Hawaiian Butter Mochi

• servings: ~20 squares
• active time: 10 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

Unsalted butter or vegetable oil, for coating the pan

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter

1 pound mochiko flour (also known as sweet or glutinous rice flour)

2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups milk, any fat percentage

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 (about 13.5-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

A few pinches of flaky salt (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or oil. Melt 1 stick unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Step 2

Place 1 pound mochiko, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Place 2 cups milk, 4 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

Step 3

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and, with a wooden spoon, stir until well combined. Add the melted butter and 1 can coconut milk and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and rap the pan on the counter a couple of times to bring any air bubbles up to the surface.

Step 5

Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded coconut on top of the mixture, a handful at a time, being careful not to jiggle the pan too much, as you want the coconut to stay on the top. Then sprinkle on a few pinches of flaky salt, if desired.

Step 6

Bake until the mochi is set and golden brown on top, 60 to 70 minutes.

Step 7

Set the pan on a wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour. Slice into rectangles, using a plastic knife to minimize sticking; I cut four columns and five rows to make twenty 2 1/4 by 2 1/2-inch pieces. If the knife seems to be sticking, rub it with a little unsalted butter or neutral oil.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Serves 20
• Calories: 293 cal
• Total Fat: 13.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 9.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 120.1 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 39.8 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.0 g
• Total Sugars: 21.5 g
• Protein: 5.0 g