If you have a soft spot for chewy, buttery treats that feel like a warm hug in every bite, then this Hawaiian Butter Mochi Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This dessert beautifully combines the unique texture of sweet rice flour with the rich flavors of coconut milk and butter, resulting in a luscious, golden-brown mochi that’s perfectly moist and tender. Whether you’re familiar with mochi or trying it for the first time, this recipe offers a delightful tropical twist that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious.

Hawaiian Butter Mochi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward the perfect Hawaiian Butter Mochi. Each simple, pantry-friendly item plays a crucial role in building the soft texture, sweet flavor, and rich aroma that this cake is loved for.

Sweet rice flour (mochiko): This is the backbone of the chewy texture unique to mochi, making it soft yet satisfying.
Sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the coconut and butter flavors.
Baking powder: Helps the mochi rise slightly, giving it a tender crumb without sacrificing chewiness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure the sweetness isn’t one-dimensional.
Unsalted butter, melted: Brings rich, luscious flavor and adds moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Coconut milk: Infuses the mochi with a tropical creaminess that’s wildly comforting and authentic.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure and fluffiness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the coconut and buttery notes beautifully.
Whole milk: Balances the batter’s consistency and adds extra creaminess.

How to Make Hawaiian Butter Mochi Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your mochi won’t stick, making it easy to slice and serve later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweet rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients well is key to ensuring an even texture and flavor throughout your mochi.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Then stir in the melted butter, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and whole milk. This creamy mixture is where the magic begins—it gives the mochi its signature tender crumb and tropical flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing, as that could affect the chewy texture we love in this classic treat.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let your mochi cool completely before slicing it into squares. This step helps the mochi set, so the texture finishes perfect—soft, rich, and just a little chewy.

How to Serve Hawaiian Butter Mochi Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or toast some coconut flakes on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Fresh tropical fruits like pineapple or mango also pair beautifully as a garnish, enhancing the Hawaiian vibes of this dessert.

Side Dishes

This mochi shines best on its own as a sweet treat, but if you want to create a full dessert spread, pair it with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. A cup of strong, dark coffee or a creamy latte is also the perfect foil for the mochi’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your mochi squares into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a beautiful platter for sharing at parties. For a modern twist, layer little cubes of mochi with fresh fruit and whipped cream in dessert glasses to create a deconstructed Hawaiian Butter Mochi parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover mochi tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for up to three days, maintaining that pleasing chew and buttery flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, Hawaiian Butter Mochi freezes wonderfully. Place the mochi pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. Frozen mochi will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover or frozen mochi, let it thaw at room temperature, then warm it gently in the oven or microwave. A quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at a low oven temperature will refresh the softness without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice flour instead of sweet rice flour?

Regular rice flour won’t give you the chewy texture characteristic of mochi. Sweet rice flour (mochiko) is essential for that unique, chewy, and soft consistency, so it’s best not to substitute.

Is coconut milk necessary for this recipe?

Coconut milk is a crucial ingredient for authentic flavor and moisture. You could try substituting it with regular milk, but you’ll lose that signature tropical richness that makes this Hawaiian Butter Mochi Recipe so special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Because this recipe uses sweet rice flour, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just be sure all your baking ingredients, like baking powder, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

Why does my mochi turn out too dense?

If your mochi feels too dense, check that you’ve added the correct amount of leavening and that you’re mixing wet and dry ingredients gently but thoroughly. Overmixing can also affect texture, so stir just until combined.

How do I know when the mochi is done baking?

Baking time can vary slightly based on your oven, but you want a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean. The mochi should feel set and spring back lightly to the touch.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and joyous about making and sharing Hawaiian Butter Mochi Recipe. It’s a lovely blend of rich, tropical flavors wrapped in a uniquely chewy, buttery texture that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re serving it up for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert.