If you’ve ever visited Hawaii, chances are you’ve come across butter mochi—a golden, chewy dessert with a crisp edge and a soft, custardy center. During our recent trip to Maui, we had the chance to enjoy butter mochi fresh from a local bakery, and it instantly became a favorite. This Butter Mochi recipe brings that same island flavor right into your kitchen, using simple pantry ingredients and a foolproof method.

A Chewy, Sweet Taste of Hawaii

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What Is Butter Mochi?

Butter mochi is a beloved Hawaiian dessert made with mochiko (sweet rice flour), coconut milk, butter, and sugar. It’s known for its unique texture—somewhere between cake and mochi—offering a slightly crisp top with a rich, chewy bite.

Unlike traditional Japanese mochi, which is often pounded and filled, Hawaiian butter mochi is baked, making it much easier to prepare at home.

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The History of Butter Mochi in Hawaii

Butter mochi reflects Hawaii’s diverse cultural influences, particularly its strong Japanese roots. Japanese immigrants brought mochiko (sweet rice flour) to the islands, and over time, local families began blending it with Western baking ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk.

The result is a fusion dessert that’s now a staple at potlucks, bakeries, and celebrations across Hawaii. Every family tends to have their own version, often with subtle variations in sweetness, texture, or added flavors.

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How to Make Butter Mochi

This Butter Mochi recipe is simple to follow and yields a perfectly chewy, rich dessert every time.

Ingredients

• 1 stick salted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 oz sweet rice (mochiko) flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 14 oz unsweetened full-fat coconut milk

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Wet Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and fully combined.

3. Add the Eggs

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create a smooth, cohesive batter.

4. Incorporate Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

5. Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the mochiko flour and baking powder. Mix until the batter is mostly combined—it may look slightly lumpy at this stage.

6. Pour in the Milk

Gradually stir in the evaporated milk, followed by the coconut milk. Continue mixing until the batter is completely smooth and lump-free.

7. Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and set.

8. Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and allow the butter mochi to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares.

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Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about this Butter Mochi recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few popular variations:

Green Tea (Matcha) Butter Mochi

Add 1–2 tablespoons of matcha powder to the batter for a subtle earthy flavor and beautiful green color.

Chocolate Butter Mochi

Mix in chocolate chips or swirl melted chocolate into the batter before baking.

Ube Butter Mochi

Incorporate ube extract or mashed ube for a vibrant purple hue and sweet, nutty flavor.

Coconut Lover’s Version

Add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle it on top before baking for extra texture.

Tropical Twist

Fold in crushed pineapple (well-drained) or a touch of mango puree for a fruity island variation.

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Tips for the Best Butter Mochi

• Use mochiko flour only – Regular rice flour won’t give the same chewy texture.
• Don’t overbake – The center should remain soft and slightly custardy.
• Let it cool completely – This helps the texture set and makes slicing easier.
• Grease the pan well – Butter mochi can stick if the pan isn’t properly prepared.

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Bringing Maui Home

That first bite of butter mochi in Maui—warm, slightly crisp on the edges, and perfectly chewy—was unforgettable. This homemade version captures that same comforting texture and rich flavor, making it easy to bring a little piece of Hawaii into your own kitchen.

Whether you stick with the classic or try a fun variation like matcha, this Butter Mochi recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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