How To Make Mochi Donuts At Home (Mister Donut Pon de Ring Copycat Recipe)

The Pon de Ring donut is a popular Japanese donut sold at Mr. Donut, one of Japan's most famous donut chains. Fans often search for Pon de Ring or Mister Donut mochi donut and it’s easy to see why.

Unlike most Japanese donuts, which are light and airy, the Pon de Ring has a chewy, mochi-like texture and a playful flower-shaped design. Its unique combination of a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy interior makes it instantly recognizable and beloved at Mr. Donut stores across Japan.

These mochi-like donuts, also called Pon-de-rings, are made from 8 small dough balls connected together in a ring. Biting into one reveals a delightful contrast: a lightly crisp outside with a chewy, satisfying inside.

You can find Mr. Donut Pon de Ring almost anywhere in Japan. As of March 2023, Mister Donut operates around 1,000 stores nationwide. Since it first launched in 2003, the Pon de Ring Mister Donut, has been a hit with donut lovers across the country.

So why was the Pon de Ring donut created? It was inspired by a Brazilian cheese bread called “Pao de Queijo,” which is made with tapioca flour and cheese. Both the Pon de Ring and Pao de Queijo share a similar chewy texture, and the tapioca flour allows the dough to cook without expanding, giving the donut its signature consistency.

Although Pon de Ring donuts are popular in Japan, they can be hard to find overseas. That’s why we created a copycat Pon de Ring donut recipe you can make at home. While Mr. Donut uses tapioca flour for their Mister Donut mochi donut, our recipe uses glutinous rice flour and yogurt. These ingredients are easier to find but still deliver the same chewy-and-crispy texture as the original Pon de Ring Mister Donut.

For the best experience, enjoy your homemade Pon de Ring donuts the same day you make them. If you need to store them, keep them at room temperature in a covered container. For a freshly baked taste, microwave them for 10–20 seconds before eating.

Whether you’re curious about what makes a Japanese donut different, searching for a Pon de Ring Japanese donut, or following a Pon de Ring recipe, this iconic treat is a must-try. Our copycat Pon de Ring mochi donut recipe makes it easy to enjoy the unique flavor and texture of Mr. Donut Pon de Ring right in your own kitchen.