Black Sesame Mochi Ice Cream

This delightful dessert showcases a chewy mochi shell surrounding luscious black sesame ice cream. The nutty flavor of the black sesame contrasts harmoniously with the smooth, creamy texture inside. The mochi dough is made from sweet rice flour and gently microwaved to create the perfect pliability for wrapping. Ice cream is prepared by blending rich dairy and roasted black sesame paste, then churned and frozen into bite-size balls. Once assembled, the mochi balls are quickly sealed to preserve their shape and texture. Ideal for those who appreciate a balance of chewy exterior and creamy, flavorful interior.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:32:09 GMT
Black sesame mochi ice cream balls with chewy rice dough and nutty, creamy filling.  Save to Pinterest
Black sesame mochi ice cream balls with chewy rice dough and nutty, creamy filling. | sonicskillet.com

Black sesame mochi ice cream is an elegant Japanese fusion dessert that marries the chewy, pillowy texture of sweet rice dough with the deep, nutty essence of roasted black sesame. This homemade treat offers a sophisticated balance of flavors, providing a refreshing and creamy center encased in a soft, translucent shell.

Black sesame mochi ice cream balls with chewy rice dough and nutty, creamy filling.  Save to Pinterest
Black sesame mochi ice cream balls with chewy rice dough and nutty, creamy filling. | sonicskillet.com

Creating these delights at home allows you to control the intensity of the sesame flavor and the thickness of the mochi dough. While it requires patience for the freezing steps, the result is a velvety, restaurant-quality dessert that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients

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  • Black Sesame Ice Cream:
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup black sesame paste (roasted, unsweetened)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Mochi Dough:
  • 1 cup sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour, e.g., Mochiko)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup water
  • Cornstarch, for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare Black Sesame Ice Cream
Heat milk and cream in a saucepan until simmering. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale, then slowly whisk in the hot milk mixture. Return the custard to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it coats the back of a spoon. Whisk in black sesame paste, vanilla, and salt. Strain and chill the mixture thoroughly. Churn in an ice cream maker, then scoop 8 small balls (2 tbsp each) onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 2 hours.
2. Prepare Mochi Dough
In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk sweet rice flour, sugar, and water. Cover loosely and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir with a wet spatula, then microwave for 1 more minute until opaque and sticky. Turn onto a cornstarch-dusted surface, cool slightly, and divide into 8 pieces. Flatten each into a 3.5-inch round.
3. Assemble Mochi Ice Cream
Working quickly, place a frozen ice cream ball in the center of each mochi round. Pinch the edges to seal and place seam-side down in a plastic-wrap-lined muffin tin. Freeze for 1 hour before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Temperature control is key for success. Work as quickly as possible when wrapping the ice cream to prevent melting. Additionally, ensure you are using glutinous rice flour (Mochiko) rather than standard rice flour to achieve the necessary chewy texture. Always verify product labels for allergen concerns regarding eggs, milk, and sesame.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you cannot find unsweetened black sesame paste, a store-bought black sesame spread can be used as a substitute. For added texture and a boost of roasted aroma, roll the finished mochi balls in toasted black sesame seeds before the final freezing stage.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these mochi ice cream balls alongside a warm cup of green tea for a traditional flavor pairing. For the best experience, let the mochi sit at room temperature for a minute or two so the outer shell softens perfectly while the ice cream remains firm.

Soft, pillowy mochi encasing rich black sesame ice cream, a perfect Japanese dessert fusion.  Save to Pinterest
Soft, pillowy mochi encasing rich black sesame ice cream, a perfect Japanese dessert fusion. | sonicskillet.com

This Black Sesame Mochi Ice Cream is a rewarding dessert that brings the sophisticated flavors of a Japanese tea house into your home. With its striking color and delightful chew, it is sure to be a memorable finish to any meal.

Recipe Questions

What gives the mochi its chewy texture?

The chewy texture comes from sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour) which becomes sticky and pliable when cooked, creating the classic mochi consistency.

How is the black sesame flavor incorporated?

Black sesame paste is blended directly into the ice cream base, infusing it with a rich, nutty flavor that complements the creamy texture.

Can I make the mochi dough without a microwave?

Yes, the mochi dough can also be cooked on a stovetop using gentle heat while stirring constantly until it reaches the sticky, opaque texture needed.

How do I prevent the ice cream from melting during assembly?

Work quickly when wrapping mochi around the ice cream balls and keep the ice cream well-frozen before and during assembly to maintain firmness.

What is the purpose of dusting with cornstarch?

Cornstarch prevents the mochi dough from sticking to surfaces and hands, making it easier to handle and shape.

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Black Sesame Mochi Ice Cream

Chewy mochi envelops creamy black sesame ice cream for a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Prep Duration
50 minutes
Cook Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Style Japanese

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Details Meat-Free

Needed Ingredients

Black Sesame Ice Cream

01 1 cup whole milk
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 4 large egg yolks
05 1/2 cup black sesame paste, roasted and unsweetened
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 Pinch of salt

Mochi Dough

01 1 cup sweet rice flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2/3 cup water
04 Cornstarch for dusting

Steps

Step 01

Prepare Black Sesame Custard Base: Heat 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

Step 02

Cook Custard to Proper Consistency: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 03

Incorporate Black Sesame Flavor: Whisk 1/2 cup black sesame paste, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the hot custard until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 04

Chill and Churn Ice Cream: Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg particles. Chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours or overnight. Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions until soft-serve consistency is achieved.

Step 05

Freeze Ice Cream Scoops: Scoop 8 small balls of churned ice cream, approximately 2 tablespoons each, onto a parchment-lined tray using a ice cream scoop or melon baller. Freeze until completely firm, at least 2 hours.

Step 06

Prepare Mochi Dough: In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together 1 cup sweet rice flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2/3 cup water until smooth with no lumps. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir the mixture with a wet rubber spatula, then microwave for an additional 1 minute until the mixture becomes opaque and sticky.

Step 07

Shape Mochi Rounds: Transfer the hot mochi onto a surface generously dusted with cornstarch and allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes. Divide into 8 equal portions and gently flatten each piece into a 3.5-inch round, dusting continuously with cornstarch to prevent sticking.

Step 08

Assemble Mochi Ice Cream: Working rapidly to prevent ice cream from melting, place one frozen ice cream ball in the center of each mochi round. Bring the edges up and pinch firmly to seal, creating a smooth ball. Place seam-side down into muffin tin cups lined with plastic wrap.

Step 09

Final Freeze: Freeze the assembled mochi ice cream for 1 hour before serving to ensure optimal texture and prevent the mochi shell from tearing when bitten.

Tools Needed

  • Saucepan with heavy bottom
  • Whisk
  • Microwave-safe mixing bowl
  • Fine-mesh sieve or strainer
  • Ice cream maker
  • Ice cream scoop or melon baller
  • Rubber spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Standard muffin tin
  • Plastic wrap

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and talk to a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains eggs and egg products
  • Contains milk and dairy products
  • Contains sesame and sesame products
  • Mochi contains glutinous rice flour, which is not wheat gluten but may present cross-contamination risks for celiac individuals

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutritional info is here for reference and doesn't replace expert advice.
  • Total Calories: 210
  • Total fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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