Browse my collection of Japanese desserts perfect for Valentine’s Day. Make it for a party, a Galentines gathering, or just your special someone. These desserts include classic Japanese treats like nama chocolate and also modern Japanese confections like matcha cookies and flavored mochi. As a bonus, many of these recipes are naturally gluten-free and some are naturally vegan as well.

1. Heart Shaped Mochi

Use my Jello Chi Chi Dango recipe but cut out the mochi using a heart shaped cookie cutter. Chi chi dango is a type of sweet mochi dessert originally from Japan. It was brought over to Hawaii and became very popular there.

Easy Jello Mochi (Microwave or Oven)

A favorite local recipe from Hawaii, you can make this easy mochi at home in the microwave or oven. Choose any jello you like for flavorful and colorful mochi.
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2. Pink Striped Mochi

Another version of chi chi dango – this pink striped chewy treat is baked in two layers. Flavor the layers with coconut extract and rosewater, or leave it plain. This style of mochi dessert is hard to find in Japan, but striped chi chi dango is popular in Hawaii.

chi chi dango

Coconut Rose Mochi (Chi Chi Dango)

This coconut rose mochi is perfect for Hinamatsuri or Valentines Day. It’s adapted from a microwave mochi recipe from our family friend, Donna Won.
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3. Japan’s Most Popular Valentine’s Chocolate

A very classic sweet to gift your friends and significant others in Japan is this “nama chocolate.” It is basically a chocolate truffle but cut into cubes, rather than rolled into spheres. This style of confection was made popular by the famous company Royce Chocolates and also is sold as a casual sweet in grocery stores by the brand Meiji.

nama chocolate squares closeup dusted with cocoa powder

Nama Chocolate Recipe (Royce Copycat)

Nama chocolate is a decadent Japanese dessert similar to a chocolate truffle, but much easier to make at home!
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4. Strawberry Stuffed Pink Daifuku Mochi

A modern twist on the classic Japanese ichigo daifuku (strawberry stuffed mochi), this version uses a pink colored mochi shell flavored with rose water. Instead of bean paste, the strawberry is wrapped in marzipan.

cross section of strawberry daifuku mochi with almond paste held in a hand

Strawberry, Rose, and Almond Daifuku Mochi

This daifuku consists of rose flavored mochi stuffed with almond paste (marzipan) and strawberry!
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5. Matcha Cookies with Strawberry Buttercream

If you’re looking for a heartier treat to share, try these soft matcha cookies with strawberry frosting. They’re perfect for cutting out hearts with cookie cutters and taste similar to the American classic grocery store frosted cookies.

cross section view of thick and soft matcha almond cookies

Soft Matcha Almond Cookies with Strawberry Buttercream

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6. Flourless Red Bean Brownies

For my Japanese take on red velvet, try these red bean brownies. Instead of flour, these brownies use red bean paste, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder for that gooey brownie texture. Mix it all in one bowl and bake. It’s easy AND healthier than your typical brownie.

stack of two red bean brownies

Flourless Red Bean Brownies

These red bean brownies have no flour and are full of protein and fiber thanks to Japanese red bean paste made from adzuki beans. Mix everything in one bowl and bake!
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7. Red Bean Butter Mochi

For another unique red dessert, try this red bean butter mochi recipe. Butter mochi is a mochi cake from Hawaii. This version uses red bean paste for a festive flavor and color.

red bean butter mochi

Red Bean Butter Mochi

Hawaiian butter mochi with red bean paste results in a perfectly "just sweet enough," chewy mochi cake. Just mix everything together and bake.
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