Okay, so let’s talk about something soft, chewy, and a little magical. I tried making this ube swirl mochi last weekend, and wow, it was love at first bite. The colors alone made me smile before I even tasted it.

The mix of sweet ube flavor and that stretchy mochi texture just hits different. It’s like dessert and comfort food rolled into one. Plus, it’s super fun to make — kind of like playing with dough, but tastier.

If you love ube, this recipe will become your new favorite thing to make. It’s soft, pretty, and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. Every bite feels like a tiny cloud of sweetness.

So, grab some glutinous rice flour and ube jam, and let’s do this together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep craving that chewy, purple goodness. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Ube Swirl Mochi

Chewy and Delightful: With that signature mochi texture, each bite of this dessert is a soft, chewy experience.
Beautiful Ube Swirl: The eye-catching purple swirl of ube gives the mochi a fun pop of color and makes it a showstopper at parties.
Perfectly Sweet: The sweetness of ube pairs beautifully with the coconut milk and butter, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can create a beautiful and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Versatile: Serve it as a snack, dessert, or as part of a larger meal with other Asian-inspired dishes.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools:

9×13 Inch Baking Dish: This size allows for the perfect thickness and texture for your mochi.
Whisk: For mixing the ingredients together.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls to combine your dry and wet ingredients.
Butter Knife or Skewer: To help swirl the ube halaya into the mochi batter.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful treat (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Mochiko (Sweet Rice Flour): This type of rice flour is key for achieving the chewy, soft texture of mochi.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter and helps balance the rich, earthy flavor of the ube.
Baking Powder: Helps give the mochi a light lift as it bakes.
Salt: A pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
Eggs: Helps bind the mixture together and adds richness.
Coconut Milk: The creamy coconut milk gives the mochi a subtle, tropical flavor and makes it extra moist.
Evaporated Milk: Provides a rich, creamy texture and a slight caramelized flavor.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the dessert.
Ube Halaya (Ube Jam): This sweet purple yam jam adds flavor and color to the mochi.
Optional Ube Extract: For a more intense ube color and flavor, you can use a few drops of ube extract.

Variations for Ube Swirl Mochi

If you want to customize your Ube Swirl Mochi, here are a few variations to try:

Add Coconut Flakes: If you love coconut, add some shredded coconut into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Ube Paste vs. Ube Jam: While ube halaya (jam) is commonly used, you can also use ube paste if you prefer a smoother texture.
Make it Vegan: Swap the eggs and butter for plant-based alternatives, like coconut oil and flaxseed meal to replace eggs.
Incorporate Chocolate: For a chocolate twist, you could swirl some melted chocolate into the ube batter for a chocolate-ube combo.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Ube Swirl Mochi is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to ensure that your mochi comes out easily after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mochiko (sweet rice flour), sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will create the base for the chewy texture of your mochi.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy mixture will give the mochi a rich, indulgent flavor.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir well until everything is fully combined. You should have a smooth, somewhat thick batter.

5. Add the Ube Halaya (Ube Jam)

Take your ube halaya and gently heat it for a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to swirl. Spoon the ube into the batter in dollops. Using a butter knife or skewer, swirl the ube into the mochi batter to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix; you want to see the beautiful purple swirls!

6. Bake the Mochi

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The mochi should have a slight jiggle when you shake the pan.

7. Cool and Serve

Once the mochi is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes. The mochi will firm up as it cools. After it has cooled, cut it into squares and serve!

Serving and Decoration Ideas

Here are some creative ways to serve your Ube Swirl Mochi:

Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair the mochi with some tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or even coconut for a refreshing contrast.
Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve each piece of mochi with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream.
Sprinkle with Toasted Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut adds a crunchy texture and enhances the tropical flavors of the dish.
Garnish with Edible Flowers: For a beautiful presentation, garnish the mochi with some edible flowers like orchids or violets.

Storing Ube Swirl Mochi

Leftovers: Store any leftover mochi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The mochi will remain soft and chewy, just like when it’s freshly baked.
Freezing: Mochi can be frozen for up to a month. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: You can reheat leftover mochi in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it again.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 square)
Calories	180 kcal
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	20g
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	85mg

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that is as delicious as it is visually striking, Ube Swirl Mochi is the perfect choice. It’s chewy, creamy, and full of flavor, with a beautiful purple swirl that will impress anyone who tries it. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just as a fun treat to enjoy at home.