Japanese Desserts Beyond Mochi: A Sweet Journey

When most people think of Japanese desserts, their minds go straight to mochi — those chewy, delicate rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste or sometimes ice cream. While mochi is a beloved treat, the world of Japanese sweets (wagashi) offers so much more. From the fluffy dorayaki pancakes to the fish-shaped taiyaki, there’s an array of unique desserts waiting to be explored. In this post, I’ll take a closer look at a few lesser-known Japanese sweets and share simple recipes so you can try them at home.

Dorayaki: The Classic Sweet Pancake

What is Dorayaki?
Dorayaki is a beloved Japanese dessert consisting of two soft, sponge-like pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). The treat has been a staple in Japanese homes for decades and has even gained popularity globally, thanks in part to its frequent appearance in anime and manga. Traditionally, dorayaki is filled with red bean paste, but modern versions may include custard, chocolate, or even matcha-flavored fillings.

Recipe: How to Make Dorayaki at Home
Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 50g sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 100g flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1–2 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
• Red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Beat eggs and sugar together in a bowl until the mixture becomes pale.
2. Add honey, then sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix well.
3. Gradually add water to achieve a smooth batter.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and pour small circles of batter, like pancakes.
5. Once bubbles form on the surface, flip and cook the other side.
6. Spread red bean paste between two pancakes and enjoy!

For a twist, try swapping the red bean paste with custard or Nutella.

Taiyaki: Fish-Shaped Sweet Delight

What is Taiyaki?
Taiyaki is a delightful fish-shaped pastry that’s both crispy and soft. Despite its fish-like appearance, it’s filled with sweet ingredients, usually red bean paste or custard. The symbolism behind the fish shape comes from the Japanese belief that the tai fish (red snapper) brings good luck.

Recipe: Simple Taiyaki for Beginners
To make taiyaki, you’ll need a special fish-shaped pan, which can be found online or in Asian markets. Once you have the pan, the recipe is simple!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup water
• Sweet fillings (red bean paste, custard, chocolate)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, egg, milk, and water until smooth.
2. Preheat the taiyaki pan and lightly oil it.
3. Pour a small amount of batter into one side of the mold, add a spoonful of filling, then cover with more batter.
4. Close the mold and cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Open the mold, remove the taiyaki, and enjoy it warm.

Customize with fillings like Nutella or even savory options like cheese.

Castella: The Japanese Take on Sponge Cake

What is Castella?
Castella (kasutera) is a light, spongy cake originally introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. Over time, the recipe was adapted to suit Japanese tastes, becoming a favorite dessert throughout the country. Castella is often flavored with honey, giving it a distinct sweetness and soft, moist texture.

Recipe: Light and Fluffy Castella
Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 100g sugar
• 100g bread flour
• 2 tbsp honey (dissolved in 1 tbsp warm water)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a rectangular loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
3. Sift the flour into the mixture, folding gently to avoid losing air.
4. Add the honey-water mixture and gently combine.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the castella cool completely before slicing. Serve as is or with whipped cream and fruit.

Bonus Treat: Warabi Mochi

What is Warabi Mochi?
Warabi mochi, despite its name, is quite different from the traditional mochi made from glutinous rice. Warabi mochi is a gelatinous, jelly-like dessert made from bracken starch (warabi-ko). It’s light and slightly chewy, often served with a dusting of kinako (roasted soybean flour) and a drizzle of kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup). Warabi mochi is popular during the summer months due to its refreshing texture and flavor.

Recipe: Quick and Easy Warabi Mochi
Ingredients:

• 1 cup warabi starch
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup sugar
• Kinako (soybean flour) for dusting
• Kuromitsu syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, mix the warabi starch, sugar, and water. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes transparent.
2. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and allow it to cool completely.
3. Once set, cut into bite-sized pieces and dust with kinako. Serve with kuromitsu syrup if desired.

While mochi often gets all the attention, Japanese desserts are rich in variety, each with its own history and unique flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for the fluffy pancakes of dorayaki or the charming fish-shaped taiyaki, these treats offer a fun and flavorful way to experience Japanese culture. With easy-to-follow recipes, you can now bring these delightful sweets to your own kitchen and impress friends and family with something beyond mochi.