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    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Hawaiian Butter Mochi

    Last Modified: September 28, 2022 - Published by: christieathome

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Hawaiian Butter Mochi. A soft, delicious dairy-free butter mochi cake with a chewy texture with crunchy edges.

    Hawaiian Butter Mochi

    A classic Hawaiian treat that is very easy to make!

    If you've never tried butter mochi then you're in for a treat! The first time I had these mochi bars, my eyes rolled to the back of my eye it was so good!

    Hawaiian Butter Mochi

    If you enjoy soft chewy food, this has the best texture! It's very similar to a baked custard cake but bouncier in chew. Little tip: the corner pieces are the best part because you get those crispy edges.

    This amazing recipe has been adapted from the original recipe over at Drive Me Hungry's to be dairy-free. She shares incredible and delicious recipes and I highly recommend checking out her blog for more ideas!

    Hawaiian Butter Mochi

    Easy to make!

    This cake is really easy to make at home. There aren't too many ingredients, making it a great recipe! First grease your prepared pan or muffin tin with butter or line with parchment paper or muffin cups.

    Then in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Then in another bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients. Next pour the wet batter into the dry and mix until combined.

    Lastly pour the batter into the baking dish or muffin tin and bake away! You'll need to adjust the baking time if you use a baking pan versus a muffin tin.

    Hawaiian Butter Mochi

    Popular in Hawaii

    This dessert is very popular in Hawaii. A lot of people on the island love this local treat. The main ingredients of this dessert are coconut milk, sweet glutinous rice flour and of course, butter! But we'll be using dairy-free butter.

    Similar to the Japanese version

    Japanese butter mochi is also very similar in taste with a chewy center. However, the Japanese don't use coconut milk in their version, therefore it doesn't contain the coconut flavor.

    You will find these little cakes sold at the Japanese market or bakery. They come in all sorts of flavors like vanilla, strawberry, passion fruit or ones that contain matcha powder. Some even come with chocolate chips!

    What You'll Need

    You will need the following ingredients for these easy Hawaiian butter mochi:

    Dry Ingredients:

    • Glutinous rice flour or Mochiko sweet rice flour: This is a very fine powder that is very starchy. It's also known as Mochiko flour or Mochiko rice flour but most manufacturers called it Glutinous rice flour. Many Asian grocery stores will carry this ingredient. There are many brands of sweet rice flour but I like the one that comes in a clear package with green lettering and Asian characters.
    Glutinous Rice Flour
    • Sugar: We are using white granulated sugar for this recipe.
    • Baking powder
    • Unsalted Butter: this must be melted and cooled down so it doesn't cook your eggs

    Wet Ingredients:

    • Coconut milk: We will be an entire can of coconut milk. I've also tried this recipe with lite coconut milk and coconut milk with coconut cream - both work well too.
    • Water
    • Vegan butter: If you're not vegan, you can use normal melted butter. I like to use the dairy-free vegan spread by Earth Balance. Some Western grocers carry this ingredient.
    • Large eggs
    • Vanilla extract

    Optional toppings:

    • Coconut flakes: this is totally optional but you can sprinkle shredded coconut onto your cake or mix it into your batter for extra coconut flavor!

    Required: 9x9 inch baking dish or muffin tin

    How to Make Hawaiian Butter Mochi

    Below are steps on how to make Hawaiian butter mochi cake:

    Grease or line a deep 9 x 9 baking pan or muffin pan with 12 muffin inserts.

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

    In a large mixing bowl, sift your dry ingredients. Whisk them together until well combined.

    In another bowl, mix your wet ingredients mixing in the egg lasts so the butter does not cook the eggs. Alternatively, you can wait for the butter to cool down.

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until you have a smooth batter.

    Pour the batter into the baking dish or muffin tin.

    If using a muffin tin, bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a baking dish, bake for 60-65 minutes.

    Hawaiian Butter Mochi

    Allow this to cool completely by transferring to a wire rack. Slice with a wet knife. Enjoy!

    Baking Tips

    Below are some tips on how to make the best Hawaiian butter mochi recipe:

    • Sift your dry ingredients. This ensures a smooth batter without any clumps!
    • Line your baking dish or muffin cups with parchment paper or grease it with butter. This allows for them to come out smoothly like butter!
    • Make sure to mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl first before adding the wet ingredients. This ensures a well incorporated batter.
    • Wait for butter to cool after melting. You don't want the hot butter to cook your eggs.
    • Pour the wet batter into the dry and mix until smooth. Do not over mix.
    • To get rid of air bubbles: After pouring your finished batter into the baking pan or muffin tray, gently tap the whole tray on your working surface to pop the bubbles.
    • To slice your mochi cake into bars, wait for it to become cool. If you slice it while hot, it'll be a very sticky mess.
    • Wet your knife before slicing and use a sharp knife. This moisture from the water helps the knife glide through the sticky cake.

    FAQ

    Below are questions about this chewy hawaiian butter mochi:

    How long does this last for?

    It will last up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge. I like to reheat mine in a toaster oven until it's warm.

    What does Hawaiian butter mochi taste like?

    If you have ever tasted mochis before, it tastes very similar to that but it's warmed up and very rich with that glorious butter. If you have never tasted a mochi, picture a warm vanilla bouncy and chewy rice bar with that buttery taste.

    Can you freeze Hawaiian butter mochi?

    Yes, I would suggest wrapping each bar in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place into a freezer friendly bag. It should last up to 3 months. To consume, thaw before serving. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

    Is Mochi gluten free?

    Yes, since glutinous rice flour is gluten-free this treat is gluten free as well.

    Where do I buy glutinous rice flour or Mochiko flour?

    Most Asian grocery stores will carry this item in their flour or starch section. Online retailers will also carry it too.

    Please note it is not the same as regular rice flour. Glutinous rice flour is more sticky.

    Can I use a stand mixer to make this?

    Sure! I would start with the dry ingredients first and then mix your wet ingredients in a separate bowl before pouring them into the mixer. Do not overmix.

    Can I use regular milk or evaporated milk instead of coconut milk?

    Yes but just note that you won't taste any coconut flavor.

    Other recipes you may like!

    If you liked my dairy-free Hawaiian butter mochi recipe, you may like these other dessert recipes:

    MOCHI PANCAKES
    JAPANESE MOCHI ICE CREAM
    MOCHI DONUTS
    PANDAN CUSTARD CAKE
    BOBA MINT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
    TANGZHONG BREAD
    BANANA CHOCOLATE BREAD

    I hope you give my dairy-free Hawaiian Butter Mochi a try and enjoy it!

    If you enjoyed my Hawaiian coconut butter mochi recipe, please leave a star rating and share it with your family and friends or on social media! Take a picture of your re-creation and make sure to tag me @ChristieAtHome in your feed or stories as I would love to see it!

    Christie

    *This post for Hawaiian custard butter mochi contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Hawaiian butter mochi

    Easy Hawaiian Butter Mochi (Dairy-Free)

    christieathome
    Dairy-Free Hawaiian Butter Mochi. A soft, chewy, delicious and dairy-free mochi bar with a coconutty flavor! A popular dessert that originates from Hawaii and is totally addictive! Very easy to make. This recipe is adapted from Drive Me Hungry's original Hawaiian Butter Mochi to become dairy-free.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine asian, hawaiian
    Servings 12
    Calories per serving 341 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Dry Ingredients:

    • 3 cups glutinous rice flour aka Mochiko flour
    • 1 cup white granulated sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt

    Wet Ingredients:

    • 400 ml lite coconut milk canned
    • 1 ½ cup water
    • 7 tablespoon vegan butter melted & cooled (I use the brand Earth Balance)
    • 3 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Grease or line your 9 x 9 inch square baking dish or muffin tin with parchment paper or muffin cups.
    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
    • In a large bowl, sift your dry ingredients. Whisk them together until well combined.
    • In another bowl, mix together your wet ingredients mixing in the egg lasts so the butter does not cook the eggs.
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until you have a smooth batter.
    • Pour the batter into the baking dish or muffin tin.
    • If using a muffin tin, bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a baking dish, bake for 60-65 minutes.
    • Transfer cake to a wire rack to cool.
    • Allow this to cool completely before slicing with a wet knife. Enjoy!

    Notes

    How long does this last for?

    It will last up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge. I like to reheat mine in a toaster oven at 350 F (3-5 minutes) or microwave (30 seconds) until it's warm.
    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!
    Copyright PolicyPlease do not copy and paste my recipes or use my photos in your own site/blog or social media. If you use my recipe for adaptation, please provide a link back to my recipe and re-write in your own words. Thank you.

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    Baking Pan 9 x 9 inches
    Mixing bowl
    Measuring Set
    Whisk
    Silicone Spatula 3-Piece Set
    Muffin Tin
    Stand mixer (optional)
    Nutrition
    Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 379IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine asian, hawaiian
    Keyword authentic hawaiian butter mochi, best hawaiian butter mochi, best hawaiian butter mochi recipe, hawaiian butter mochi cake, hawaiian butter mochi mix, hawaiian butter mochi recipe, hawaiian butter mochi with coconut milk, hawaiian coconut butter mochi recipe

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      December 07, 2020 at 11:13 pm

      5 stars
      This makes me so excited! It looks and sounds so luscious!

      Reply
    2. Heidi | The Frugal Girls

      December 14, 2020 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      I am drooling already. It's hard to beat fresh baked happiness that takes just 10 minutes of prep time!!

      Reply
    3. Rosemary

      December 16, 2020 at 4:18 pm

      5 stars
      OH my GOSH!! I went to Hawaii once and I can totally feel the Hawaiian vibes coming from this recipe! Looks so good and satisfying 🙂

      Reply
    4. Carol

      December 03, 2021 at 7:35 am

      What type of coconut milk did you use? There are so many versions available.

      Reply
    5. Richard Tarantino

      September 29, 2022 at 3:59 pm

      Can I make this with real butter?

      Reply
      • christieathome

        September 30, 2022 at 12:11 pm

        Yes!

        Reply
    6. Rome

      February 26, 2023 at 6:02 pm

      Can flax eggs be used to substitute the real eggs? (Unfortunately my husband is allergic to egg yolks.)

      Reply
      • christieathome

        February 28, 2023 at 7:20 pm

        Unfortunately I haven't personally tried with flax eggs. If you can use a vegan egg replacer, that may work better. The egg gives a very delicious flavor to the mochi that I don't think flax egg can lend sadly.

        Reply

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    Christie

    Christie is an Asian Recipe Blogger sharing delicious recipes that you can make at home! Her goal is to make Asian cooking approachable and less intimidating. With a social media following of over 500k, she has been featured on Buzz Feed Tasty, Food52, The Kitchn and more! Christie's recipes have been made over and over again by her loyal readers.

    More about me →

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