Hawaii’s delicious answer to the brownie or blondie, Mochi Cake is a traditional sweet treat that is often found at get-togethers. Made with Mochiko flour, a sweet type of rice flour is a unique way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Trader Joe’s has gone out of its way in recreating this wonderful dessert for all to enjoy but what if you need to store the leftovers?
Mochi Cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. That is if it lasts that long! Nothing really terrible happens after that two-day mark, it’s just at its freshest then. You definitely want to gobble it up before too long so it doesn’t go bad… that would be tragic!
Trader Joe’s helped to bring this treat all the way to the mainland for you to enjoy so if you plan on making it, it’s best to know how to keep it fresh and delicious so it can be enjoyed for as long as possible. Proper storage will also give you time to come up with some great serving ideas if you don’t fancy the ones below.
Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Storage Options
Hit up your local discount store or go online to find a suitable airtight container to store your cake in. You want to make sure it has enough room to properly fit the cake in it without smashing it or making it difficult to get back out.
For the best results, cut the cake into pieces and wrap them individually. This ensures all the pieces are sealed as closely as possible.
Contact with the outside air will cause the cake to dry. Some drying is possible even in an airtight container because of the air trapped inside.
If the pieces are wrapped before storage in the container, a double layer of protection is created between the cake and the surrounding atmosphere.
It is best to do it this way because individual wrapping can come loose or be disturbed by moving air which could create gaps where air can get in.
Refrigerator Storage
It is possible to store Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake in the refrigerator but caution must be taken. Refrigerators tend to dry out the surrounding air.
When the air is cold, it means the molecules are moving around less vigorously. This makes it less capable of holding moisture than warm air is, which is why water from the atmosphere condenses on a cold drinking glass.
As a result of this phenomenon, simply placing leftover Mochi Cake in the refrigerator will dry it out pretty quickly.
Considering how wonderfully decadent this dessert is, carelessly drying it out may lead to mental anguish and your friends and family may never speak to you again!
Well, of course, that likely won’t happen but there is no need to waste it when you don’t have to. Take the same precautions as when storing it at room temperature but be extra vigilant about the tightness of the container seals.
Freezer Storage
This is high-stakes gambling! Of course, it is entirely possible to freeze a Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake. There is really nothing stopping you but as with any other storage method, you need to keep the air out.
Air is great for breathing but it is the enemy when it comes to preservation. Remember astronaut food or have you ever had instant coffee? Both of those are dried using extreme cold.
The colder the air, the less moisture there is and the higher the level of evaporation of water in anything that happens to have water in it.
This increased evaporation is great if you’re doing it in a controlled setting but unless your food has absolutely no contact with the outside air, it will begin to dry out.
Interestingly, the same is true of higher altitudes. The higher above sea level you are, the thinner the atmosphere. This increases evaporation and can cause food to dry out faster as well.
If you are storing food in either of these conditions, just take some extra time and use extra caution to be sure there is no contact with the outside air. Of course, this should be done anyway but special attention should be applied to these conditions.
When it’s time to thaw and enjoy your Mochi Cake, simply remove it from the freezer into the refrigerator. Do not unwrap the food or open the container at this point.
When the cake is fully thawed, you can remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature.
Removal from the freezer directly to the open air will result in condensation which will end with a soggy mess for a cake.
This will also cause your family and friends to dehydrate as they cry over what has become of their much-anticipated dessert.
Trader Joe’s Mochi Cake Serving Ideas
Consider serving with tropical fruit as a garnish. Sliced mango or bananas will go great with the chocolate or peanut butter whipped cream could be a nice addition. For a mix-in, you could add nuts, blueberries, chocolate chips, or even matcha powder.
It goes well with ice cream, put your cake on it, in it, beside it, or under it. Use your imagination and go wild or just serve it up on a plate with a cup of espresso or coffee.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s (or just TJ’s for the ardent fan) has brought us a lot over the years. From their fresh produce to their delectable entrees and mouth-watering desserts not the least of which is their take on the traditional Hawaiian Mochi Cake.
If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s definitely worth a trip to go pick it up and the time to put it together in your kitchen.
Maybe it could be a little something different to bring to the next family gathering. Alternatively, nothing says “thank you” or “I’m sorry” quite like an amazing dessert. Or maybe you don’t need an excuse to treat yourself!
