As cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom across Japan, painting the landscape in delicate shades of pink, there’s one sweet treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the season: Sakura Mochi. These soft, chewy rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a lightly salted cherry blossom leaf are a quintessential taste of spring in Japan.

Making Sakura Mochi at home is a lovely way to bring a touch of Japanese tradition to your kitchen. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sweet glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Pink food coloring (just a few drops)
  • 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste (anko)
  • 8-10 salted cherry blossom leaves, preserved in brine (you can find these at Japanese grocery stores or online)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the preserved cherry blossom leaves under cold water to remove excess salt. Gently pat them dry. If they are large, you can cut them in half lengthwise.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar until smooth. Add a few drops of pink food coloring and stir until you achieve a pale pink hue.
  3. Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well with a wet spatula. Cover again and microwave for another 1 minute. Stir again until the mixture is translucent and sticky. If it’s still too liquidy, microwave for another 30 seconds.
  4. Lightly dust a clean surface with cornstarch or potato starch. Turn the mochi dough out onto the dusted surface. Be careful, it will be hot!
  5. Divide the mochi dough into 8-10 equal portions.
  6. Take one portion of the mochi and flatten it into a small disc in the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center.
  7. Carefully wrap the mochi around the red bean paste, pinching the edges to seal it completely. Shape it into a slightly elongated oval.
  8. Wrap each mochi with a salted cherry blossom leaf. The leaf adds a subtle salty and aromatic counterpoint to the sweet mochi and red bean paste.

Enjoy your homemade Sakura Mochi as a delightful taste of Japan’s beautiful cherry blossom season!