15 janv. 2026

Mushipan Recipe: Soft & Fluffy Japanese Steamed Cakes

Ecrit par Team MUSUBI

Mushipan (steamed cakes) are a beloved staple of Japanese desserts. These little cakes are soft, gently sweet, and surprisingly satisfying. Light and fluffy with a tender, moist crumb, they make an ideal companion to a cup of tea.

In this recipe guide, every version is an easy dessert you can make with pantry basics. Using pancake mix, even first-timers can get great results. You’ll learn three flavors—banana, matcha, and sweet potato. These mushipan recipes offer an easy way to bring a taste of Japan into your kitchen.

Table of contents

Banana Mushipan Matcha Mushipan Sweet Potato Mushipan

Banana Mushipan

Ingredients (makes 6)

1 banana
1 egg
3.4 fl oz (100 ml) milk
1 Tbsp sugar
½ Tbsp vegetable oil
5.3 oz (150 g) pancake mix

Instructions

1. Slice half the banana for topping, then mash the rest until smooth.

2. Whisk the egg in a bowl, add the milk, sugar, and oil, then fold in the pancake mix and mashed banana.

3. Spoon the batter among six paper baking cups, top with the banana slices, then steam in a covered pot for about 12 minutes.

Matcha Mushipan

Ingredients (makes 6)

1 egg
3.4 fl oz (100 ml) milk
2 Tbsp sugar
½ Tbsp vegetable oil
5.3 oz (150 g) pancake mix
1 Tbsp matcha
2 Tbsp chocolate chips (semi-sweet or white)

Instructions

1. Whisk the egg in a bowl, then add the milk, sugar, and oil and mix well. Fold in the pancake mix and sifted matcha.

2. Stir in the chocolate chips gently until just combined.

3. Spoon the batter among six paper baking cups. Steam over medium heat for about 15 minutes in a covered steamer.

Sweet Potato Mushipan

Ingredients (makes 6)

2.8 oz (80 g) sweet potato
1½ Tbsp sugar (for simmering the sweet potato)
1 egg
3.4 fl oz (100 ml) milk
2 Tbsp sugar
½ Tbsp vegetable oil
5.3 oz (150 g) pancake mix

Instructions

1. Cut the sweet potato into small cubes, add just enough water to cover, sprinkle with the sugar, and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Whisk the egg in a bowl, add the milk, sugar, and oil, then mix well; fold in the pancake mix and the cooked sweet potato.

3. Spoon the batter among six paper baking cups, then steam over medium heat for about 15 minutes in a covered steamer.

Download the Recipe

What makes mushipan truly lovable is how approachable it is. With a simple pancake-mix base, you can turn everyday pantry staples into a hearty steamed cake in minutes—no oven, no fancy tools, no stress. Steam, wait, and watch the batter rise into something tender and satisfying. If you have been looking for a simple sweet that has a homemade feel, mushipan is the kind of treat you will find yourself making more than once.