A day in a Japanese jelly candy factory (founded by 92yo active craftsman)

A day in a Japanese jelly candy factory (founded by 92yo active craftsman) is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by JunsKitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $13.29 total, $3.32 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Dark Chocolate (70% cacao) (high quality, tempered if possible)
  • 30 g Unsalted Butter (cut into small cubes, softened)
  • 30 g Granulated Sugar (fine crystal)
  • 50 g Strawberry Puree (fresh strawberries blended and strained)
  • 2 sheets Gelatin Sheets (soaked in cold water for 5 minutes)
  • 30 ml Water (for dissolving gelatin)
  • 10 g Cocoa Powder (for dusting the finished pieces)
  • 1 pinch Edible Food Coloring (optional) (to tint the strawberry glaze if desired)

Instructions

  1. Soak Gelatin

    Place the gelatin sheets in a small bowl of cold water and let them soak for 5 minutes until softened.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Strawberry Puree

    Blend fresh strawberries until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Melt Chocolate and Butter

    Combine dark chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 45°C

  4. Incorporate Sugar and Gelatin

    Add granulated sugar to the melted chocolate, stirring until dissolved. Remove from heat, squeeze the gelatin sheets, and whisk them into the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT4M

  5. Form Thin Chocolate Sheet

    Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface. Pour the chocolate mixture onto the parchment and spread with a spatula to a uniform thickness of about 2 mm.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Set the Chocolate Sheet

    Allow the chocolate sheet to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, or until firm enough to handle without breaking.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Cut and Mold Pieces

    Press the set chocolate sheet into silicone molds, applying gentle pressure to release each piece. Carefully remove the pieces and place on a clean tray.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Prepare Strawberry Gelatin Glaze

    In a small saucepan, gently warm the strawberry puree with a pinch of sugar. Add the soaked gelatin (squeezed) and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 40°C

  9. Apply Glaze and Stamp Faces

    Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each chocolate piece with the strawberry gelatin glaze. Immediately press the food‑safe stamp onto the surface to create a face design. Let the glaze set for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Final Set and Serve

    Transfer the finished confections to a plate and refrigerate for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the glaze is firm. Serve at room temperature with tea.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Dairy, Soy

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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A day in a Japanese jelly candy factory (founded by 92yo active craftsman)

Recipe by JunsKitchen

A delicate Japanese semi‑raw chocolate confection inspired by the half‑cooked sweets made at Midori Seika in Osaka. The outer layer is thin, crisp‑crystallized chocolate, while the interior stays soft and juicy with a strawberry‑gelatin glaze. Perfect with tea or coffee.

MediumJapaneseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
49m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 4m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.29
Total cost
$3.32
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking and squeezing gelatin properly to avoid a grainy interior.
  • Tempering the chocolate to achieve a crisp, crystallized outer layer.
  • Handling the delicate chocolate sheet without breaking it.
  • Applying the strawberry glaze evenly before stamping.

Safety Warnings

  • Chocolate and glaze are hot; handle with oven mitts.
  • Gelatin can cause slipping if it contacts skin; wash hands after handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of semi‑raw chocolate confections (shimi chocolate) in Japanese wagashi tradition?

A

Shimi chocolate is a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese semi‑raw wagashi, which balances a lightly cooked exterior with a soft, juicy interior. The technique reflects Japan’s love for texture contrast and seasonal flavors, often enjoyed during tea ceremonies.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of semi‑raw sweets exist within Japanese cuisine?

A

In Kansai, artisans often use a thin chocolate coating with fruit‑gelatin centers, while in Kanto you may find a softer, custard‑like interior. Some regions incorporate matcha or yuzu for local flavor twists.

cultural
Q

How is shimi chocolate traditionally served in Osaka?

A

In Osaka, shimi chocolate is typically presented on a small lacquered plate alongside a cup of roasted barley tea (mugicha) or green tea, allowing the crisp shell to complement the tea’s astringency.

cultural
Q

During which Japanese celebrations are semi‑raw chocolate confections commonly enjoyed?

A

These confections are popular during moon‑viewing (tsukimi) festivals, tea‑time gatherings, and as seasonal gifts during the spring and autumn gift‑giving customs (ochugen, oseibo).

cultural
Q

What makes shimi chocolate special compared to regular chocolate truffles in Japanese cuisine?

A

Shimi chocolate features a thin, crystallized outer layer that cracks delicately, while the interior remains semi‑raw and juicy, offering a contrast of textures that regular truffles, which are fully set, do not provide.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shimi chocolate at home?

A

Common errors include overheating the chocolate, which destroys the crisp finish, and over‑soaking the gelatin, which can make the glaze too runny. Also, handling the thin chocolate sheet too roughly leads to breakage.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use gelatin instead of agar‑agar for the strawberry glaze?

A

Gelatin provides a soft, melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture that matches the semi‑raw concept, whereas agar‑agar sets too firmly and creates a rubbery mouthfeel not desired for this delicate confection.

technical
Q

Can I make these semi‑raw chocolate confections ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can prepare the chocolate sheets and strawberry glaze up to 2 hours in advance. Store the finished pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature 10 minutes before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chocolate sheet is ready?

A

The sheet should be uniformly thin, glossy, and firm enough to lift without cracking. When touched lightly, it should feel crisp on the surface but have a faint give underneath.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel JunsKitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel JunsKitchen specializes in Japanese home cooking, often featuring detailed, soothing tutorials with a focus on traditional techniques, seasonal ingredients, and occasional collaborations with Japanese artisans.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel JunsKitchen's approach to Japanese confectionery differ from other cooking channels?

A

JunsKitchen emphasizes quiet, step‑by‑step visual storytelling, using high‑quality close‑ups and minimal narration, which allows viewers to focus on the subtle textures and techniques unique to Japanese wagashi, unlike many fast‑paced cooking channels.

channel

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