If you haven’t yet tried the delightful fusion of chewy texture and tropical flavor, this Banana Mochi with Coconut Flakes Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Combining the subtle sweetness of bananas with the pillowy softness of mochi and the fragrant crunch of coconut flakes, it’s a dessert that feels both exotic and comfortingly familiar. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a festive gathering, this recipe delivers layers of taste and texture that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Mochi with Coconut Flakes Recipe lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the glutinous rice flour creates that signature chewy mochi texture, the bananas provide natural sweetness and softness, and the coconut flakes add a tropical finish with a delightful crunch. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious treat.
- Glutinous rice flour: This is the foundation of any mochi; it’s what gives it that unique chewiness you adore.
- Cornstarch: Helps balance the texture making the mochi dough less sticky and easier to handle.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right touch of sweetness to complement the bananas without overpowering them.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the dough, ensuring the mochi stays soft and tender.
- Vegetable oil (peanut oil recommended) or butter: Incorporates richness and helps the dough stay pliable.
- Dragon fruit juice (optional): Adds a beautiful pink hue along with a subtle fruity note to brighten up the mochi.
- Small bananas: The star ingredient—ripe but firm bananas work best to maintain shape and sweetness.
- Coconut flakes: For coating; they add texture and a wonderful coconut aroma that pairs perfectly with the banana.
How to Make Banana Mochi with Coconut Flakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mochi Dough
Start by combining the glutinous rice flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, and milk in a mixing bowl. Stir the mixture until it becomes completely smooth. This simple blend is the key to that classic mochi chewiness and slight sweetness which will surround our bananas.
Step 2: Steam the Mixture
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a shallow dish and cover it. Steaming the mixture for about 20 minutes will transform the liquid batter into a firm yet tender mochi dough. This step ensures the perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Oil and Optional Flavor
After steaming, mix in your chosen vegetable oil or butter along with the optional dragon fruit juice, if using. Knead the dough well until it becomes smooth and pliable. This step enriches the flavor and adds moisture, making the dough easier to work with when wrapping the bananas.
Step 4: Shape the Mochi
Pinch off a small portion of the dough and flatten it into a disc shape. Then, gently wrap it around a banana, making sure to cover the fruit completely. This process is not just about enclosing the banana; it’s where the magic happens—a soft mochi shell embracing the tender fruit inside.
Step 5: Coat with Coconut Flakes
Finally, roll your banana mochi in coconut flakes until fully coated. This adds a wonderful tropical crunch and taste that balances both the sweetness and chewiness in every bite.
How to Serve Banana Mochi with Coconut Flakes Recipe
Garnishes
While the coconut flakes give a natural beautiful finish, feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of honey for a touch of extra flavor and texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add visual appeal for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This banana mochi is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of green tea or coconut milk iced coffee. For a more indulgent setup, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream to amplify the tropical vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the banana mochi into bite-sized cubes and serving them on colorful skewers, perfect for parties or sharing with kids. You can also plate them with fresh tropical fruit slices or edible flowers for a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Because mochi is best enjoyed fresh, try to consume it quickly before it hardens or loses its softness.
Freezing
Banana Mochi with Coconut Flakes Recipe can be frozen if needed. Wrap each mochi individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating
To revive the soft texture, steam the mochi briefly for 3-5 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating as too much heat can dry them out or toughen the texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?
Regular rice flour will not give the stretchy, chewy texture that glutinous rice flour provides. For authentic mochi consistency, glutinous rice flour is essential.
Is it necessary to use dragon fruit juice?
Dragon fruit juice is entirely optional and mainly used to add a lovely pink color and a subtle fruity note. You can skip it and still enjoy a delicious mochi!
Can I substitute bananas with another fruit?
Bananas are ideal because of their firmness and natural sweetness, but you might experiment with small firm mango slices or strawberries, although the taste and texture will vary.
How long will these banana mochi last without refrigeration?
Since the banana inside is fresh, it’s best to consume within one day at room temperature to avoid spoilage and to enjoy the best texture.
Why is cornstarch added to the recipe?
Cornstarch helps to lighten the mochi dough texture, making it less sticky and easier to handle, which is especially important when wrapping around the bananas.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Banana Mochi with Coconut Flakes Recipe that combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a dessert that feels like a warm tropical hug. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family treat or an impressive party sweet, it’s bound to bring smiles and perhaps even new fans of mochi into your circle. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintBanana Mochi with Coconut Flakes Recipe
This delightful mochi banana treat combines the chewy texture of glutinous rice dough with the natural sweetness of fresh bananas, coated in fragrant coconut flakes for a perfect bite-sized dessert. Ideal for any occasion, these mochi bananas are steamed to perfection, enriched with a hint of dragon fruit juice for a subtle fruity twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Mochi Dough
- 130 g glutinous rice flour
- 40 g cornstarch
- 30 g granulated sugar
- 160 g milk
- 8 g vegetable oil (peanut oil recommended) or 10 g butter
- 10 g dragon fruit juice (optional)
Filling
- 8 small bananas
Coating
- Coconut flakes for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Mochi Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, cornstarch, granulated sugar, and milk. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and free of lumps.
- Steam the Mixture: Pour the smooth batter into a shallow dish. Cover it properly to prevent condensation and steam the mixture over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until the dough firms up and becomes slightly translucent.
- Add Oil and Flavor: Remove the steamed mochi dough from the heat and transfer it to a mixing surface. Add the vegetable oil or butter and dragon fruit juice if using, then knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Mochi: Pinch off a small piece of the mochi dough and flatten it into a thin round disc with your fingers or palm. Place one small banana in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the banana, sealing it fully to encase the fruit.
- Coat with Coconut: Roll the mochi-wrapped banana gently but thoroughly in coconut flakes until it is completely covered, which adds flavor and texture to the final treat.
Notes
- Use small bananas for easier wrapping and better proportions with the mochi dough.
- Peanut oil enhances flavor but you may substitute with a neutral vegetable oil if preferred.
- Dragon fruit juice is optional; it adds a subtle pink hue and mild fruity flavor.
- Ensure the steamed mochi dough is not overcooked or undercooked to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- Consume fresh for the best texture; mochi tends to harden if stored too long.
