Description
Crispy Pumpkin Mochi Cakes are chewy, golden pan-fried treats made with just three ingredients: pumpkin purée, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. Naturally gluten-free and lightly sweet, they’re perfect for fall snacking or dessert. With optional brown sugar filling and pumpkin-inspired shaping, these mochi cakes are festive, fun, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
300 g (1 1/4 cup) pumpkin purée
260 g (2 cups + 3 tbsp) glutinous rice flour
50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
Optional filling: 67 g (1/3 cup) brown sugar
3 g (1 1/2 tsp) all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
Pumpkin seeds or pistachios for garnish (optional)
Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt if using the filling. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin purée, glutinous rice flour, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth. Adjust with extra flour if dough is too sticky.
- Divide dough into 12 equal portions. Roll into balls. If using filling, make an indent, add 1–2 teaspoons filling, pinch closed, and flatten slightly. Shape into pumpkins with a butter knife.
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat with a light brush of oil. Cook mochi cakes for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 2 minutes. Remove lid and cook until both sides are crispy.
- Optional: Press a pumpkin seed or pistachio into the center for decoration. Serve warm.
Notes
- Dust hands with glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking when shaping.
- Pan-frying gives the best texture, but baking at 375°F for 15–18 minutes also works.
- Try alternative fillings like sweet red bean paste, Nutella, or peanut butter.
- Serve drizzled with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Best eaten fresh; refrigerate up to 3 days and reheat in skillet or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10–12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mochi cake
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
