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Chocolate Daifuku (3)

The Ultimate Chocolate Lover's Daifuku

This Chocolate Daifuku combines chewy mochi with a creamy nama chocolate filling. With no oven required, it's beginner-friendly and makes a rich, indulgent treat perfect for afternoon tea or gifting.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling

  • 200 g dark chocolate choose cocoa content to taste — higher cocoa gives richer, slightly bitter flavor
  • 200 g heavy cream animal-based cream recommended for smooth texture

Glutinous Rice Dough

  • 160 g glutinous rice flour
  • 20 g cornstarch
  • 20 g granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 10 g cocoa powder
  • 220 g milk preferably whole milk for better flavor
  • 15 g butter

Instructions
 

Step 1. Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling

  • Place 200 g dark chocolate (chopped if in large pieces) in a clean bowl.
  • Add 200 g heavy cream and heat over a double boiler. Stir until the chocolate fully melts into a smooth mixture.
  • Line a muffin mold with plastic wrap, pour in the chocolate mixture, and tap to release bubbles.
  • Freeze for at least 1 hour until completely set.

Step 2. Prepare the Mochi Dough

  • In a large bowl, mix 160 g glutinous rice flour, 20 g cornstarch, 20 g sugar, and 10 g cocoa powder.
  • Slowly add 220 g milk while stirring until smooth. If lumps remain, let rest and stir again.
  • Strain the batter into a heatproof container. Cover with plastic wrap and poke holes with a toothpick.
  • Steam over boiling water on medium heat for 25 minutes, until fully cooked.

Step 3. Knead the Dough

  • Remove from steamer, discard plastic wrap, and add 15 g softened butter while still hot.
  • Let cool slightly, then knead until smooth, elastic, and non-sticky. Cover with plastic wrap and rest.

Step 4. Assemble the Daifuku

  • Dust a work surface with cooked glutinous rice flour. Roll dough into a log and cut into pieces (30–40 g each).
  • Flatten each piece into a 10 cm circle (edges thinner than the center).
  • Assembly Method:
  • Place a small bowl on your work surface. Gently lay the rolled dough inside the bowl.
  • Take one portion of the frozen chocolate ganache and place it in the center of the dough.
  • Carefully gather the edges of the dough upward to enclose the filling. Pinch firmly to seal completely (this prevents the chocolate from leaking during handling).
  • Trim off any excess dough at the sealed edge for a neat finish.
  • Turn seam-side down, roll gently into a ball, and coat with cocoa powder.
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