Dessert onigiri recipe

Soft, sweet, and a little surprising — dessert onigiri is a playful twist on the traditional Japanese rice ball.

Instead of salty fillings, think juicy fruit, sweet red bean paste, or chocolate nestled inside tender rice. It’s a gentle way to end a meal or enjoy a peaceful afternoon snack.

Here’s how to make your own sweet onigiri at home 🍙🍓

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🍚 What is dessert onigiri?

Dessert onigiri is made with the same short-grain rice used for savory versions — soft, sticky, and slightly chewy.

But instead of tuna or umeboshi, we tuck in sweet fillings and sometimes use coconut milk or sugar to gently flavor the rice.

They’re easy to make and beautiful to serve — perfect for picnics, tea time, or just a cozy treat.

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🍓 1. Strawberry & Red Bean Onigiri

Sweet, creamy, and fruity

You’ll need:

• Warm Japanese rice
• Anko (sweet red bean paste)
• Fresh strawberries (small ones work best)
• Optional: a pinch of salt

How to make it:

1. Scoop about ½ cup of warm rice.
2. Flatten it gently in your hand.
3. Add 1 tsp red bean paste and a strawberry in the center.
4. Wrap the rice around it and shape into a ball or oval.

Soft and surprising — a perfect little pocket of sweetness.

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🍫 2. Chocolate Banana Onigiri

Comforting and melty

You’ll need:

• Warm sticky rice
• Sliced banana
• Dark chocolate squares or chips
• Optional: a bit of shredded coconut

How to make it:

1. Mash banana with a fork.
2. Place it with a few chocolate chips inside your rice ball.
3. Shape carefully and let rest a few minutes to melt slightly.

Tastes like a warm, handheld dessert.

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🥥 3. Coconut Milk Rice Onigiri

Soft, sweet rice on its own

You’ll need:

• 1 cup sushi rice
• ½ cup coconut milk + ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt

How to make it:

1. Cook the rice with coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt.
2. Let cool slightly and shape into small triangles or balls.
3. Optional: roll in toasted coconut or sesame seeds.

These are lovely served with mango slices or a drizzle of honey.

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🍵 4. Matcha Mochi Onigiri

For tea lovers

You’ll need:

• Cooked sweet rice
• A small cube of mochi or soft marshmallow
• Matcha powder + sugar for dusting

How to make it:

1. Place the mochi in the center of your rice ball.
2. Wrap and shape.
3. Dust with a little matcha-sugar mixture.

Soft, chewy, and subtly bitter-sweet.

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🧁 Tips for shaping sweet onigiri

• Wet your hands and sprinkle with sugar instead of salt
• Let them cool slightly before wrapping to help them hold
• Use small amounts of filling to keep them easy to shape
• Wrap with sweetened soy paper, banana leaf, or serve plain

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Dessert onigiri is a reminder that sweetness can be simple.

A handful of rice, something tender inside, and a little time with your hands — that’s all you need.

Let it be a quiet little moment of joy.