20 Japanese Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweets Cravings | Sudachi Recipes (2024)

Are you interested in trying out some authentic Japanese sweet recipes? In Japan, there are two main types of desserts: Wagashi and Yogashi.

Wagashi refers to traditional Japanese sweets closely tied to the changing seasons. They have a distinct Japanese flavor and are often considered works of art due to their delicate appearance.

On the other hand, Yogashi refers to desserts with Western origins that were introduced to Japan when a Portuguese ship drifted ashore on Tanegashima Island in 1543. Since then, Yogashi has evolved, and some of the desserts have developed over time, becoming quite different from their original forms.

In addition to these two categories, many modern desserts are a fusion of Japanese and Western flavors and generic Western desserts with Japanese flavors like matcha. This post will cover all of these types of desserts.

1. Easy Strawberry Mochi (Ichigo Daif*cku)

Daif*cku is a traditional Japanese dessert made of chewy rice cakes filled with sweet stuffing. The most common filling used is “anko” or red bean paste, made from adzuki beans.

Ichigo is the Japanese word for strawberry, and in the case of Ichigo Daif*cku, the mochi and anko are wrapped around a whole strawberry. The combination of sweet anko, tart strawberry, and soft mochi creates a delicious balance, making it one of the most beloved types of daif*cku.

2. Japanese Style Lemon Rare Cheesecake (no bake)

Rare cheesecake is the Japanese term used for a no-bake cheesecake. The best part of making a no-bake cheesecake is that you don’t need an oven! In Japan, owning an oven is still considered a bit of a luxury, so this recipe is perfect.

It’s light, zesty and great for summer (or any time of year when you don’t want to use the oven). Although no-bake cheesecakes are usually not as dense as baked cheesecakes, they can be equally delicious!

3. Easy Warabi Mochi (with Homemade Kuromitsu Syrup)

Warabi Mochi is a jelly-like Japanese sweet made with warabiko starch from the rhizome of a bracken fern tree.

It is not technically mochi but has a mochi-like texture. It is flavorless on its own and is served with various toppings such as kinako. Black sugar syrup is commonly used as a sweetener! It’s delightful chewy texture and refreshing taste make it a favorite summertime dessert in Japan!

4. Fudgy Dark Chocolate and Matcha Brownies

This matcha and dark chocolate brownie recipe is a winner! The brownies are made with matcha instead of cocoa and have a unique and earthy twist. The dark chocolate adds richness, while the texture is chewy on the outside and fudgy in the middle.

The combination of dark chocolate and matcha creates a sophisticated and well-balanced treat. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate or matcha, these brownies offer the best of both worlds!

5. Kansai Style Sakura Mochi (Cherry Blossom Rice Cakes)

Sakura Mochi is a sweet pink dumpling made of sticky rice filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf.

It is available in Japan from March during the cherry blossom season and is associated with the festival Hina Matsuri!

6. Nameraka Purin (Silky Japanese Custard Pudding)

Purin is a very popular Japanese dessert made with a sweet custard jelly served with a thin layer of caramel. This delicious dessert has many different variations worldwide and is known by various names like flan, creme caramel, custard pudding, or caramel custard. However, in Japan, it is called “purin”.

Both kids and adults love purin, it is considered one of Japan’s most well-loved sweet treats. Treat yourself or loved ones to a homemade version of this beloved dessert!

7. Kashiwa Mochi

Kashiwa Mochi is a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste. It’s wrapped in a decorative leaf that symbolizes the strength of an oak tree and the hope that children will also grow up to be strong.

The most popular type is plain and sweet, but it also comes in green made with Japanese mugwort. It’s typically eaten on Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) which is celebrated on May 5th.

8. Matcha and White Chocolate Chip Muffins

Matcha muffins are made with Japanese green tea powder, which has a unique earthy yet freshing taste. It pairs well with the sweet and mild flavor of white chocolate.

This muffin recipe is quick, easy, and foolproof!

9. Dorayaki (Japanese Red Bean Pancake)

Dorayaki is a popular Japanese sweet made of two honey-flavored pancakes held together by a layer of sweet red bean paste. It can be customized with different flavors such as custard, cream, and chestnut paste.

This recipe aims to create smooth golden pancakes with a light texture, like those found in Japanese sweet shops.

10. Lawson’s Baschee Copycat Recipe

Baschee is a mini cheesecake inspired by the burnt “basque” cheesecake from Spain. It’s made by Uchi Cafe, a brand of sweets from Lawson (a convenience store chain).

Lawson’s Baschee uses Hokkaido cheddar cheese and has a higher egg yolk ratio for a smooth, rich, and cheesy flavor. It sold 1 million in just three days after its release in 2018. You can try making it yourself and experimenting with different cheeses.

11. Taiyaki (Japanese Fish-Shaped Waffle)

Taiyaki is a popular Japanese “street” sweet made with a fish-shaped mold filled with sweet red bean paste called “anko.” It is sold by street vendors and stalls across Japan.

The name comes from “tai” meaning red sea bream, and “yaki” meaning grill or fry, and it is loved by both children and adults. Taiyaki is available in various shapes and sizes and can be filled with different flavors, including cream, cheese, matcha, and chocolate.

12. Matcha Christmas Tree Butter Cookies

Matcha butter cookies are flavored with Japanese matcha green tea powder. They’re perfect for festive occasions and have a rich, luxurious taste and a bright green color. You can pipe the mixture into beautifully defined shapes by adding egg yolks and milk.

Try making Christmas tree cookies, wreaths, or holly leaves. This recipe is perfect for adding a little Japanese flair to your holiday baking!

13. Mizu Yokan (Japanese Red Bean Jelly)

Yokan is a Japanese dessert made with red bean paste, sugar, and a setting agent like agar agar or kanten. It has a jelly-like texture and is served with green tea. Yokan originated from a Chinese jelly dessert that used gelatin, but Japan replaced it with steamed red beans and flour.

Kanten was later discovered and used to make Yokan, which is now a popular dessert and gift in Japan, available in various shapes, sizes, and flavors.

14. Matcha Roll Cake (Green Tea Swiss Roll)

Roll Cake is a light sponge cake filled with cream, chocolate, or jam, then rolled. Matcha Roll Cake is a Japanese twist with green tea powder, fresh cream, vanilla, and strawberries.

Japanese roll cakes are a little milder in sweetness and usually contain cream and fresh fruits like strawberries and kiwi. They’re considered luxury, special occasion cakes and come in unusual flavors.

15. Mitarashi Dango (Rice Dumplings with Sweet Soy Glaze)

Dango is a sweet rice dumpling made from glutinous rice flour with a chewy texture. One popular type is Mitarashi dango, served on a bamboo skewer with a sweet and glossy soy-based sauce.

They are often lightly charred over coals and sold in supermarkets and food stalls year-round!

16. Homemade Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

Matcha ice cream is made from finely ground green tea leaves grown in shade. The leaves are picked by hand and ground slowly to preserve the fresh flavor.

This rich and creamy homemade ice cream highlights the unique flavor of matcha!

17. Sata Andagi (Okinawan Donuts)

Sata andagi, or “Okinawan donuts,” are easy and quick to make at home.

These crispy, dense balls of dough are fried at a low temperature to create cracks on the surface, resembling a smile or a flower, making them a symbol of good luck!

18. Ohagi (Botamochi) Sweet Rice Balls

Ohagi is a traditional Japanese sweet made with sweet glutinous rice and filled with red bean paste or coated with soybean powder or sesame seeds.

It is typically enjoyed in autumn and used as an offering during the Japanese Buddhist holiday called “Ohigan.” According to Japanese beliefs, the red bean paste wrapped around the ohagi helps to ward off evil spirits.

19. Nama Chocolate (Japanese Valentine’s Day Chocolate)

Nama Chocolate, or Nama Choco, is a Japanese type of ganache made with chocolate and cream, cut into squares, and dusted with cocoa powder. It was invented by SilsMaria in Yokohama in 1988 and is popular as a gift or souvenir chocolate.

The name “Nama Chocolate” comes from the use of fresh cream as one of its key ingredients. It has a shorter shelf life than regular chocolate truffles and must be refrigerated. It’s a popular chocolate to make at home and gift to loved ones in Japan on Valentine’s Day.

20. Candied Sweet Potato (Daigaku Imo)

Daigaku Imo is a Japanese sweet snack made from purple sweet potatoes. They are deep-fried, coated in a sweet, candy glaze, and sprinkled with black sesame seeds.

This snack is enjoyed during Autumn when desserts made from seasonal produce are available!