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Home » Rice Cooking Tips

What is mochi ice cream?

Feb 7, 2024 · Modified: Jan 25, 2025 by Emily · Leave a Comment

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Take mochi to the next level by having mochi ice cream.

Crafted from sweet rice flour, the outer layer of mochi is a soft and chewy wrapping that encases miniature ice cream balls, forming a delicious and refreshing treat.

While classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate chip grace the ice cream filling, unique varieties such as mint chocolate chip and green tea (matcha) have gained popularity, adding a touch of novelty to this traditional delicacy.

If you want to know more about what is mochi ice cream, read on.

Mochi cut in half on a wooden coaster.
Jump to:
  • What is Mochi?
  • What is mochi ice cream made of?
  • Types of Flavors
  • What is the difference between ice cream and mochi ice cream?
  • What does mochi taste like?
  • What does mochi ice cream taste like?
  • Does mochi ice cream have dairy?
  • Are mochi ice cream gluten free?
  • Store-Bought vs. Homemade Mochi Ice Cream
  • More Sweet Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Comments

Imagine biting into a soft mochi, savoring the sweet rice dough melding seamlessly with the refreshing mint chocolate chip or the subtly bitter notes of green tea-infused ice cream.

Or even vanilla, if you prefer.

Each bite is a delightful combination of tastes and textures.

Whether you're drawn to the classic charm of chocolate chip or seeking a more adventurous palate with green tea, mochi ice cream offers a playful and delicious experience that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation in Japanese desserts.

Curious to know more about what is mochi ice cream?

Well, we’ve come up with a guide to the most common questions asked about this delicious and refreshing treat.

What is Mochi?

Mochi, at its core, is a Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice.

For mochi ice cream, sweet rice flour is transformed into a chewy, elastic dough that enrobes a delectable ice cream filling.

This fusion of textures creates a distinctive and delightful eating experience, where the outer layer provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy ice cream within.

Mochi filled with mango on a wooden board.
Mango Mochi

What is mochi ice cream made of?

Mochi ice cream consists of a sweet rice dough made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water.

This dough encases small, round portions of ice cream, creating a delightful fusion of chewy and creamy textures.

Types of Flavors

Mochi ice cream comes in an array of flavors, blending traditional and contemporary tastes.

Classic choices like vanilla and chocolate chip coexist with adventurous options such as green tea (matcha), red bean, mango, and even unique combinations like lychee rose.

These diverse flavors cater to a broad spectrum of palates, making mochi ice cream a versatile and exciting treat.

Close up image of mochi on a white plate.

What is the difference between ice cream and mochi ice cream?

Unlike conventional ice cream, mochi ice cream features a soft, slightly chewy outer layer made from pounded glutinous rice, providing a unique, bite-sized treat with a distinctive chewiness.

What does mochi taste like?

Mochi has a subtly sweet flavor with a hint of rice essence, coupled with a pleasingly chewy consistency that adds a distinct texture.

Chocolate mochi on a white plate, dusted with cocoa powder.
Chocolate Mochi

What does mochi ice cream taste like?

Mochi ice cream combines the familiar sweetness of traditional ice cream with the unique chewiness of mochi, offering a delightful and satisfying flavor experience.

Does mochi ice cream have dairy?

Yes, mochi ice cream typically contains dairy, as it includes traditional ice cream as the central filling.

However, some variations may offer dairy-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.

Close up image of a cut piece of mochi on a benchtop.

Are mochi ice cream gluten free?

It depends on the specific recipe.

Traditional mochi is gluten-free, but the added ingredients in mochi ice cream, such as flavorings or fillings, may introduce gluten.

Check product labels or choose explicitly labeled gluten-free options for those with gluten sensitivities.

Green mochi on a wooden coaster surrounded by other mochi on a benchtop.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Mochi Ice Cream

While store-bought mochi ice cream offers convenience and a wide variety of flavors, homemade versions provide a customizable touch.

Crafting mochi ice cream at home allows for experimentation with unique ice cream fillings and personalized flavor combinations.

However, it requires more effort in preparing the sweet rice dough.

Ultimately, the choice between store-bought and homemade depends on the preference for convenience or the joy making ice cream mochi.

Mochi on a square plate.

More Sweet Recipes

  • Chocolate Rice Recipe
  • Arroz Doce
  • Orange Sweet Rice
  • Gluten Free Dairy Free Orange Cake
  • Rice Cake Toppings
  • Rice Flour Pancakes
  • Chocolate Mochi
  • Rice Pudding with Oat Milk
  • Mochi Cookies
  • Are Mochi Donuts Gluten Free?
  • Matcha White Chocolate Brownies

Recipe

Close up image of a cut mochi.

Recipes With Mochi

Emily
Mochi is such a diverse rice cake that can be made into many things.
From traditional soft and chewy rice cakes, to waffles, donuts, and other delicious recipes.
Here, we have come up with a collection of easy to make recipes with mochi that you might like to try.
PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
ESTIMATED COST : $6.35 or $0.53 a cupcake (not including frosting)
Course Dessert
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 12 cupcakes
Calories 147 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Chocolate Mochi Cupcakes 
  • Mochi Recipes
  • Mochi Muffin Recipes
  • Mochi Donut Recipes
  • Ice Cream Mochi Recipes
  • Mochi Bread
  • Ube Mochi Muffins
  • Pandan Mochi
  • Matcha Mochi Waffles

Instructions
 

  • Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
  • Gather all the ingredients.
  • Follow the recipe directions and make a delicious mochi recipe.

Notes

Nutrition, serving size and cook times are based on the first recipe on the recipe card.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cupcake (does not include frosting)Calories: 147kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 69mgSugar: 7g
Nutrition Disclosure
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it went!

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Author image.

Hi, I'm Emily! There's much more to rice than just cooking it on the stove. It's so versatile and you can create so many beautiful dishes with it. From puddings and desserts to main meals and even finger foods. There is something for everyone!

More about me →

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