe:  Shokupan (Milk Bread)

19. Matcha Tiramisu

You won't need any lady fingers for this tiramisu, but you will need a ready-made chocolate sponge cake that you can either buy or make at home. 

Recipe:  Matcha Tiramisu

20. Candied Sweet Potatoes

Japanese sweet potatoes have such a caramelly taste that they're perfect on their own. This recipe levels them up with a glaze made of sugar and soy sauce. 

Recipe:  Candied Sweet Potatoes

21. Cream Pan

For the best cream pan, make sure the ratio of cream to bread is at minimum, half and half. You won't regret it.

Recipe:  Cream Pan

22. Melon Pan

This bakery mainstay might not taste like melon, but it's just as sweet and textured, with a crispy crust that makes every bite a delicious experience. 

Recipe:  Melon Pan

23. Coffee Jelly

This refreshing treat can be purchased in many Japanese shops or whipped up at home with just a few ingredients. It's the perfect pick-me-up after a summer meal in the backyard.  

Recipe:  Coffee Jelly

24. Fluffy Cheesecake

Unlike a dense American cheesecake, a Japanese cheesecake is known for its jiggly and airy texture, achieved by whipping eggs and baking it in the oven using a water bath. Serve with powdered sugar or some fresh berries on the side. 

Recipe:  Fluffy Cheesecake

25. Mitarashi Dango

"Dango" come in several varieties, but always involve sweet rice dumplings. In this variation, they're served in a skewer and coated with a sweet soy glaze. 

Recipe:  Mitarashi Dango

What's your favorite Japanese dessert? Share in the comments!

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Top 25 Best Japanese Desserts

Published: Jul 26, 2023 · Modified: Mar 6, 2024 by Katalin Nagy · This post may contain affiliate links. This blog generates income via ads. Please read our Disclosures.

The best Japanese desserts to try making at home when you can't make it to Tokyo! From matcha to mochi, I have gathered all the most popular Japanese dessert recipes in one place.

Best Japanese Desserts

1. jiggly japanese cheesecake, 2. matcha brownies, 3. hokkaido baked cheese tarts, 4. white chocolate matcha cookies, 5. mochi donuts, 6. matcha tiramisu, 7. black sesame tart with yuzu curd, 8. miso butter cookies, 9. matcha green tea ice cream.

• 10. Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

11. Matcha Red Bean Mochi

12. japanese strawberry swiss roll, 13. easy dango recipe, 14. japanese purin.

• 15. Japanese "Sweet Potato" Dessert

16. Japanese Custard Filled Cream Buns

17. japanese strawberry cake, 18. coffee jelly, 19. matcha cream cheese pound cake, 20. creamy red bean popsicles, 21. orange castella cake, 22. mizu yokan, 23. white chocolate matcha mousse cake, 24. mochi ice cream, 25. candied sweet potatoes, japanese desserts faqs, related japanese desserts.

This list of the best Japanese desserts is certainly as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach , in a similar way to all the beautiful famous French pastries we love so much. Keep reading to find your favorite classic Japanese dessert recipes, and, of course, let me know which ones you try.

If you haven't tried a Japanese fluffy cheesecake, you are missing out. It is sometimes referred to as a Japanese cotton cheesecake due to its unique texture, which is unbelievably fluffy, airy, and souffle-like. The ingredients are all very basic, but the technique for this traditional Japanese dessert (also called Japanese souffle cheesecake) is important, so be sure to read my step-by-step guidelines to get it right.

Surely any Matcha lover will adore this Japanese dessert. Fudgy, gooey brownies with the iconic crinkly, crispy top and the best Japanese green tea taste? Sign me up. For anyone new to matcha, it is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, and it has a slightly bitter taste which works unbelievably well with chocolate. The best matcha dessert for brownie lovers.

Japanese cheese tarts are a deliciously rich, sweet, and savory treat that will be an unexpected delight for your taste buds. A pâte sablée (sweet shortcrust pastry) tart shell is filled with an unbelievably smooth and special combination of dairy and cheese products that make a unique Japanese dessert you will love.

Matcha and white chocolate is a flavor pairing made in Heaven. The slight bitterness of matcha and the sweet cookie dough and white chocolate chips complement each other so perfectly. Matcha or green tea cookies are a vivid green color from the matcha powder, and you won't believe how good they taste.

Cookies are popular Japanese desserts to serve as snacks with a glass of milk or to take around to a friend's house. Especially if someone hasn't tried matcha before, matcha cookies are a great place to start.

Pon-de-ring, as they are known in Japan, are bubble-shaped ring donuts with a unique and delicious bouncy and chewy texture and colorful, glossy chocolate ganache glazing. My recipe for mochi donuts uses tapioca flour for a super fluffy and light texture, and I always recommend making a double batch as they disappear so quickly!

Here is a Japanese twist on one of the classic Italian desserts . Fluffy ladyfingers are layered with a creamy mascarpone filling flavored with green tea and a touch of matcha tea powder on top to finish. It's a soft and creamy showstopper that guests will love. You can use store-bought ladyfingers or use my easy recipe to make your own homemade ladyfingers .

Arguably, this is probably my favorite tartlet at the moment. The sweet shortcrust tart shell is enriched with black sesame seeds and then filled with tangy and creamy yuzu curd. Garnish with a decorative chocolate shard decoration that is, surprisingly, a lot easier to make than you might think!

Japanese miso cookies have this irresistible crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that you simply have to try. What's more, they only need 7 pantry ingredients that you probably already have!

Be warned, though, that these Japanese cookies are dangerously addictive! The light and crisp texture and sweet and salty taste will make you reach back for more every time.

This might become your new favorite way to caffeinate in hot weather. There is nothing quite like homemade ice cream, and this matcha dessert is unbelievably tasty and refreshing. You can adjust the amount of matcha powder in the matcha ice cream to suit you, and it just tastes divine with a dollop of whipped cream as a tasty Japanese dessert. Try it and see!

10. Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

You could make these light and fluffy Japanese pancakes for brunch or serve them as dessert after a meal with fluffy whipped cream; the choice is yours! Surely, we all love a multitasker. The key to light and fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes is the whipped egg whites, and this easy recipe takes you through it step by step.

Sweet red bean paste is a staple ingredient in Japanese desserts (and Korean desserts, too) and makes a delicious red bean filling. Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made with glutinous rice flour with a wonderful sticky consistency, and they are very easy Japanese desserts to make, so if you have a craving, you can enjoy them just minutes later!

A Japanese roll cake is a light and airy, not-too-sweet dessert that you will certainly love. Adding a small amount of gelatine to the cream filling helps it to keep its shape, and you can change things up and add different fruits if you prefer. You might have seen a pretty Japanese cake roll in Japanese bakeries before, and now you can make your own!

How beautiful are these Japanese Dango? These popular Japanese desserts are a common site in a Japanese bakery and are very easy to make. Hanami Dango contains just a few ingredients and basic steps, and the result is sweet and chewy treats that look as good as they taste. Honestly, I love these cute Japanese treats.

If you like panna cotta or crème caramel, you'll love Japanese pudding (sometimes known as Japanese flan or Japanese custard). It's a gently cooked custard dessert with a thin layer of deep caramel sauce on top with the silkiest, smoothest texture imaginable.

15. Japanese "Sweet Potato" Dessert

Sweet potato Japanese dessert is commonly served in the Fall and uses naturally sweet and delicious "satsumaimo" (Japanese sweet potatoes). First, mash sweet potato and then mix with cream, butter, and sugar. Then, shape these small cake-like desserts into miniature sweet potatoes before brushing with an egg wash and toasting or baking.

Use black sesame seeds as a pretty garnish that also adds a tiny bit of crunch. Simply put, it's irresistible.

Whilst there might be a few steps involved in making Japanese cream-filled buns, it is undeniably well worth the effort! The milk bread dough uses a water roux or ‘dough starter’ known as ‘Tangzhong,’ and this is what creates the ultra-soft texture. As is always the case with baking - precision is key, and it is so important to pay attention to all the details in the recipe. Consequently, you will be rewarded!

Make a Japanese bakery-style strawberry cake for a party and wait for the compliments to roll in. The beaten egg white and minimal flour in the batter creates a super fluffy texture, and the layers are brushed with syrup before being smothered in a not-so-sweet frosting to bring out the flavor of the fruit. Consequently, you’ll feel like you’re biting into a cloud.

Have you heard of coffee jelly? It's a deliciously simple treat and the ideal energizing indulgence due to its sweetness and the caffeine boost. Found in supermarkets, convenience stores, coffee shops, bakeries, and dessert shops all across Japan, it's one of the most popular Japanese desserts to make. For an iced latte-like experience, add a touch of heavy cream.

You simply won't believe how tender this matcha cake is! Firstly, there is cream cheese in the batter itself, which makes the sponge unbelievably soft. But then, the matcha gives it a delicious green tea taste too. What's more, it can be kept at room temperature and transports really well, so works well as a make-ahead dessert.

Red bean popsicles are an incredibly popular Asian dessert with a creamy texture and moderately sweet taste, and this recipe retains some chewy beans inside, which makes them even more delicious! These traditional Japanese sweets are very refreshing too, which makes them an ideal sweet Japanese treat for hot summer days.

Castella cake is a type of "wagashi", or Japanese confection traditionally served with green tea. It's a sponge cake with a trademark bounciness and can be flavored in all kinds of ways, and a top tip is to wrap it in food wrap when it is still warm and place it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. It traps in all the moisture and makes this traditional Japanese dessert unbelievably bouncy and moist. You heard it here first!

You simply have to try this Japanese jelly; it is made with just 3 main ingredients and just completely melts in the mouth. A combination of red bean paste, sugar, and a natural gelatin-like substance called "kanten" is all that you need to make it. Yokan is one of the most popular Japanese desserts, and it certainly looks incredibly elegant when sliced and served in dainty blocks as well.

Simply put, the light and airy texture of white chocolate matcha mousse cake is insane! It also looks so pretty and refined with its layers of green tea sponge cake, white chocolate mousse, and a generous dusting of matcha powder on top. Consequently, it would make a great statement dessert for a dinner party.

If you like the idea of this, you'll also love my mango mouse cake .

Imagine biting into a deliciously sweet and chewy mochi, but the center is ice cream! Certainly, it sounds good to me. Surprisingly it is a lot easier to make than you think, as the mochi is made in the microwave and simply folded around scoops of ice cream. And what's more, you can use any flavor of ice cream you want or mix and match to keep everyone happy.

Daigaku Imo, or candied sweet potatoes, are a classic Japanese snack traditionally served in fall and winter. Deep fry them for the most authentic result, or alternatively, you can steam and then shallow-fry. A caramelized syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness, and this wagashi tastes great with a cup of green tea.

Mochi is a type of wagashi or Japanese confection, which is a sweet treat meant to be enjoyed with green tea.

Surely jiggly Japanese cheesecake, matcha desserts, mochi, and yokan are the best and most popular Japanese desserts.

Yes! Certainly, Japan takes food seriously and has plenty of delicious desserts and sweet treats, including cakes, pastries, jellies, and cheesecakes.

Have you tried these recipes?

Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on the recipe card and consider leaving a comment as well! I would love to hear about how your desserts turned out and your feedback also helps other Readers!

• ▢ Jiggly Japanese Cheesecake
• ▢ Matcha Brownies
• ▢ Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tarts
• ▢ White Chocolate Matcha Cookies
• ▢ Mochi Donuts
• ▢ Matcha Tiramisu
• ▢ Black Sesame Tart With Yuzu Curd
• ▢ Miso Butter Cookies
• ▢ Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
• ▢ Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
• ▢ Matcha Red Bean Mochi
• ▢ Japanese Strawberry Swiss Roll
• ▢ Easy Dango Recipe
• ▢ Japanese Purin
• ▢ Japanese "Sweet Potato" Dessert
• ▢ Japanese Custard Filled Cream Buns
• ▢ Japanese Strawberry Cake
• ▢ Coffee Jelly
• ▢ Matcha Cream Cheese Pound Cake
• ▢ Creamy Red Bean Popsicles
• ▢ Orange Castella Cake
• ▢ Mizu Yokan
• ▢ White Chocolate Matcha Mousse Cake
• ▢ Mochi Ice Cream
• ▢ Candied Sweet Potatoes

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• Enjoy the most amazing Japanese Desserts

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The Best Japanese Dessert Recipes

Carl Hanson is a Senior Editor at Allrecipes who has been writing about food and wine for nearly 20 years. He enjoys creating content that informs, entertains, and assists busy home cooks get nourishing meals on the table for their families.

You may love Japanese food for its savory umami flavors, but don't sleep on dessert, folks! Japanese cuisine is also known for simple yet elegant, delicate desserts. We've gathered together some of our favorite Japanese-inspired sweet treats, including smooth, stretchy mochi and Japanese cheesecake recipes that are as gorgeous as they are delicious. Give them a try!

Green Tea Mousse Cheesecake

Here's a no-bake Japanese-style green tea cheesecake. "Wow, I love green tea flavors, and this was my very first attempt at making a dessert out of matcha," says MereiSakura. "I am so used to getting this flavor from green tea ice cream, it was almost bizarre to have it in a fluffy airy mousse cake like this. The color is delightful and is not as rich as a lot of cheesecake."

Coffee Jelly

Coffee jelly is a refreshing Japanese summertime treat. "My favorite way to serve it is with frozen whipped cream and chocolate sauce, although it's also delicious with ice cream, regular whipped cream, or flavored coffee cream!" says Sarah. "It can be served solid in glasses, or cubed in bowls."

Green Tea Layer Cake

"This is a light and moist cake that is not too sweet and has a refreshing green tea fragrance," says TIRAMISUKI. "The frosting uses cream cheese but has enough sweetness to mask the sour taste. The matcha (green tea) powder gives it a delicate green hue, too."

Chi Chi Dango Mochi

Made of sweet glutinous rice flour, mochi is a smooth, chewy Japanese treat with a fun, stretchy texture. "Simple and easy! I've made this recipe for MANY parties and pot lucks, it has become very popular and goes quick," says Nani. "Ideally I'll make this the night before and let it cool overnight, it is very dense, so it takes a while to cool."

Green Tea Cheesecake

"This is a creamy and simple cheesecake with the addition of green tea powder," says SARAHMURRAY. "I like to add fresh blackberries and raspberries on top of it!" Monkeymoogle raves about it: "Absolutely fabulous. Perfect taste, perfect texture, and consistency. Being the matcha addict that I am, I quadrupled the amount of green tea powder."

Marshmallow Cake

"This is a very light version of a Japanese cheesecake that I learned from a friend in Japan," says Lola Smith. "A perfect recipe for people looking for something sweet to top off a meal."

Spongy Japanese Cheesecake

Here's a light and spongy Japanese cheesecake made with cream cheese, eggs, and a hint of cornstarch. "This cheesecake is good plain, with fresh fruit topping, or you can even frost it," says lisamarie.

3-Ingredient Cheesecake

"This Japanese cheesecake is so light that it seems a little like a souffle," says anna77. "You only need cream cheese, eggs, and white chocolate to make this easy gluten-free dessert! This cheesecake tastes best after it has been chilled for a a few hours in the fridge. Serve as is or with a drizzle of pureed berries."

Microwave Mochi

"A microwavable form of the Japanese dessert made with sweet rice flour," says DINKYPIE. "More varied and interesting flavors are available as well."

Kasutera (Castella), the Japanese Traditional Honey Cake

Kasutera is a Japanese traditional sponge cake with an angel food-like texture and delicate honey flavor. "This cake is just perfect," says melissa. "Serve with adzuki paste (Japanese red bean paste) and ice cream."

Azuki Ice Cream (Japanese Red Beans Ice Cream)

This homemade ice cream is made with azuki beans. "This is a very popular ice cream in Hawaii, the Philippines, and throughout the Pacific islands," says INSPIRON41.

Japanese Banana Rice Pudding

If you think American-style banana desserts are too saccharine, then give this banana rice pudding a try. It has a good degree of sweetness without being completely overwhelmed by sugar. "Loved this stuff.. I like mine cold so that how I serve this," says Allrecipes Allstar Linda T. "I think it tasted wonderful even before adding the cream at the end.. caramelized bananas on top.. yum."

Manju (Japanese Sweet Bean Paste Cookies)

Adzuki bean paste gives these cookies a slightly earthy and complex sweetness that can't be replicated. Shop your local Asian or international grocery store to find canned koshi an.

Japanese Fruit Cake II

"I have been looking for this taste for years and tried many different recipes. This is the best I have come across so far," says community member susied. "It is spicy and not "over sweet". An excellent accompaniment to the holiday dinner after eatting so many very sweet treats during the holiday season. It is also very impressive to look at with 4 layers!"

Green Tea (Matcha) Tiramisu

Matcha and cheesecake are a match made in heaven, and this no-bake green tea cheesecake is so easy to make. Be sure to use powdered gelatin or the cheesecake won't set correctly.

More Top-Rated Japanese Recipes

• Easy Japanese Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
• The Best Japanese Street Food Snacks, Appetizers, and Small Bites
• Best Japanese Noodle and Rice Bowls

You’ll Also Love

25 Deliciously Decadent Traditional Japanese Desserts And Sweets

No matter what part of the world you come from, we can all agree that there is nothing better than indulging in a sweet dessert treat now and then.

Every country around the world has its own take on the after-dinner meal that is dessert, each of which has its own unique flavors and style.

With this in mind, we are going to be looking at traditional Japanese desserts in particular, as well as listing some recipes for each dessert so that you can try making them for yourself!

Let’s get started. 

1. Matcha Green Tea Cookies

Matcha refers to a finely ground powder that is created from processed and specially grown green tea leaves, originating in East Asia (see also our favorite Korean desserts ).

Matcha has become a popular ingredient across the world that is associated with East Asian culture, including Japan.

Because of this global popularity, matcha- or green tea powder- has become used in a wide range of different recipes to create all sorts of foods, including cookies. 

Cookies that have been infused with matcha have the benefit of having that buttery and crisp texture that cookies are known for, along with the somewhat bitter yet irresistible matcha flavor.

Additions such as chocolate chips provide a delicious balance between sweetness and the bitter matcha, whilst the green nature of the matcha powder makes for a vibrant cookie (see also our favorite sugar-free cookies ) that would be perfect to be baked at Christmas time.

2. Matcha Green Tea Mochi

Whilst we are on the subject of matcha, matcha flavored mochi is also a popular dessert from East Asia, originating in ancient China and being introduced into Japan at the end of the Jomon period after rice cultivation was introduced to the country. 

Mochi is a rice cake that is made from a short grain glutinous japonica rice, though there are sometimes other ingredients that go into it such as sugar, water or cornstarch.

The rice cakes are made by being pounded into a paste and then molded into a specific shape.

Mochi is a traditional food that is eaten throughout the year, though it becomes more popular around the time of the Japanese New Year. 

Mochi comes in a wide range of flavors and is a key ingredient in tons of different kinds of dishes in Japan, both sweet and savory. 

Matcha mochi has the sticky consistency that mochi is known for with the green color and distinguished taste of matcha, making for a delicious and unique dessert.

3. Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

Last but definitely not least, matcha fans can also give this matcha ice cream a try for another twist on the classic matcha flavor!

With the sweetness of ice cream and the subtle smokiness and bitterness that is associated with matcha, this treat is perfect for those who might not be too fond of overly sweet desserts.

Not only that, but this dessert is also incredibly easy to make.

You will only need four ingredients to make this ice cream-matcha powder, condensed milk, whipping cream, and vanilla extract- as well as only five minutes to make it thanks to not needing to churn the mixture.

4. Japanese Coffee Jelly

Made from gelatin and black coffee, this dessert became popular in Japan in the 1960s due to a branch of a chain of Japanese coffee shops creating the concoction.

Also known as kohii zerii in Japanese, coffee jelly is an incredibly popular dessert that can be found in most convenience stores and restaurants in Japan. 

This easy-to-make dessert is a light option that is another great choice if you aren’t a big fan of the ridiculously sweet kinds of desserts.

Known as a refreshing treat in the summer, coffee jelly is the perfect choice for caffeine and jello fans alike!

5. Mizu Yokan

A cold treat that tends to be served in the summertime, mizu yokan is a smooth and rectangular block of chilled Japanese red azuki bean jelly.

The mixture is sweetened with sugar and red bean paste.  

There are all different kinds of yokan with various flavors, but the red bean flavor is one of the most simple and popular thanks to its celebration of the natural tastes that can be found in red beans.

Another simple yet delicious Japanese dessert, Manju refers to a small and round steamed cake that is filled with a sweet red bean paste (also known as Anko).

Manju has a similar look to mochi, but they are made with all-purpose flour to create a thick cake-like consistency rather than the chewy and squidgy rice cake consistency that mochi has.

7. Japanese Shu Cream

This particular dessert is a Japanese take on the classical French choux pastry dessert, though it has some key differences that separate it from its international counterpart.

The main difference is that, whilst the Japanese shu cream can be filled with cream, it is usually filled with a sweet, custard kind of filling. 

The popularity of the shu cream has made it a staple of Japanese desserts, being readily available across the country in restaurants as well as in vending machines.

8. Mitarashi Dango

This form of wagashi- or Japanese sweet-  is said to have originated from the Kamo Mitarashi Tea House in Kyoto and features skewered rice dumpling balls that are first grilled and browned.

A gooey brown sauce then covers them. 

The sauce is the main event when it comes to this dessert, made from a soy sauce base that creates a salty yet sweet taste.

Mitarashi Dango is known as a snack served at events and festivals, and it is characterized by its burnt fragrance and sleek, glass-like glaze.

9. Isobeyaki

This rice cake snack can be both a sweet and savory dessert, and is another that tends to become more popular around the time of the Japanese New Year. 

This rice cake is thoroughly cooked- be it via toasting, pan-frying, or grilling- until the exterior becomes a golden brown color.

The cake is then brushed with a soy sauce glaze and wrapped with seaweed to create the ultimate combination of both sweet and salty.

10. Amanatto

Amanatto is as traditional as they come when it comes to Japanese sweets, originating way back in the 1860s when sugar became readily available in Japan for the first time. 

This dry dessert consists of boiled beans- normally black soybeans or red azuki beans- as well as sugar syrup and sugar.

The beans are first simmered with sugar syrup and are then covered with refined sugar before they are dried. This boiled bean dessert is a popular confectionary for all ages in Japan.

Light and deliciously decadent, this Japanese custard pudding is much like the French crème brûlée, but with a firm texture rather than a gooey one. 

The silky richness of the Purin comes from being cooked within a warm water bath- known as a bain-marie- within the oven.

The addition of caramel sauce only accentuates the indulgent nature of the dessert.

12. Namagashi

Namagashi translates to raw sweets in Japanese and also refers to a type of confectionery that is made from natural ingredients, such as sweetened bean paste or fruit jellies. 

Namagashi tends to have artistic and beautiful designs, leading to them being considered a form of edible art. 

Particularly popular during Japanese tea ceremonies thanks to their delicate and artistic nature, Namagashi can be found in confectionery stores across Japan in a wide range of designs, styles, and flavors.

A somewhat more unique and unusual take on the traditional Japanese dessert, Zenzai is a red bean soup that is sweet and served hot.

The soup is also usually accompanied by mochi or shiratam Dango- glutinous rice flour dumplings- that are placed within the soup itself. 

Made by either diluting sweetened red bean paste or boiling dried red beans in water, the soup has a sweetness to it as well as a unique texture.

14. Anmitsu

This simple dessert is a cold fruit salad that dates back to the Meiji era in Japan.

It is somewhat unique as it is made with small cubes of agar jelly- a translucent, white jelly made from red algae-, which is dissolved within water or fruit juice to create a jelly.

This is then served with sweetened red bean paste, boiled peas, or other fruits.

The dessert also tends to come with a pot of sweet black syrup- known as Mitsu- which can be poured over the jelly before it is eaten.

15. Japanese Christmas Cake

Japanese Christmas cake is not like the traditional dense and thick Christmas cake that originated in Britain. Instead, it has a spongy texture that is much like that of an American strawberry shortcake. 

The cake features whipped cream, freshly cut strawberries, and sponge cake. The cake came to be in the Meiji period in Japan and was inspired by Western cakes and desserts.

Japanese Christmas cake is a delicious and lighter way to enjoy desserts during the holiday season (see also ‘ 35 Fun And Easy Christmas-Themed Desserts ‘).

16. Japanese Cheesecake

Much like their take on Christmas cake, Japanese cheesecake is also very different from Western cheesecake. 

These cheesecakes have a much fluffier consistency, with a sponge-like texture.

This is thanks to the Japanese baking techniques that are used whilst making it, which involves whisking egg whites separately before they are incorporated by hand for aeration.

This creates a rich and creamy taste with a soft and fluffy texture. 

Another big difference with Japanese cheesecake is that it can be eaten either hot or cold, which makes for a more versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways.

17. Japanese Cake Roll

Another fluffy and soft style of Japanese dessert, a Japanese cake roll, is usually made with an airy chiffon cake base.

This base is only made with a minimal amount of sugar, though, making it another dessert that will suit your tastes if you don’t want something that is too sweet.

Japanese cake rolls tend to have lighter and more subtle flavors in comparison to Western Swiss roll, with light whipped cream and fresh strawberries (see also ‘ 27 Sweet Treat Strawberry Desserts For You To Try ‘) also being major ingredients.

18. Dorayaki

Made from Castella- a Japanese type of sponge cake-, dorayaki is a dessert that features two pancake-styled patties that are wrapped around a filling made up of sweet azuki bean paste. 

Dorayaki also has a reputation within Japanese popular culture thanks to the anime and manga character Doraemon enjoying it as his favorite food!

19. Japanese Honey Toast

Simple but delicious, Japanese Honey Toast is a popular dessert that consists of a thick, oversized piece of either toast or caramelized bread that has various sweet toppings.

These toppings can include ice cream, butter, honey, fruit, or any other kind of dessert-style topping that might take your fancy!

The bread that is used in this dessert is often oversized to the point of being almost an entire loaf of bread, making it a heavier and more filling choice when it comes to Japanese desserts.

20. Taiyaki

Often eaten as a snack, this sweet dessert cake is well known for its fish-like shape. The fish-shaped exterior of the cake is made from a crisp, flour-based shell that is baked until it is golden brown.

It is then filled with azuki sweet bean paste and served warm, being a particularly popular treat during the winter in Japan. 

There is a wide range of varieties and flavors when it comes to Taiyaki, being an incredibly popular snack treat as well as a dessert.

21. Daifuku

This popular Japanese confectionery is made up of a chewy exterior with a sweet, creamy filling.

The shell of the Daifuku is made with that glutinous ingredient that we have mentioned a few times here: mochi!

Daifuku can come in all sorts of different colors, with the most common being pale green or pink.

The filling is most commonly made with that traditional Japanese semi-sweet red bean paste that we have mentioned a few times here, sometimes known as Tsubuan or Anko.

This Japanese take on rice crispy treats is made from expanded rice grains, which are thoroughly roasted until they eventually pop.

When it comes to holding the rice grains together, a combination of butter or corn syrup with sugar is used. 

Peanuts were once the main ingredient that was used to liven up Okoshi, but nowadays, all sorts of ingredients are used such as sesame seeds, dried fruit, matcha green tea, chocolate, and more.

23. Japanese Souffle Pancakes

Japanese desserts have a penchant for being lighter and fluffier than their Western counterparts, and the Japanese souffle pancakes are no different. 

What is great about these pancakes is that you probably have everything that you need to make them in your refrigerator or pantry right now including dairy milk, powdered sugar, eggs, salt, flour, and butter.

24. Miso Butter Cookies

Perfect for afternoon tea (see also ‘ 33 Light And Tasty Afternoon Tea Party Recipes! ‘), these beautifully buttery cookies only need seven ingredients and feature some deliciously savory miso, which contrasts deliciously with the nutty sesame seeds.

The combination of both sweet and savory makes this a particularly versatile Japanese dessert choice.

25. Candied Sweet Potatoes

A snack that is often enjoyed as a dessert in Japan, these sweet potatoes (see also ‘ The Top 13 Canned Sweet Potato Recipes ‘) feature a crispy skin that is glazed with caramelized syrup to provide just the right mixture of both sweet and savory. 

Also known as Daigaku Imo in Japanese, these treats are covered in a coating made of hard sugar candy which blends well with the savory potato elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is wagashi.

When we discuss traditional Japanese desserts, it is hard not to mention wagashi! As briefly touched upon above, wagashi is the name given to traditional Japanese confectionaries.

These sweets are often served alongside green tea, especially those that are made with fruit, mochi, or Anko. 

As well as some of the wagashi that we talked about in this article, some other kinds include Kompeito, a kind of crystal sugar candy, Botamochi, a sweet rice ball that is wrapped with azuki bean paste, Sakuramochi an anko-filled rice cake that is wrapped with a pickled cherry leaf, and Yatsuhashi, thin sheets of sweetened mochi in a range of flavors. 

Wagashi also has significant cultural importance in Japan, with many of the sweets being named after the country’s natural scenery, poetry, or events from Japanese history. The treats also have a delicateness to their designs, which reflects the culture surrounding delicacy within Japan. 

What Are The Most Popular Japanese Desserts?

Some of the staples in Japanese dessert dishes include mochi – which has hundreds upon hundreds of different recipes surrounding it – as well as some of the specific desserts that we have talked about in this article, including Dango, Dorayaki, Honey Toast, and Taiyaki. 

How Long Has Japan Been Creating Sweets And Desserts?

Interestingly enough, sweets and desserts were being created for many centuries before sugar was even made widely available in the country of Japan.

Some of the most well-known desserts in Japan are able to be traced back hundreds of years, with some of these dating back to the Edo Period- which lasted from 1603 to 1867-, and the Meiji Period-, which lasted from 1868 to 1911.

Looking for some tasty east Asian desserts to try? Then have a read of our list of 25 of the most delicious traditional desserts from Japan!

Ingredients

Matcha Green Tea Cookies

Matcha Green Tea Mochi

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

Japanese Coffee Jelly

Japanese Shu Cream

Mitarashi Dango

Japanese Christmas Cake

Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese Cake Roll

Japanese Honey Toast

Japanese Souffle Pancakes

Miso Butter Cookies

Candied Sweet Potatoes

• Pick a recipe from the list above
• Click the recipe name and visit the website
• Collect the ingredients and cook the food
• Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

Recipe Video

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