There’s something magical about the Classic Hawaii Butter Mochi Recipe that transports you straight to a sun-soaked beach, where the gentle waves whisper sweet nothings to your taste buds. Imagine the rich, buttery sweetness melting in your mouth, with a hint of coconut that lingers like a warm hug from an old friend. This delightful treat is the dessert equivalent of wearing flip-flops on a sunny day: pure bliss.

I recall the first time I tasted this mochi at a family luau. My Auntie Leilani whipped up a batch that had everyone asking for seconds—and thirds. It was a moment filled with laughter and sticky fingers, as we all tried to wipe our hands clean while sneaking bites from the tray. Each square of mochi was like a little treasure chest filled with memories, perfect for sharing during celebrations or simply enjoying on a lazy afternoon.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Classic Hawaii Butter Mochi Recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect even for kitchen novices
- The delightful combination of flavors and textures will impress your family and friends
- Visually pleasing with its golden-brown top, it’s sure to be the star of any gathering
- Enjoy it warm or chilled; it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
I still remember how my friends’ eyes lit up when they took their first bite of my homemade mochi—it was priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Rice Flour: Essential for that chewy texture; don’t substitute with regular flour or you’ll miss out on the magic.
Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich flavor; it adds creaminess that makes every bite heavenly.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; adjust based on your preference but don’t skimp too much!
Butter: Unsalted butter works best since it allows you to control the saltiness in the recipe.
Baking Powder: This gives the mochi that slight lift and fluffy texture; don’t omit it!
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor profile; choose pure vanilla for the best results.
Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and elevates all those amazing flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Classic Hawaii Butter Mochi Recipe
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later.
Combine sweet rice flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended, taking care to break up any clumps so everything mixes smoothly.
In another bowl, whisk together coconut milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. You want this mixture creamy and smooth—like your favorite beach cocktail!
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix; we want that lovely chewy texture to shine through!
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Let it cool completely before cutting into squares. Trust me—resisting temptation while waiting will be tough! Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy each piece as if you’ve just discovered buried treasure!
You Must Know
- This Classic Hawaii Butter Mochi Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of coconut and the richness of butter, creating a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible
- The aroma of baked mochi fills your kitchen with warmth, making it perfect for any gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients before adding wet ones to ensure even distribution. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap coconut milk for regular milk or add chocolate chips for an extra treat. You can also sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking for added flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mochi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, microwave a piece for about 10 seconds to restore its chewy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Classic Hawaii Butter Mochi, be sure to grease your pan well; it helps prevent sticking
- Allow the mochi to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts
- Experiment with flavors like matcha or vanilla to personalize your batch
Baking this mochi always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would eagerly await the first slice—each time someone would ask, “Is it ready yet?”
FAQ
What is the best way to store leftover butter mochi?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free mochiko flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option.
How do I know when my butter mochi is done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s fully baked.
Classic Hawaii Butter Mochi
Classic Hawaii Butter Mochi is a delightful dessert that brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen. This sweet treat, with its rich buttery and coconut notes, has a chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make recipe will transport you to sunny shores with each bite. Enjoy it warm or chilled, and share the joy of this beloved Hawaiian delicacy with friends and family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet rice flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sweet rice flour and baking powder until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix coconut milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or shredded coconut before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, microwave a piece for about 10 seconds.