Chapssaltteok Mochi Cakes
KoreanDessert

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Chapssaltteok represents the beautiful marriage of textures and flavors in traditional confectionery. These delicate mochi-style cakes feature a wonderfully elastic exterior made from sweet flour that encases a silky red bean filling. The finishing touch of nutty roasted soybean powder adds an earthy complexity that elevates each bite. Historically enjoyed during celebrations and tea gatherings, these treats have become beloved across all occasions. The process of making Chapssaltteok requires patience and technique, as achieving the perfect chewy consistency while maintaining a smooth, non-sticky surface is an art form. The red bean paste filling is carefully sweetened to complement rather than overwhelm the delicate flour wrapper. When served fresh, these cakes offer an incomparable textural experience that melts in your mouth while providing satisfying chewiness. Perfect for sharing with guests or enjoying as a personal indulgence with tea.

Instructions

step by step
0/7 done
  1. Prepare the red bean filling by rinsing 1 cup dried adzuki beans thoroughly. Soak in cold water for 4 hours or overnight. Drain and add to a pot with 3 cups fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60-90 minutes until beans are completely soft and mashable.

  2. Drain the cooked beans and transfer to a food processor. Add 1/2 cup sugar and blend until smooth. Transfer the paste to a non-stick pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides. Let cool completely, then divide into 12 equal portions and roll into balls. Refrigerate.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups sweet rice flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 1 cup water while stirring to create a smooth batter with no lumps.

  4. Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a rolling boil. Line a steaming tray with parchment paper or a damp cloth. Pour the batter into a shallow heat-proof dish that fits in your steamer. Steam over high heat for 25 minutes until the dough becomes translucent and fully cooked.

  5. While still hot, transfer the steamed dough to a work surface dusted generously with potato starch. Knead the dough with a wooden spoon or spatula for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful as it will be very hot.

  6. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a circle about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place a red bean ball in the center and carefully wrap the dough around it, pinching the seams closed and rolling gently to create a smooth ball.

  7. Toast 1/2 cup soybean powder in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly. Roll each filled mochi in the toasted soybean powder until fully coated. Serve at room temperature.

Chapssaltteok Mochi Cakes

4.7 (27)

Delightfully chewy traditional treats filled with smooth red bean paste, wrapped in a tender outer layer dusted with roasted soybean powder. These elegant bite-sized confections offer a perfect balance of subtle sweetness.

medium
1h
12 servings

Ingredients

0 of 6 checked

Dough

  • 2 cups flour, sweet rice flour
  • 1/4 teaspoons salt

Main

  • 7/8 cups sugar, divided

Filling

  • 1 cups black-beans, dried adzuki beans

Coating

  • 1/2 cups oats, soybean powder for coating

Dusting

  • 1/2 cups potatoes, potato starch for dusting

Chef Tips

expert advice
For the best texture, work with the steamed dough while it is still warm but cool enough to handle safely.
If the dough becomes too sticky, dust your hands and work surface with additional potato starch.
The key to smooth, beautiful cakes is ensuring the seam is completely sealed when wrapping the filling.
You can substitute the red bean paste with other fillings like sweetened black sesame paste, chestnut paste, or even fresh fruit.
For a less traditional but delicious variation, try adding a pinch of matcha powder to the dough for a subtle tea flavor.
Store-bought red bean paste can save time if you are in a hurry.
Toast the soybean powder fresh for maximum nutty aroma.
If soybean powder is unavailable, finely ground roasted peanuts or kinako powder work as substitutes.
These cakes taste best on the day they are made, as the texture is at its optimal chewiness.
Serve with green tea or barley tea for an authentic experience.