Thanksgiving Cranberry Mochi Squares (Print)
Chewy sweet squares combine mochi, tart cranberries, and citrus zest for a festive gluten-free dessert.
# Components:
→ Mochi Batter
01 - 2 cups sweet rice flour (mochiko)
02 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Cranberry Layer
09 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
10 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
12 - 2 tablespoons orange juice
→ Topping
13 - 2 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut (optional)
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, 1/3 cup sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Simmer over medium heat, stirring, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 6–8 minutes. Allow to cool.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sweet rice flour, 1 1/4 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended.
05 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir until smooth and homogenous.
06 - Spread half the mochi batter evenly in the prepared pan.
07 - Spoon cranberry mixture over the batter, spreading in an even layer.
08 - Pour remaining mochi batter over cranberries, smoothing the surface.
09 - Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut evenly over the top, if using.
10 - Bake for 45–50 minutes until top is golden and edges are set; center will be slightly soft and will firm as it cools.
11 - Cool completely in pan. Lift out with parchment and cut into 16 squares.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Festive dessert for gatherings
- Gluten-free and vegetarian friendly
02 -
- Sweet rice flour (mochiko) cannot be substituted with regular rice flour.
- Best served the day they are baked for optimal texture.
03 -
- Add 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Store squares in an airtight container to preserve chewiness.