Recipe notes

• After baking, the dough is very sticky! Use cornstarch to prevent it from sticking to your fingers and work surface.
• The longer the ice remains at room temperature, the faster it melts. Handle with cool hands and return mochi to the freezer quickly after forming.
• Too thick a dough may mask the taste of the ice cream, while too thin a dough may tear. 3 mm thickness is ideal for a well-balanced mochi.
• Dare to try original flavors! Matcha, roasted soy bean (kinako) or even yuzu ice cream for a tangy touch. You can also flavor the dough with a little vanilla extract or green tea powder.
• Frozen mochi is best when removed from the freezer a few minutes before eating. This allows the dough to regain its softness while keeping the glazed core intact.

Support

• With a hot drink: The hot-cold contrast is perfect with a matcha green teagreen tea sencha or even jasmine tea. For a more gourmet touch, try a hot chocolate or café latte.
• With fresh fruit: Accompany your iced mochi with strawberries, mango, kiwi or raspberries for an even fresher, more colourful dessert.
• With a coulis or topping: A drizzle of melted chocolate, caramel, yuzu or red fruit sauce enhances the mochi's flavours.
• Serve with a scoop of black sesame, wasabi or shiso ice cream for an authentic Japanese touch.
• With other Japanese desserts: Pair them with dorayaki (pancakes filled with red bean paste) or taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) for a typically Japanese gourmet platter.
• With a sweet and salty pairing: Try a matcha iced mochi with a small glass of sweet sake or a umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur).

The history of mochi

Mochi is a traditional Japanese cake made from pounded glutinous rice. It has been eaten for over 1,000 years and occupies an important place in Japanese culture. In the past, it was a festive food, reserved for the samurai to give them energy before a battle. In Japan, mochi is particularly popular during the New Year (Oshōgatsu), when it symbolizes prosperity and longevity. It is also present at tea ceremonies and other celebrations.

What about iced mochi?

Unlike traditional mochi, iced mochi is a modern invention! It is said to have been popularized in the United States in the 1990s, thanks in particular to a Japanese company that wanted to adapt this sweet treat to Western tastes. Since then, it has become a trendy dessert, appreciated the world over.