Carrot cake butter mochi

This party-size dessert, with the distinct flavors of carrot cake and the unique squishy texture of butter mochi, is a mashup made in heaven. Butter mochi is a treat that’s on the table of just about any celebration in Hawaii and many families have their own safeguarded recipes. The gentle buttery flavor is quite versatile, lending itself to customization, like this generously spiced version that’s packed with toasted coconut, grated carrots and golden raisins. The tart cream cheese glaze gets showered in crystallized ginger and more toasted coconut, echoing their warm notes in the cake. Mochi’s going to be softest the same day it’s made, but keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days.