Japanese Fruit Sandwiches

Win your next summer picnic with these adorable, fruit-filled treats!

Hi Bakers!

These delightful Japanese Fruit Sandwiches are the perfect summer snack. Undeniably cute and simply delicious, they might have you thinking “how come I’ve never made these before?” At least that was the case for me until I gave them a go. Soft milk bread, pillowy cream, and seasonal fruit - what can only be described as a wedge of sunshine, these fruit sandos are a must make item! 

Juicy strawberries, striking kiwis, and sunshine yellow mangoes are just some of the fruit options that might tempt you into buying or making your own. Pieces of fruit are strategically placed between two, thick slices of shokupan (Japanese milk bread) and stuffed with fuwa fuwa (fluffy) whipped cream. The sandwiches are cut on the diagonal to reveal orbs of muscat grapes, heart-shaped berries, citrus segments, or whatever else is in season. 

Their prevalence in and around Japan should not undermine what a tasty little treat fruit sandos truly are. Imagine a fluffy chiffon cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit, but as a slightly less sweet sandwich wrapped in clear cellophane for an on-the-go dessert experience. You can find them in cafes and convenience stores - or kobinis, located on nearly every corner of densely populated neighborhoods. 

Some say the first fruit sandwiches originated in tandem with Japanese fruit parlors. Since 1834, fruit parlors have sold luxury fruit in Japan. It’s been 15 years since I last visited Tokyo, but I can attest to the exquisite fruit sold around the city from my memory bank. 

I’m not talking about $50 mangoes to be used for smoothies or your everyday breakfast parfait. These literally perfect pieces of fruit part of the gift giving culture practiced in Japan. Think premium peaches, lined gift boxes of identical strawberries, square watermelons and muskmelons that sell for upwards of $100. 

For fruit sandwiches, some fruits work better than others. I recommend soft, not overly juicy fruit. Strawberry is one of the more popular flavors, as well as kiwi and mango. I bet peaches would be incredible too. Or even banana for a banana pudding/pie vibe. I’d pass on watermelon (too juicy) and apple (too crunchy).

Mascarpone gives the whipped cream the necessary body to hold its shape between the slices of milk bread. Definitely refrigerate the sandwiches for at least an hour, preferably 4 hours, before slicing. And don’t forget to mark the plastic wrap so you know which way to cut!

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Love this recipe? Try making my Crispy Honey Butter Toast with the same shokupan!

Crispy Honey Butter Toast

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