Japanese Desserts Are Sweetening the UK: From Mochi Ice Cream to Strawberry Sandos

Japanese Desserts UK: The Sweet Trend You Need to Try in 2025

From London cafes to supermarket freezers, Japanese desserts are having a moment in Britain. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped catapult sweet treats such as mochi ice cream, matcha cookies and the charming strawberry sando into the spotlight. These desserts are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for the age of food photography.

The Most Popular Japanese Desserts in the UK Right Now

1. Mochi Ice Cream

Small, chewy rice flour shells filled with creamy ice cream — mochi is a fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern flavour innovation. In the UK, popular varieties include matcha, mango, vanilla, and salted caramel. Brands like Little Moons have seen sales skyrocket thanks to viral TikTok videos.

2. Matcha Sweets

Matcha — finely ground green tea powder — has long been celebrated in Japan for its earthy flavour and health benefits. Now it’s appearing in cookies, cakes, cheesecakes and lattes across UK bakeries and cafés. The antioxidant rich ingredient is a hit with health conscious foodies looking for indulgence with a wellness twist.

3. Strawberry Sandos

These photogenic sandwiches are made with pillowy Japanese milk bread (shokupan), whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The result? A light, refreshing treat that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. In London, bakeries such as Kova Patisserie and WA Café have made them a cult favourite.

Where to Find Japanese Desserts in the UK

Japanese inspired bakeries and dessert cafes are popping up in major cities:

• London: Kova Patisserie, WA Café, Sakurado.

• Manchester: Tsujiri, Lazy Sundae.

• Birmingham: Kodawari.
  You’ll also spot mochi ice cream in supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose, as well as at Japanese grocery stores such as Japan Centre.

Make Your Own Japanese Desserts at Home

Recreating Japanese desserts at home is easier than you might think — and it’s a great way to enjoy these sweet treats without hunting down a specialist café. Here are three crowd-pleasing recipes to try:

1. DIY Mochi Ice Cream

Servings: 8 pieces | Prep time: 30 minutes + freezing time

Ingredients:

• 100g glutinous rice flour (mochiko)

• 150ml water

• 50g sugar

• Cornflour or potato starch (for dusting)

• 8 scoops of your favourite ice cream (matcha, vanilla, mango, or strawberry)

Method:

1. Scoop ice cream into balls and freeze until solid.

2. In a microwave safe bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water until smooth.

3. Cover loosely with cling film and microwave for 1 minute. Stir, then microwave for another 1–2 minutes until thick and sticky.

4. Dust your work surface with cornflour, then roll the mochi dough thinly.

5. Cut circles (around 8cm wide), place ice cream in the centre, wrap, and pinch edges to seal.

6. Freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tip: Work quickly so the ice cream doesn’t melt, and keep your hands dusted with cornflour to prevent sticking.

2. No-Bake Matcha Cheesecake

Servings: 8 slices | Prep time: 20 minutes + chilling time

Ingredients:

• 200g digestive biscuits

• 100g unsalted butter, melted

• 300g cream cheese

• 200ml double cream

• 80g icing sugar

• 2 tbsp matcha powder (culinary grade)

Method:

1. Crush biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press into a cake tin base and refrigerate.

2. Whip cream cheese, icing sugar, and matcha until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form.

4. Fold cream into the matcha mixture, then spread over the biscuit base.

5. Chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Tip: For extra colour and flavour, dust the top with matcha powder before serving.

3. Strawberry Sando (Fruit Sandwich)

Servings: 4 sandwiches | Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 slices Japanese milk bread (shokupan) or soft white bread

• 250ml whipping cream

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 12 fresh strawberries (hulled)

Method:

1. Whip cream with sugar until firm but fluffy.

2. Spread cream generously over 4 slices of bread.

3. Arrange strawberries in a neat line or pattern, ensuring the cut side will face outward when sliced.

4. Top with more cream and place the remaining bread slices on top.

5. Wrap tightly in cling film and chill for 1 hour before slicing diagonally.

Tip: For Instagram worthy results, plan your strawberry placement so each slice has a perfect cross section.

Why We Love Them

Japanese desserts balance aesthetic appeal, unique textures, and lighter sweetness than many Western treats. They’re also endlessly customisable, making them ideal for home bakers and café owners alike.