How To Make Annin Tofu + Peach Variation! (Japanese Almond Tofu Recipe)
Do you have a sweet tooth? Let's talk about Annin Tofu or Almond Tofu – a silky, creamy, and sweet delight that's got a secret twist! Despite the name, there's not a single almond in this Japanese dessert – can you believe it?
So, here's what you need to know – to whip up this fantastic dessert, we start with apricot kernels. Yes, apricot kernels! Apricot kernel powder, used in the recipe, is derived from the seeds inside apricot pits. These seeds contain compounds that give off an almond-like flavor, which is why the resulting Annin Tofu has that distinct taste.
We mix apricot kernel powder with some sugar, milk (or almond milk if you're feeling extra fancy), and gelatin or agar-agar (a seaweed-based gelling agent). We heat the mixture up, give it a good stir, and bam! We've got annin tofu with a smooth, jiggly texture that's to die for!
Now, the name "Annin Tofu" might confuse you a bit, so let’s go over that now. Annin Tofu is named after an old Chinese dessert called "Almond Tofu." Back in the day, they used almonds to flavor the dessert, but these days, things are done a bit differently!
Since Annin Tofu is made without the use of almonds, even those with nut allergies can enjoy this dessert. Using apricot kernel powder is also much more cost-effective than using almonds, so it’s a win-win!
Though there are no almonds involved, Annin Tofu still tastes delicious with a subtle almond-like flavor. Experience the best of both worlds without having to shell out big bucks for almonds.
Serve this dreamy treat in little individual portions or a larger container, and cut it into cute cubes. Want to jazz it up? Top it with some sweet syrup or some fruits for an extra delicious taste!
If you want to add a bit more dazzle to your annin tofu, we’ll also share a peach variation in this recipe that you can follow. With the original annin tofu and peach annin tofu, hopefully, you’ll find your new favorite among them.
Annin Tofu has become a symbol of Japanese finesse and sophistication, making appearances in trendy restaurants and various culinary contexts.
So, next time you're craving a creamy Japanese dessert, remember the nutty twist of Annin Tofu. It's smooth, it's surprising, and it's ready to blow your taste buds away.
We hope you’ll enjoy our annin tofu recipe. Let us know in the comments below if you make it at home!
Overview
Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 25 mins
Total servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 200ml Water
- 10g Apricot Kernel Powder
- 400ml Milk
- 60g Sugar
- 12g Gelatin
- 300g Peach, peeled and pitted (for peach puree)
- 20g Sugar (for peach puree)
- 1 Peach (for garnish, optional)
- 1 stick of thyme or your favorite herbs (for garnish, optional)
Expert's Tip
Don’t have any apricot kernel powder in your kitchen? No worries! We’ve got your back. All you need is this Soft Annin Tofu Mix, hot water, and milk to make delicious annin tofu at home in no time. That’s all.
Instructions
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1) Gathering the Ingredients
Gather the ingredients together.
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3) Making the Peach Puree
Place the peaches and sugar into a mixing cup or blender jug and puree them until completely smooth. Once the puree is smooth, squeeze lemon juice to prevent the color from oxidizing.
Divide the peach puree into two portions, one for mixing with the annin tofu mixture, and the other one for topping the annin tofu.
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4) Preparing the Gelatin
Start with blooming the gelatin or agar agar. (Use whichever one you prefer.)
Follow the package instructions for your gelatin package and prepare accordingly.
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5) Making Annin Tofu
In a medium pot, pour water and add apricot kernel powder. Mix well using a whisk. Stir constantly over low heat until it comes to a boil.
Add in sugar and milk, and heat until the mixture comes to a boil again. Keep stirring.
Remove the mixture from the heat, and when the temperature drops to 110F, add in the bloomed gelatin. Mix well.
Strain the mixture for a smoother texture.
Finally, divide the mixture in half. (Half is for plain annin tofu and the other half is for peach annin tofu.)
6) Preparing Annin Tofu
Pour the prepared mixture into your desired glass or bowl. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator until solidified.
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7) Preparing Peach Annin Tofu
Add half of the peach puree that we made earlier to the remaining half of the annin tofu mixture and stir until well incorporated.
Pour the peach mixture into your desired glass or bowl and refrigerate for a few hours.
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8) Serving Annin Tofu
After the peach annin tofu has solidified, pour the rest of the peach puree over the top and garnish with sliced peaches. Garnish the plain annin tofu with herbs such as thyme, if desired.
Enjoy!
About the author
Mana Sobral
Mana is a mother of two who is currently based in Toronto, Canada. While she has called Toronto her home for the past 7 years, she is originally from Wakayama. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and gained practical experience working as a dietician in Japan. She is absolutely obsessed with sharing her love for Japanese cuisine. She loves the seasonality of vegetables in Japan and the creativity of plating dishes. She loves writing Japanese recipes and sharing them with people around the world. She prefers to keep her writing style simple and fun, so that everyone, including people who are not particularly keen on reading, can enjoy her articles. In her free time, she loves baking desserts and Japanese breads. She also enjoys participating in Muay Thai classes.
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