Mochi Brownies

Cake-like brownies with chewy mochi surprise! These rich chocolate brownies are a fun way to dress up a classic dessert, and easy to make too!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, are you ready yet? In Japan, Valentine’s Day is a little different than in the US. First off, on February 14th, only the girls give chocolates to boys. But not to worry, in return, the boys have another holiday, White Day, on March 14th, where they return the favor. Can you imagine being a lovestruck Japanese woman, having to wait a whole month before receiving something back? That’s why you have to make sure you give him something good!

When it comes to chocolate, there are two types, “Giri-choco” (obligation chocolate), and “Honmei-choco”. Giri-choco is for friends and colleagues, giri meaning obligation hence is not a romantic gift. The real Valentine’s Day chocolate comes with honmei-choco, given to a boyfriend or husband. Japanese women often prepare it themselves, the gesture being a representation of their love. And if you want to catch a man, what better way to dazzle him than with your kitchen skills?

Instead of making hard chocolates, which can get difficult and messy, try making these chocolate brownies instead! Brownies are easy to make, and adding a little mochi surprise in the center is a nice way to change things up! I like cakey brownies, so this recipe makes a lighter, fluffy texture. If you like fudgy brownies, feel free to customize it a bit! Just take the mochi dough and add it to the middle of your favorite brownie recipe to create a decadent dessert sure to please any man!

Recipe – Mochi Brownies:

– Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 9×9 inch baking pan with oil. To make the mochi, combine the mochiko, sugar and water in a microwave safe bowl and mix well.

– Microwave the mochi dough for 30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the dough is firm and holds its shape.

– Scrape the mochi dough onto a surface coated with cornstarch. It will be sticky, so sprinkle the dough with extra cornstarch as needed.
– Divide into 9 small balls with a knife. Flatten the balls with your hands, then dust with more cornstarch to prevent from sticking together. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

– To make the brownies, melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl. Transfer to a mixing bowl and combine with the oil, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and eggs. Stir until combined. Add the flour, salt and baking soda and stir until well blended.

– Pour half the batter into the baking pan, then lay the mochi across the top. Pour the remaining batter on top, then smooth our with a spoon.

– Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Let cool fully, then cut into individual slices. You may need to clean the knife in between cuts if the mochi is very sticky!