Print

Matcha Cream Cheese Daifuku Recipe

4.5 from 350 reviews

A delicate and delightful Japanese dessert, Matcha Cream Cheese Daifuku combines the chewy texture of glutinous rice flour dough with the creamy richness of matcha-flavored cream cheese filling. This easy-to-make treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and earthy matcha flavor, wrapped in a soft mochi exterior, ideal for a unique and elegant dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Mochi Dough

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder
  • Cornstarch or potato starch, for dusting

Filling

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with matcha powder and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly combined. Shape the cream cheese mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm.
  2. Make the Mochi Dough: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, matcha powder, and water until smooth with no lumps. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap.
  3. Steam the Dough: Steam the mochi batter for about 15 minutes until the dough becomes translucent and sticky. You can also microwave the dough in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until cooked through and sticky.
  4. Knead the Dough: Dust a clean surface and your hands with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent sticking. Transfer the hot mochi dough onto the surface and knead gently. Be careful, as the dough will be hot. Fold and stretch the dough until smooth and pliable.
  5. Shape the Daifuku: Divide the dough into equal portions (about 8 to 10). Flatten each portion into a small disc large enough to wrap around the cream cheese filling. Place a chilled cream cheese ball in the center of the disc, then carefully pinch the edges together to seal and form a smooth ball. Dust with starch to prevent sticking.
  6. Serve: Allow the daifuku to cool completely at room temperature or chill briefly before serving. Enjoy your Matcha Cream Cheese Daifuku fresh for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use cornstarch or potato starch generously to prevent the sticky mochi dough from adhering to your hands and surface.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is well chilled so that it stays firm inside the mochi.
  • This recipe can be made vegan by substituting cream cheese with a vegan alternative.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
  • You can adjust the matcha powder quantity to your preference for a stronger or milder green tea flavor.

Keywords: matcha, cream cheese, daifuku, mochi, Japanese dessert, steamed mochi