Description
This Easy Sakura Cherry Blossom Recipe offers a delightful way to celebrate spring with traditional Japanese flavors. Using sweet rice flour to create soft mochi, this recipe incorporates edible cherry blossom petals to make elegant, visually stunning treats perfect for special occasions like Hanami or a simple afternoon tea pairing. The chewy texture of mochi combined with the subtle floral notes of cherry blossoms produces a unique and beautiful dessert capturing the essence of cherry blossom season.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mochi Dough
- 2 cups sweet rice flour (mochi flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Assembly and Dusting
- Edible cherry blossom petals (pickled or fresh, pesticide-free)
- Cornstarch (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Blossom Petals: If using fresh petals, ensure they are edible and pesticide-free. Rinse gently in cold water and pat dry carefully. If using pickled petals, drain them and set aside.
- Make the Mochi Dough: In a large bowl, mix sweet rice flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add water while stirring to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Cook the Dough: Transfer the mixture into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and microwave for 1 minute. Stir the dough and repeat microwaving in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the dough is sticky and slightly translucent—approximately 3-4 minutes total.
- Shape the Mochi: Dust your work surface with cornstarch. Transfer the cooked dough onto the surface and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions. Flatten each portion in your hand, place a cherry blossom petal in the center, then fold the dough around the petal and pinch to seal.
- Dust with Cornstarch: Lightly dust each shaped mochi piece with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Sakura cherry blossom mochi fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to two days in the refrigerator. They pair wonderfully with green tea.
Notes
- Use high-quality sweet rice flour for the best texture and chewiness.
- Handle the cherry blossom petals gently to avoid tearing or bruising.
- Experiment by adding fillings like sweet red bean paste or fruit for added variety.
- These mochi treats are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage; dust with cornstarch before freezing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: sakura mochi, cherry blossom dessert, Japanese mochi recipe, spring treats, hanami snacks, easy mochi
