If you're anything like me, you probably love cute food that's as fun to eat as it is to look at. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with those squishy soft treats that not only melt in your mouth but also look like tiny pieces of art. Today, I’m sharing a beautiful and super easy dessert inspired by Monet’s dreamy flower garden, with all those pastel tones and soft textures — we’re making Monet Garden Soft Cheese Mochi! 🌸 This treat brings together two amazing textures: the gooey softness of mochi and the creamy richness of a light cheese filling.
The outer mochi skin is chewy and bouncy, while the center is filled with a soft, slightly tangy cheese cream. It’s not too sweet and absolutely refreshing — perfect for spring or even as a light summer snack. One of my favorite parts? You don’t need an oven.
Everything can be steamed or done on the stovetop. If you're new to making Asian-style desserts, this is a great starter recipe. It's simple, forgiving, and honestly very hard to mess up. Plus, the ingredients are pretty easy to find. Let’s get into it! Below is a step-by-step guide to help you recreate this delicious and aesthetic treat right at home.
Feel free to play around with natural food coloring or edible flowers if you want to go full "oil painting" style with your presentation.
🌟 Ingredients
🧸 Mochi Skin:
- 120g glutinous rice flour
- 15g corn starch
- 20g sugar
- 15g unsalted butter
- 170g milk
🧁 Soft Cheese Filling:
- 220g cream cheese (softened)
- 120g plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 20g sugar
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Mochi Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, corn starch, sugar, and milk. Stir until smooth.
- Add the butter, and steam the mixture for about 20 minutes or until it becomes a sticky dough.
- Once cooked, let it cool slightly. Then knead it gently until soft and smooth (use a little cornstarch to avoid sticking).
2. Prepare the Soft Cheese Filling
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, yogurt, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Chill the filling for 15–20 minutes in the fridge to firm it up slightly — it’ll be easier to scoop and wrap.
3. Assemble the Mochi
- Divide the mochi dough into small equal balls.
- Flatten each piece and place a spoonful of the chilled cheese filling in the center.
- Carefully wrap and seal the mochi, rolling it gently into a round ball.
4. Decorate (Optional but Fun!)
- You can dust them with a little edible flower powder, use pastel coloring for the dough, or even create tiny brush-stroke patterns to mimic that Monet style.
- Store in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving for that perfect chilled bite.
- These are best eaten the same day for the freshest texture, but can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Want extra flavor? Mix a little fruit puree into the cheese filling for color and a fruity twist!
Q&A: Monet-Inspired Soft Cheese Mochi
Q: What ingredients do I need for the mochi skin?
You’ll need:
- 120g glutinous rice flour
- 15g corn starch
- 20g sugar
- 15g unsalted butter
- 170g milk
Q: What goes into the soft cheese filling?
- 220g cream cheese (softened)
- 120g plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 20g sugar
Q: How do I make the mochi dough?
Mix glutinous rice flour, corn starch, sugar, and milk until smooth. Add butter, then steam the mixture for around 20 minutes until it turns into a sticky dough. Let it cool, then knead gently using a little corn starch so it doesn’t stick to your hands.
Q: How do I prepare the filling?
Mix the cream cheese, yogurt, and sugar until creamy and smooth. Pop it into the fridge for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to scoop later.
Q: How do I assemble the mochi?
Divide the dough into small balls, flatten them, and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a smooth ball.
Q: Can I decorate them?
Yes! Dust with edible flower powder, color the dough with soft pastels, or try painting on tiny brush strokes to give it that dreamy Monet garden vibe 🌸
This soft cheese mochi is light, airy, and simply gorgeous. Whether you're making it for yourself or to impress your friends with a dreamy dessert, it's a total win. Let me know if you try it — and don’t forget to snap a pic before you take that first bite! 💜🩵
