Andrea AbbondanzaAs a sugary treat enthusiast, there’s nothing better than experiencing sweets from different cultures. Japanese desserts are no exception; the choices are limitless!
But what are the most famous Japanese desserts? Ahead, we’ll explore some of the most popular Japanese desserts. Read on!
7 Most Popular Japanese Desserts
What are the most famous Japanese desserts? From traditional Japanese desserts like dango and dorayaki to modern delights like cheesecake and souffle pancakes, here are our picks!
Dango
Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet treat made from rice flour and served on skewers in bite-sized portions. Its soft, chewy texture makes it a delightful treat for all ages. The versatile dessert can be customized with various flavors and toppings, including green tea, red bean paste, and sesame seeds.
Japanese Cheesecake
Japanese cheesecake is a unique and fluffy dessert made of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, flour, and milk, and typically does not have a crust. What sets it apart from traditional cheesecake is its light and fluffy texture, achieved by incorporating whipped egg whites into the batter.
The result? A heavenly cake that is less rich and heavy than traditional cheesecake but still flavorful. It is typically served with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
Dorayaki
Dorayaki is a dessert that consists of two pancake-like layers with sweet red bean paste filling. The pancakes, made from flour, eggs, sugar, and honey, have a fluffy and slightly sweet flavor.
The red bean paste is made from boiled and sweetened azuki beans, giving it a unique and tasty texture. This dessert is a popular snack found in many Japanese confectionery shops.
Castella
Castella is a famous Japanese sponge cake with a light and delicate texture. It was introduced to Japan by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century which was then adapted to use locally available ingredients.
The cake is made from sugar, flour, eggs, and honey and is typically baked in a unique wooden mold to give it a distinct rectangular shape. The cake has a subtle sweetness and can come in different flavors, such as green tea, chocolate, or plain.
Sakura Mochi
Sakura mochi is a traditional Japanese dessert made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and a pickled cherry blossom known as sakura. The pickled cherry blossom leaf, which is edible and adds a salty and floral flavor to the dessert, is typically pink or light green, giving the mochi a unique appearance.
It is commonly eaten during the spring season, particularly during the Japanese holiday of Hinamatsuri, and is enjoyed for its sweet and salty taste and beautiful aesthetics.
Warabi Mochi
Warabi mochi is a traditional dessert from bracken starch covered in kinako, a roasted soybean flour. The dessert has a jelly-like texture and is often served chilled during summer months.
Its unique texture is achieved by mixing bracken starch with water and sugar and boiling the mixture to create a gelatinous paste, which is then cut into small bite-sized pieces.
Japanese Souffle Pancakes
Japanese souffle pancakes, or fluffy pancakes, are a popular breakfast dish in Japan that is light, airy, and fluffy. They are made using a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. The batter is beaten with whipped egg whites and carefully cooked on a griddle.
The result is a stack of tall, fluffy pancakes almost melting in your mouth. Japanese souffle pancakes are commonly served with fresh fruits, whipped cream, and maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Japanese Sweets Called?
Japanese sweets are called wagashi. They are traditional Japanese confections often served with tea or as a dessert. Wagashi encompasses sweets made from various ingredients, such as rice flour, sweet bean paste, agar, and fruits, often in distinctive shapes and colors.
What is the national sweet of Japan?
There isn’t a single national sweet in Japan, but a popular and widely enjoyed traditional Japanese sweet is namagashi.
What dessert is similar to mochi?
One dessert similar to mochi is dango, a Japanese sweet made from rice flour and often served skewered in bite-sized portions. Like mochi, it has a sticky and chewy texture and can be flavored and topped with ingredients such as sweet bean paste, kinako roasted soybean flour, or sesame seeds.
Conclusion
From creamy wagashi to chewy mochi, Japan’s collection of desserts is truly a pleasant surprise. Whether you crave something sweet or savory, there will always be some delicious Japanese treats for you!
So if it’s time for a sweet tooth adventure and your destination is Japan, remember to indulge in some classic Japanese desserts and some popular Japanese appetizers and foods. Just one bite, and you’ll understand why these are some of the most famous treats worldwide!
