Milk rice cake is a delightful, chewy treat that brings a refreshing twist to your dessert repertoire. This easy-to-make treat requires just five ingredients and can be prepared in under 15 minutes. With its soft, creamy texture, milk rice cake offers a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a unique after-dinner treat, this dessert delivers in both taste and ease. Let’s dive into why this milk rice cake recipe is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Milk Rice Cake Recipe
This milk rice cake recipe is a perfect combination of chewy and creamy textures, making it incredibly satisfying with every bite. Unlike traditional rice cakes, this version adds milk to the dough, making it smoother and more delicate. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, and it’s so simple to prepare. You’ll love how it takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish, making it a great choice for when you’re in a hurry but still want to indulge in a delicious homemade dessert.
Moreover, it’s a great option for those who follow vegetarian and gluten-free diets. A vegan alternative is also easily achievable by swapping regular milk with plant-based milk. This flexibility ensures that the milk rice cake can be enjoyed by many.
Ingredients for Milk Rice Cake
To create this chewy milk rice cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- Glutinous Rice Flour: Provides the signature chewy texture that makes this rice cake so unique.
- Potato Starch: Adds smoothness and helps the dough come together, enhancing the chewy consistency.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the flavors.
- Salt: A pinch of salt adds depth to the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk: The star ingredient that adds creaminess and binds the dough together. Room temperature milk works best.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking for alternative ingredients for dietary reasons or preferences, here are a few suggestions:
- For a Vegan Milk Rice Cake: Swap regular milk with unsweetened soy or almond milk. If using sweetened plant-based milk, adjust the sugar content to taste.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: Ensure that you use certified gluten-free glutinous rice flour.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Milk Rice Cake
Making milk rice cake is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps for a delicious result:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a non-stick saucepan, combine glutinous rice flour, potato starch, sugar, and salt. Mix them well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the Milk: Gradually stir in the milk while heating the mixture over low to medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Form the Dough: Once the mixture thickens and forms a dough-like texture, continue stirring for a few more minutes. Turn off the heat and let the dough cool slightly.
- Shape the Dough: Dust your work surface with potato starch, and also lightly dust your hands. Roll the dough into a log, about 9.8 inches long and 2.7 inches wide.
- Cut into Pieces: Slice the dough into bite-sized pieces. You can cut the log into half lengthwise and then into smaller portions.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pieces for about 30 minutes until they become chewy, or simply enjoy them at room temperature.

Tips for Success
- If you find that dough sticks to your pan, soak it in warm water to make cleaning easier.
- To prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, use a light dusting of potato starch.
- If you want to add extra flavor to your milk rice cake, dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon powder after the cakes have cooled.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Milk rice cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes or toppings to enhance its flavor:
- Top with Cocoa Powder: A light dusting of cocoa powder can add a rich chocolate flavor.
- Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Pair with a Cup of Tea: This chewy dessert makes a fantastic accompaniment to a cup of green tea or chai.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store your milk rice cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To defrost, simply bring the rice cakes to room temperature naturally.
Health Benefits of Milk Rice Cake
Milk rice cakes are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits:
- Gluten-Free: This rice cake is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Low in Calories: Each piece of milk rice cake contains approximately 46 calories, making it a light and guilt-free treat.
- Good Source of Carbohydrates: The rice flour provides a healthy dose of carbohydrates, making it a quick source of energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the milk rice cake offers a delightful, chewy, and creamy treat that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this rice cake provides a unique twist on traditional mochi, offering a sweet and refreshing experience. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly dessert. Don’t hesitate to try it out and enjoy this perfect bite-sized treat!
FAQ
1. What does milk rice cake taste like?
Milk rice cake has a soft, chewy texture, and a slightly sweet flavor with a creamy undertone. It’s similar to mochi but with the added richness of milk, making it a delightful, comforting dessert.
2. Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?
No, regular rice flour will not provide the same chewy texture that glutinous rice flour (also known as mochiko flour) does. It’s essential to use glutinous rice flour for the proper consistency and texture in milk rice cake.
3. Can I make milk rice cake ahead of time?
Yes, milk rice cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month for longer storage.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this milk rice cake recipe vegan by using unsweetened plant-based milk such as soy or almond milk. Just remember to adjust the sugar level if using sweetened plant-based milk.
More Relevant Recipes
- Creamy Mango Sago: This dessert is similar to milk rice cake in its refreshing, creamy texture. Made with mango, sago, and coconut milk, it’s a delightful treat that is perfect for those who enjoy chewy desserts with a tropical twist.
- Baked Yogurt: A smooth and creamy dessert that combines yogurt with a rich texture, similar to the milk rice cake’s consistency. This recipe offers a healthier alternative, with a slightly tangy and sweet flavor profile that complements the creamy sweetness of milk rice cake.
- Creamy Tuscan Cod with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: While not a dessert, this creamy dish offers a similar comforting texture, with a velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with delicate fish. For those who love creamy and rich flavors, this dish offers an interesting savory contrast to the milk rice cake.

Milk Rice Cake
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Milk rice cake is a chewy and creamy dessert made with just five ingredients, creating a smooth and satisfying treat. It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, making it the perfect easy dessert or snack. The use of glutinous rice flour and milk gives it a unique, soft, and tender texture, much like mochi, but simpler and quicker to make.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ tablespoons (20 grams) glutinous rice flour
- ⅓ cup (55 grams) potato starch
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (room temperature)
Instructions
- Place all dry ingredients (glutinous rice flour, potato starch, sugar, and salt) in a non-stick saucepan. Mix them until well combined.
- Heat the saucepan over low to medium heat and gradually add the milk, stirring continuously until smooth and lump-free.
- Continue stirring as the mixture thickens and forms a dough. Once it reaches dough consistency, turn off the heat and mix until it becomes a uniform ball.
- Let the dough cool slightly, then transfer it to a surface lightly dusted with potato starch. You can also dust your hands with potato starch to avoid sticking.
- Roll the dough into a log approximately 9.8 inches long and 2.7 inches wide. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the pieces in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, or enjoy once they have reached room temperature.
Notes
- If the dough sticks to your pan, soak it in warm water to make cleaning easier.
- Dust your hands and workspace with potato starch to prevent the dough from sticking.
- You can flavor the milk rice cake by dusting it with cocoa powder or cinnamon after it cools.
- This recipe can easily be made vegan by using unsweetened plant-based milk like soy or almond milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 46 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg