This Black Sesame Brochi (Brownie Mochi) is a chewy gluten-free brownie made with glutinous rice flour. Black sesame powder gives the mochi a nutty and delicious flavour. It's a spin on my ever popular Matcha Brochi.
This post first appeared on Sift & Simmer in August 2018. Updated May 2021.
I've partnered with my friend Rezel Kealoha for this fun collaboration where we take one of each other's recipes and put our own spin on it. She put her own spin on my Matcha French Toast with her Collagen-Infused Earl Grey version.
Do you like black sesame?
It's one of those classic Asian flavours along with red bean and matcha.
What is black sesame?
Black sesame is a black tiny seed that is used in various cuisines, on its own or as a topping.
It is used commonly in Asian, Middle Eastern and East Asian cuisines.
You've probably seen white sesame seed, which is used on hamburger buns and bagels.
How to use black sesame?
Black sesame is used both in sweet and savoury foods.
It can be used whole (as seeds) in sushi, sesame seed balls or as a bagel topping.
Or it can be ground into a powder for desserts such as Black Sesame Paste/Soup.
What does it taste like?
Compared to white sesame seeds, black sesame has a nutty, roasted and slightly bitter taste.
Ingredients you'll need
This recipe is based on my own Matcha Browne Mochi (Brochi) but the idea is inspired by my friend Rezel's Black Sesame Butter Mochi.
For this Black Sesame Brochi (brownie mochi), you'll need:
- eggs: large eggs
- coconut sugar: or sweetener of your choice such as date syrup; note: coconut sugar is less sweet than granulated sugar
- coconut milk: canned, full-fat -- gives the mochi a fuller texture
- almond milk: or milk, or other dairy-free alternative
- vanilla extract: adds some flavour to the brownies
- glutinous rice flour (mochiko): gives a chewy texture to the brownies; it's different than rice flour -- you can find it in Asian grocery stores
- black sesame powder: if you can't find black sesame powder, you can use whole black sesame seeds and grind in a spice grinder until it reaches a powdery texture; you can find black sesame seeds and black sesame powder in Asian grocery stores
- activated charcoal powder: purely optional, but adds that dark black colour to the brownies -- you can find it in health stores or online
- baking powder: adds a little lift to the brownies
How to make it
You can make this recipe in one bowl.
Combine the eggs, coconut sugar/or date syrup, coconut milk, almond milk and vanilla extract in a bowl.
Give it a whisk.
Add in the glutinous rice flour, black sesame powder, charcoal powder (if using), and baking powder.
Next, stir with a spatula until everything is incorporated.
Transfer into a 8" by 8" baking pan and sprinkle the top with additional sesame seeds.
Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
How to serve & store
Enjoy these Black Sesame Brochi freshly made, preferably on the same day.
Right out of the oven, the edges are crisp and the interior is chewy, which makes these super addictive.
If you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Note: You will lose that crisp exterior when you store them in a container.
Don't store the brochi in the refrigerator, as the texture will harden when it is cold.
Substitutions & variations
You can try adding a swirl of tahini (sesame paste) for more nutty sesame flavour.
FAQs
Is this recipe vegan?
No. There's eggs in this brochi. However, you can try using flax egg in place of the eggs to make it vegan.
Do I need to use coconut milk?
If you don't like coconut milk, you can replace with the same amount of milk. Note: it may may the brownie a little bit "thinner."
How do I make my own sesame powder?
Add toasted sesame seeds to a spice grinder and pulse until it becomes a powder. Don't over pulse or it may turn into a paste.
Other recipes you may like
If you like black sesame, be sure to check out these recipes:
Hojicha Brochi (Brownie Mochi)
Hodugwaja-Inspired Chestnut Black Sesame Waffles
These Black Sesame Brownie Mochi are chewy, lightly sweet, and have a little smoky nutty flavour -- which will have you coming back for more!
Thanks again to Rezel for partnering up with me on this fun collab! Go and check her out on Instagram @rezelkealoha for more beautiful photos and inspiration!
I'd love to know if you make this Black Sesame Brochi! Tag me @siftandsimmer on Instagram or leave me a comment/rating below!
Black Sesame Brochi (Brownie Mochi)
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 114 ml coconut milk canned, full-fat
- 125 ml almond milk or milk of your choice
- 80 g coconut sugar or sweetener of your choice: eg. honey, date syrup
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 30 g black sesame powder or ¼ C roasted black sesame seeds, finely ground
- 227 g (½ box) glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
- 1 tablespoon black activated charcoal optional
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F/177Β°C.Β
- Prepare a 8" by 8" square baking container by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add the eggs, coconut milk, almond milk, coconut sugar (or sweetener), vanilla and beat with a whisk until slightly frothy.
- Add in the black sesame powder, glutinous rice flour (mochiko), charcoal powder (if using), and baking powder.
- Give the mixture a stir with a spatula until everything is incorporated.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking container and smooth out the top. Add some black sesame seeds as a garnish on top if you wish.
- Gently tap the baking container a few times on the table to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350Β°F/177Β°C or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Top will be slightly brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool over a cooling rack.
- Cut into squares using a sharp serrated knife and serve at room temperature.
- Black sesame mochi may be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Recipe inspired by Rezel Kealoha.
maryanne
I love mochi AND brownies but never thought to combine them! These brownies sound incredible!
Nicole
So simple but amazing result π
Michelle
Glad you enjoyed the recipe, and thanks for sharing your creation with me on Instagram!
Shinta
This is so innovative! I'm a fan of glutinous rice and I'm glad I came across your recipe. Making it this weekend!
Michelle
Thanks Shinta -- hope you enjoy it! π
Angela
What a fun recipe. I do love the flavor of sesame seeds. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Sue
What a unique twist on brownies. Must try!
Michelle
Love black sesame! These are for sure more fun than brookies!
Grace
To achieve the black color, is it possible to use black cocoa powder instead of charcoal?
Michelle
Hi Grace, I haven't personally tried with black cocoa powder, but you can try it out and let me know how it turns out.
Caleb - Never Ending Journeys
I never thought to combine mochi and brownies! Sounds so delicious with the black sesame, too - such a creative idea!
Laura
I totally love this idea, Michelle! The only Mochi I've ever made was from the box at Trader Joe's. And I actually added cocoa to it, sort of making a "Brochi" ha! I imagine this one is the one to make! Im definitely going to give this a try, as my son is the biggest Mochi fan ever! thanks for the recipe!
Michelle
Thank you Laura! You'll have to make it for your son if he LOVES mochi! π
David @ Spiced
I saw these on Instagram the other night, and the photo was striking! The dark color of these mochi is amazing. I've been intrigued by charcoal powder for a while, but I've still yet to get around to baking with it. (It does taste good in a steak rub though!) I need a batch of these treats in my life ASAP!
Michelle
Yes, you'll definitely have to whip a batch up! I have never thought to use charcoal in steak rub -- now I'm totally intrigued. Will have to try that out too! Thanks David π
Holly
I can imagine how good this mochi brownies will be. I love black sesame and it sounds perfect as brownies with mochiko flour. Chewy and delicious!
Michelle
Thank you Holly! They are quite addictive! π
Kim | Give it Some Thyme
These brownies look so decadent yet they're gluten free. Love how they only take 10 minutes of prep and the result is so deliciously rewarding! Awesome recipe and beautiful photos, Michelle!
Michelle
Thank you Kim! They're so quick to whip up, and it's always such a hit! π
Dee
I weighed out 30 g of sesame seeds and it's way less than 1/2 cup, it's maybe 1/4 or less. Is the cup measurement a typo?
Michelle
It should be 1/4 C. Thanks letting me know.
Cathleen
Wow, this is such a unique recipe. I need to find all of these ingredients because this looks too good to pass up!
Jill
I've never tried mochi. But I'm intrigued. Thanks for the recipe!
Beth
Oh wow! These are so amazing and very yummy! I was nervous to make this recipe, but it turned out so delicious! Iβll definitely be making these again!
Biana
Yum! Brownies and mochi together sounds like a winning combination.
Colleen
This is such a unique and intriguing recipe! These brownies look delicious and I am excited to make them!
Joyce
It was delicious!
Michelle
Thanks for your feedback Joyce, and I loved seeing sharing your creation on Instagram! π
Jane
I tried this recipe and my family absolutely loves it!
Substituted the coconut sugar with white granulated sugar and slightly reduced the amount. The result is a brochi with slightly crispy exterior and really soft & chewy interior. Such a fun texture!
Will definitely make it again.
Tam
Hi, I just bought all the ingredients to make this recipe - they sound absolutely amazing! Just a quick question - do you think nuts would go well in this recipe, like macadamias in a traditional brownie? Or not the right texture? Thanks!
Michelle
Hi there, I personally haven't tried adding nuts to the recipe, but you could always give it a try. Keep me posted if you do! π
Yue
I tried the hojicha one and added some dark chocolate chips yesterday and it was a big hit. My husband loves black sesame and I was wondering if you could skip the charcoal and do straight up substitution of regular glutionous rice flour with black glutinous rice flour which he accidentally bought 2 bags for me last year still unopenedβ¦ Cheaper than buying activated charcoal π
Michelle
You can definitely omit the charcoal. I haven't tried black glutinous rice flour but it should work. Report back if you try it π
EL
Made some substitutions because I didn't have all the ingredients.
- Light coconut milk (Kara brand) instead of full-fat
- Oat milk (Minor Figures brand) instead of almond milk
- Plain white sugar instead of coconut sugar.
- No charcoal
It had the right consistency and tasted amazing. The top of the brownie looked rather white, probably due to the lack of charcoal, but that wasn't an issue for me. Thanks for the recipe!
2pots2cook
This is just beautiful ! I have black sesame seeds and will certainly make this one ! Thank you so much Michelle !
Margaret
Recipe looks amazing -- thanks for sharing! What kind/brand of activated charcoal do you use?
Michelle
I've used Suncore Foods and Organika Activated Charcoal in this recipe π