22 Traditional Japanese Desserts

Craving something sweet and easy? From dessert sushi to chewy mochi and green tea ice cream, these Japanese treats are sure to hit the spot. They’re not just delicious–they’ve been beloved for centuries!

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1.Raindrop Cake

Meet the raindrop cake, a stunning and delicate dessert that’s taken the world by storm since its debut in 2014. Created by Kinseiken Seika Company, this unique treat is a spherical jelly dessert that perfectly resembles a raindrop.

Its signature look is made possible by blending mineral water and agar-agar. With its base being mostly water, this dessert boasts an impressively low calorie count–nearly zero!

It’s as guilt-free as it is gorgeous. If you haven’t tried it yet, this raindrop cake is a must-try for its sheer beauty and refreshing taste.

2.Japanese Red Bean Cake

Manju, or red bean cakes, are delightful little treats that are both simple and satisfying. These small, round steamed cakes are typically filled with anko, a sweet and creamy paste made from red beans.

The beans are cooked until tender, then mashed into a smooth but slightly textured paste that’s just as charming as it is tasty. While traditional manju always uses anko, feel free to experiment with other fillings if you’re feeling adventurous.

Either way, it’s a sweet treat you’ll love!

3.Souffle Pancakes

Souffle pancakes are the latest Japanese treat that’s taken the world by storm. These thick, fluffy stacks look like they’re straight out of a cloud! The genius who decided to blend soufflé with pancakes deserves a round of applause.

The secret to their airy texture? It all comes down to the egg whites. Whip them to stiff peaks, and you’re on your way to a breakfast that feels like a dream.

Best of all, these fluffy wonders are easy enough to whip up every morning. Give them a try and see why they’ve become a global sensation!

4.Banana Sushi

Introducing a Japanese-inspired dessert that’s as cute as it is delicious! Imagine banana slices smothered in rich chocolate and sprinkled with crushed pistachios for the perfect mix of sweet, chocolatey, and crunchy textures.

These bite-sized treats are almost too adorable to eat–almost. The best part? They’re made with just 3 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes. Busy parents, rejoice!

You can whip up this fun, addictive treat anytime for a quick dessert or snack. 🍌🍫✨

5.Daifuku

Daifuku, or mochi, is a classic Japanese dessert that’s loved all over the world. When you hear Japanese dessert, mochi is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

This treat is known for being chewy, sticky, and shaped into perfect little rounds. Inside, you’ll typically find sweet anko (that’s red bean paste) or sometimes shiroan, a creamy white bean paste.

While traditional mochi can be a bit tricky to make, this recipe simplifies the process so you can enjoy it without the hassle. It’s the perfect way to bring this beloved Japanese dessert into your home with ease.

6.Dorayaki

Dorayaki is a sweet and satisfying Japanese treat that’s perfect for snacking. It’s made with two small, fluffy pancakes stuffed with a rich red bean paste.

The name ‘dorayaki’ comes from the Japanese word for ‘gong,’ which it resembles in shape. Legend has it that the first dorayaki was created by a clever farmer who used a gong left behind by a samurai.

The gong was repurposed into a griddle, and the rest is history! Today, dorayaki is a beloved snack that’s both filling and delicious.

7.Green Tea Cookies

These buttery green tea cookies are a perfect blend of crisp and chewy, with a vibrant green color that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Made with matcha powder, a finely ground Japanese green tea, these cookies offer a unique flavor that’s both subtly bitter and irresistibly sweet.

The addition of white chocolate chips adds a creamy contrast, balancing out the earthy taste of the matcha. Whether you’re a long-time matcha lover or just exploring its charms, these cookies are a delightful treat.

Plus, their festive hue makes them a great choice for holiday baking or any occasion when you want to add a little extra cheer to your cookie platter.

8.Green Tea Ice Cream

Looking for a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is unique? This matcha ice cream is a must-try for any matcha lover! It’s subtly sweet with a hint of bitterness and smokiness, making it perfect for those who prefer their treats not overly rich.

The best part? It’s a breeze to make–just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time. No ice cream maker needed, so you can skip the churning hassle. The hardest part? Waiting for it to freeze!

But trust us, it’s worth the wait.

9.Japanese Cake Roll

Meet your new dessert obsession: the Japanese roll. This sweet treat is a perfect blend of soft sponge cake, airy whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.

It’s lightly sweet with a hint of tanginess, and the texture? Absolutely delightful. Here’s a clever tip: instead of regular whipped cream, this recipe uses gelatin to keep it fluffy and firm.

That means your whipped cream stays perky and doesn’t lose its shape over time. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference in both taste and texture.

Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or just enjoying it as an afternoon treat, this Japanese roll is sure to impress. It’s the kind of dessert that’s easy to make but feels special every time you take a bite.

10.Purin

Purin is Japan’s delightful take on crème caramel, offering a rich and creamy treat that’s simply irresistible. Imagine a melt-in-your-mouth custard smothered in a thick, velvety caramel glaze.

Whether you call it purin, flan, or pudding, it’s nothing short of heavenly. The moment your spoon glides through the smooth custard, you’ll understand why it’s a joy to savor.

The deep, bittersweet caramel beautifully contrasts the custard’s sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor. Say goodbye to store-bought options–this easy recipe is all you’ll ever need.

It’s a breeze to make and results in the silkiest, creamiest purin you could ever desire.

11.Barley Tea

Meet Muchiga, a refreshing and light barley tea that’s perfect for sipping over ice. Unlike most teas, it’s naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for the whole family, including kids.

The barley gives it a wonderful toasty aroma and a subtle bitterness that’s both soothing and flavorful. Best of all? It couldn’t be easier to make–just steep a tea bag in water and let it chill in the fridge.

But there’s more to love about barley than just its taste. It’s also a health superstar, boosting your immune system, aiding digestion, and even supporting weight loss.

Make it a daily habit and enjoy the benefits!

12.Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese cheesecake is a dessert famous around the globe for its ultra-fluffy, airy, and jiggly texture. Don’t let making it from scratch scare you–it’s actually pretty straightforward.

The key to achieving its iconic consistency is whipping egg whites, which is easy and almost foolproof, even if you’re new to it. Once you’ve mastered that, the batter will rise into a light and pillowy cheesecake.

It’s so airy, it melts in your mouth, offering a delightful treat that’s both simple to make and a joy to eat.

13.Sesame Cookies

Looking for a cookie that’s as unique as it is delicious? Say hello to black sesame cookies! These treats are rich, buttery, and crisp, with a nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Black sesame is a star in Japanese desserts, bringing a deep, nutty aroma and a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Each bite is addictively good, making these cookies a must-try for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen.

14.Green Tea Mochi

Green tea mochi is a delightful twist on the classic mochi we all love. It still has that amazing sticky texture, but now it’s infused with matcha for an extra burst of flavor and a vibrant green color.

Inside, you can find sweet treats like red bean paste, ice cream, or juicy strawberry. The matcha adds a subtle hint of bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness.

Pair it with a warm cup of tea for the ultimate way to wrap up a meal. Best of all? It’s super easy to make–ready in just 15 minutes!

15.Mizu Yokan

Mizu yokan is a light and refreshing jelly dessert infused with the sweet flavor of red azuki beans. This Japanese treat gets its signature gelatinous texture from agar, a key ingredient that sets it apart.

Sweetened with just the right amount of sugar and red bean paste, it’s a mild and palate-cleansing dessert that’s easy to enjoy. Mizu yokan is a variation of yokan, a traditional Japanese jelly dessert, but with a higher water content, making it lighter and more refreshing than the usual yokan.

Perfect for those looking for a delicate and cooling treat.

16.Anko

Ready to make anko? This sweet red bean paste is a staple in Japanese desserts, perfect for flavoring bread, ice cream, and more. While you can easily find it in stores, making it from scratch is surprisingly simple.

Plus, it’s fun to know that “anko” doesn’t just mean sweet red bean paste–it can refer to any paste made by boiling down ingredients, whether sweet or savory.

Now you can whip up your own anko at home and enjoy it in all your favorite treats!

17.Honey Toast

Imagine a slice of crisp toast smothered in golden honey and loaded with all your favorite treats–mini Oreos, fresh strawberries, and rich chocolate chips.

This indulgent dessert is nothing short of amazing! Hailing from Shibuya, Tokyo, honey toast has become a global sensation, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of textures and flavors is absolute perfection.

The best part? It’s ready in just 15 minutes! Proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special.

18.Coffee Jelly

Coffee Jelly: The Perfect Pick-Me-Up Imagine cubes of coffee-flavored jelly swimming in a rich, sweetened cream–that’s the ultimate treat for your taste buds.

Coffee jelly is a game-changer if you haven’t tried it yet. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of the cream, creating a flavor combination that’s just right–not too sweet, but still indulgent enough to keep you coming back for more.

The texture of this jelly is something special too. It’s firmer than your average jelly, giving it a delightful chewiness that makes every bite a pleasure.

Plus, the caffeine kick makes it the perfect afternoon snack to perk you up when you need a little boost. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a unique dessert, this coffee jelly is sure to hit the spot.

And once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it!

19.Candied Sweet Potato

Daigaku Imo, or candied sweet potatoes, is a beloved Japanese snack that shines brightest in the fall and winter. These sweet potatoes are first deep-fried to a golden crisp, then smothered in a rich caramel syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.

The result? A delightful contrast of textures: the crunchy, caramelized outside gives way to a creamy, tender interior. It’s a treat that’s as fun to eat as it is flavorful.

Fun fact: The name ‘daigaku imo’ translates to ‘university potato.’ Back in the 1900s, sweet potatoes were an affordable snack that became a staple in schools and universities across Japan.

20.Miso Butter Cookies

Miso in cookies? Trust us, it’s a game-changer! These miso butter cookies are so soft they practically melt in your mouth. Rich and buttery, they’re a treat for the taste buds.

The miso, made from fermented soybeans, adds a salty twist that perfectly balances the sweetness. It’s a surprising yet delightful flavor combination you’ll love!

21.Rice Krispies Candy Sushi

Here’s a fun twist on dessert: sweet sushi! Imagine rice gummy candies and Rice Krispies wrapped up in fruit roll-ups. These bite-sized treats are almost too cute to eat.

You can make them two ways–either maki-style with the gummy in the middle or nigiri-style with the gummy on top. Either way, they’re irresistibly adorable.

While traditional sushi with raw fish might not be a hit with kids, this sweet version is a total winner. With its mix of chewy, crispy, and fruity flavors, it’s a dessert dream come true for little ones.

Plus, it’s easy to hold and perfect for tiny hands!

22.Matcha Pound Cake

Pound cake is a dense, rich, buttery treat that’s perfect on its own or paired with coffee. But here’s a twist: adding a bit of matcha powder turns it into a one-of-a-kind dessert with a vibrant green hue.

The best part? It’s super easy to make–just mix together flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a touch of matcha powder. And here’s a bonus: pound cake actually gets better with time.

Let it sit for a few days, and by the third day, it’s absolutely irresistible!

22 Traditional Japanese Desserts

Recipe by Mohamed ShiliCourse: DessertsCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Craving something sweet and easy? From dessert sushi to chewy mochi and green tea ice cream, these Japanese treats are sure to hit the spot. They’re not just delicious–they’ve been beloved for centuries!

Ingredients

  • Raindrop Cake

  • Japanese Red Bean Cake

  • Souffle Pancakes

  • Banana Sushi

  • Daifuku

  • Dorayaki

  • Green Tea Cookies

  • Green Tea Ice Cream

  • Japanese Cake Roll

  • Purin

  • Barley Tea

  • Japanese Cheesecake

  • Sesame Cookies

  • Green Tea Mochi

  • Mizu Yokan

  • Anko

  • Honey Toast

  • Coffee Jelly

  • Candied Sweet Potato

  • Miso Butter Cookies

  • Rice Krispies Candy Sushi

  • Matcha Pound Cake

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

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