This Watermelon Mochi is a soft, chewy Japanese-inspired confectionery made with refreshing watermelon juice. It’s a naturally gluten-free, vegan, corn-free, and dye-free treat, perfect for those who seek a healthier alternative to traditional candies. The mochi is made with glutinous rice flour, which gives it its signature stretchy and sticky texture. This refreshing and fun-to-make treat is perfect for hot summer days!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour (plus more for dusting)

• ¼ cup maple sugar

• ⅓ cup tapioca starch

• ¾ cup freshly squeezed watermelon juice, strained

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)

Directions

1. Make the Watermelon Juice: Blend watermelon in a high-powered blender and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds. Measure out ¾ cup of the juice.

2. Prepare the Mochi Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together glutinous rice flour, maple sugar, and tapioca starch. Make a hole in the center and pour in the watermelon juice and 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Whisk until smooth and combined.

3. Cook the Mochi: Heat a non-stick skillet over low-medium heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon avocado oil. Pour in the mochi mixture, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes a darker pinkish color.

4. Shape the Mochi: Once thickened, remove the mixture from the heat. Using slightly oiled hands, shape it into a sticky ball. Place the dough ball in the center of a piece of parchment paper and shape it into a square. Transfer it to a small glass container (15cm x 15cm) and cover it. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.

5. Dust with Flour: Once chilled, remove the mochi and dust it with more glutinous rice flour on all sides.

6. Cut the Mochi: Using an oiled knife, cut the mochi into cubes or strips. Dust each piece with more rice flour to prevent sticking. Serve immediately.

Estimated Nutritional Value per Serving (Assuming 20 pieces):

• Calories: 70-80 kcal

• Protein: 1-2g

• Carbohydrates: 16-18g

• Fat: 2-3g

• Sodium: 0-5mg

• Fiber: 0-1g

• Sugar: 9-10g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Calcium: 5-10mg

• Iron: 0.5mg

This is an approximate estimate, and the actual nutritional values could vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size.

What Makes Watermelon Mochi Special?

The unique appeal of Watermelon Mochi lies in its texture and natural ingredients. Unlike many store-bought candies that contain artificial flavors and preservatives, Watermelon Mochi uses fresh watermelon juice, which naturally sweetens the treat without the need for refined sugars or food coloring. This makes it a great option for those looking for a cleaner, more natural alternative to traditional sweets.

The chewy consistency of mochi comes from glutinous rice flour, a key ingredient in the recipe that gives the dessert its signature stretchiness and stickiness. Combined with tapioca starch, the dough achieves the perfect balance of elasticity while maintaining a smooth, soft bite. The dough is then shaped into a ball and chilled, making it easy to cut into small cubes or strips that are coated in a dusting of glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking.

The Ingredients: A Simple, Health-Conscious Choice

Watermelon Mochi is made with a few simple, wholesome ingredients. The main components include glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, maple sugar, watermelon juice, and avocado oil.

• Glutinous rice flour is the star ingredient, providing the unique texture that makes mochi so satisfying. It’s a naturally gluten-free flour made from sticky rice, often used in a variety of traditional Asian desserts.

• Tapioca starch adds an extra bit of elasticity to the mochi and helps with the thickening process.

• Maple sugar is used as a natural sweetener, offering a subtle caramel-like sweetness without the use of refined sugars.

• Watermelon juice is the essence of this dessert, giving it its fresh, juicy flavor and natural sweetness. Watermelon’s high water content also makes this treat incredibly hydrating and refreshing.

• Avocado oil is used in the preparation process, contributing a smooth texture and helping to keep the mochi dough from sticking to your hands during shaping. It also adds a slight richness to the flavor, complementing the lightness of the watermelon.

By using these natural ingredients, Watermelon Mochi is not only healthier than conventional sweets, but it’s also a fun and innovative way to enjoy the flavors of summer.

The Step-by-Step Process: Making Watermelon Mochi

Making Watermelon Mochi is a straightforward process, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. First, watermelon juice is prepared by blending fresh watermelon and straining it to remove any pulp and seeds. This juice is the main flavor base of the mochi and ensures that each bite is packed with refreshing watermelon goodness.

Next, the dry ingredients (glutinous rice flour, maple sugar, and tapioca starch) are whisked together. The watermelon juice and avocado oil are then added to create a smooth batter. This mixture is cooked in a non-stick skillet over low-medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and becomes a darker pinkish color. The result is a sticky, elastic dough that holds together perfectly once cooled.

After removing the mixture from the heat, it is shaped into a ball and flattened into a square. The mochi is then placed in the fridge for 1-2 hours to firm up, making it easy to cut into bite-sized cubes. Before serving, the mochi is dusted with glutinous rice flour to prevent the pieces from sticking together.

Why Watermelon Mochi Is a Healthier Dessert

One of the main benefits of Watermelon Mochi is its health-conscious nature. Unlike many conventional sweets, Watermelon Mochi is gluten-free, vegan, and corn-free, making it a great option for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a lighter dessert.

• Gluten-free: Since the mochi is made with glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch, it’s naturally free of gluten, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

• Vegan: The recipe is completely plant-based, using maple sugar instead of refined sugars and avocado oil for a smooth texture, making it an excellent option for those following a vegan lifestyle.

• Corn-free: The recipe is free of cornstarch and corn syrup, which are commonly found in processed candies. This makes Watermelon Mochi a better alternative for individuals avoiding corn-based products.

• No artificial dyes: Unlike many commercial sweets, Watermelon Mochi uses natural ingredients without any added artificial coloring, ensuring that the vibrant color comes from the watermelon itself.

In addition to being a healthier alternative to many traditional candies, Watermelon Mochi is also a great source of hydration thanks to the natural water content of watermelon. It’s a refreshing treat, especially during the hot summer months when you’re craving something light, cool, and satisfying.

Serving and Enjoying Watermelon Mochi

Watermelon Mochi is best served chilled, making it a refreshing snack on a hot day. The chewy, slightly sticky texture combined with the sweet watermelon flavor makes it an enjoyable treat for both adults and children alike. It can be served as a light dessert after a meal or as a fun snack to enjoy on its own.

For an extra touch, you can serve the mochi alongside other fruit-based desserts or a cup of green tea for a light, refreshing end to a meal. If you’re hosting a summer get-together, Watermelon Mochi makes a great addition to a dessert table, offering a healthy, fun-to-eat option for your guests.

Customization: Variations on Watermelon Mochi

While the traditional Watermelon Mochi is already delightful, there are several ways to customize or enhance the recipe.

1. Add fruit fillings: For an extra burst of flavor, you could fill the mochi with small pieces of fresh berries, mango, or even a spoonful of coconut cream for a tropical twist.

2. Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavor combinations by substituting the watermelon juice with other fruit juices like strawberry, pineapple, or peach.

3. Toppings: For added texture, you could sprinkle toasted coconut or crushed nuts on top of the mochi before serving, adding a bit of crunch to each bite.

These variations allow you to create different versions of Watermelon Mochi, adding diversity to your desserts while keeping the recipe simple and healthy.

Conclusion

Watermelon Mochi is the perfect blend of traditional Japanese mochi and refreshing, tropical watermelon flavors. With its chewy, sticky texture and naturally sweet taste, this treat is both satisfying and hydrating, making it ideal for warm weather. Not only does it offer a healthier alternative to traditional candies, but it’s also incredibly fun to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or looking to impress your friends with a homemade dessert, Watermelon Mochi is a delightful and unique option that will brighten up any occasion.