Japanese fruit sandwich is a special fruit-filled sweet sandwich that is very popular in Japan. It might seem a bit unusual at first, but it’s quite comparable to a jam sandwich or a cake. It uses simple ingredients, is easy to make, and is very visually pleasing.
The sandwiches are packed with juicy fruits and fresh creaminess so you will truly enjoy every bite. If you are looking to try something new and unique, try a Japanese fruit sandwich.
What is a Fruit Sandwich?
Japanese fruit sandwich, otherwise known as fruit sando, is very simply fresh fruit and sweetened cream sandwiched between slices of fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan). These sweet sandwiches are typically filled with strawberries as they pair well with cream. They are also obviously very aesthetically cute, which is another reason why they are most commonly used. The sandwich is then cut straight down the middle to create a symmetrical sweet treat with the delicious fruits featured in the centre.
Where To buy Japanese Fruit Sandwiches?
Japanese fruit sandwiches are very popular around Japan so they can be found at many cafes, bakeries, and shops. You can also buy them from convenience stores like Lawson and 7 Eleven. I have only ever seen these sandwiches sold in Japan so if you ever visit there, it’s definitely something to try! However, the ingredients are not at all rare and can be found worldwide so it is very easy to make at home yourself.
Ingredients For Fruit Sandwich
This recipe uses the following ingredients to create this sweet tasty sandwich:
Bread – use Japanese Shokupan if possible. This sandwich requires resting in the fridge for a couple of hours. Japanese shokupan will not get dry easily in the fridge. Also, Shokupan has a touch of sweetness to it already and adds the soft fluffy element to the sandwich
Fruit – Use fruit which contains less water such as strawberries and banana. And also has an interesting cut surface such as kiwi fruit. Other fruit filling suggestions include oranges and grapes. The fillings are versatile so you can use whatever your favourite fruits are or use seasonal fruits.
Heavy cream – Add mascarpone and hand whip to avoid over whipping. Whip to make soft peaks.
Jam – for binding the bread and whipped cream.
6 Tips to Make a Photogenic Fruit Sandwich
1. Wipe Excess Water
Wipe excess water off the fruits you are going to use to fill the sandwich. Wash the fruits and trim to prepare then wipe the water with kitchen paper towel.
2. Spread Jam
Spread jam to bind the bread and the whipped cream so that the bread will not absorb moisture from the cream and won’t become soggy.
3. Layout
You need to think ahead and visually plan out the appearance of the sandwich when it will be cut so you know where to place the fruits. The way the sandwich will be cut, dictates the way you layout the fruit on a slice of bread.
4. Draw on the Cling Wrap
Draw on the plastic wrap so that you know how the fruit is laid out and know where to cut to create the symmetrical cute appearance. Sounds weird but that is how much Japanese people take everything seriously and precisely. If you have a photographic memory, that is brilliant, but once the fruit is covered with another layer of whipped cream and bread, I will not be able to remember how the strawberries were lined up.
5. Chill to Settle
Because we want a beautiful clear cut, we let the sandwich rest in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours to set the whipped cream and allow the sandwich to set.
6. Use a sharp knife.
Use a sharp knife (so sharpen before cutting) for a clear beautiful cut to showcase the fruit’s beautiful side.
What to Serve Fruit Sandwich With?
Fruit sandwiches are a sweet treat that is best eaten along with a tea or coffee. I love to eat it with an iced or hot matcha latte. It would also be great with hojicha or lattes.
Other Related Japanese Recipes
FAQ
A: No not really. See Japanese Strawberry Shortcake recipe.
A: The fruit definitely is but the rest of the sandwich uses cream and sugar, so I wouldn’t say it’s something that you should eat often.
A: It’s best to use shokupan because it has sweetness and a soft fluffy texture which makes the sandwich so good. If you can’t buy shokupan, you can make it yourself at home following my popular recipe.
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Measurement
To change the measurements to US customary, click “US Customary” underneath the ingredients list. This converts from Metric units to the customary units used in the USA.
Fruit Sandwich
Ingredients
- 100 g whipping cream (1/2 cup)
- 100 g mascarpone (1/2 cup)
- 15 g sugar 1 tbsp
- 2 tbsp jam *1 any type
- 4 slices Shokupan Japanese bread *2
- 4 small strawberries *3
- 1/2 kiwi fruit
- 1 small banana
Instructions
- Place whipping cream, mascarpone and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Whip them all together by hand till it makes a soft peak.
- Refrigerate whipped cream and mascarpone till it is needed
- Wash strawberries and cut the stem off and wipe off water.
- Peel and cut kiwi fruit.
- Peel and cut banana about 2cm (0.8inch) thick.
- Spread the jam on one side of 4 slices of bread.
- Place the bread on a cling wrap and spread the whipped cream about 1cm (0.4inch) thick.
- Layout the fruit according to how you want to cut the bread, and how the fruit will look when it is cut.
- Drop more whipped cream over the fruit and place another slice of bread to sandwich.
- Wrap with the cling wrap and draw the location of where each fruit piece is with a permanent marker over the cling wrap.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours to settle.
- After refrigerated for 2 hours, take them out and slice it with a sharp knife.
Fruit in a sandwich !! Brilliant.
This was so easy to make and looks sooooo good.
I used to make banana sandwiches and now this is my new favourite.
Ohhh Thank you Frank!! I am glad you found Fruit sandwich is easy to make and is now your favourite 😀
Hello! I have made these and they are absolutely stunning and delicious! I was just wondering how long they would last in the fridge? And if left in too long, would the bread get soggy? Thank you for your time!
Hi Azya, this sandwich will last a day. You would better to eat within a day that you made.
These are so cute. My daughters loved them!
Thank you Taryn 😀 Fantastic
We are always looking for new recipes to serve on the holidays and this one fits the bill. Can’t wait to make this.
Thank you Jacque 😀
Thanks for the detailed explanation! I went to Japan twice this year and now I am so in love with Japanese food and culture! Your blog is amazing!
You are welcome Sarah 😀
what kind of sugar did you use
Hi Elizabeth, I used caster sugar for the look but you can use any sugar. I originally used coconut sugar but it made the whipped cream look brown so I changed to caster sugar 😀
What a beautiful and unique idea! Your presentation is just stunning.
I shall look forward to making this for my friends.
Thank you Alexandra 😀 I am sure your friend will like this 😀
I’ve never seen a fruit sandwich before. I dont know about normal bread but would love to try it on something like sliced angel food cake.
HI Britni, we make this with slices of angel cake too 😀
OK, I have never seen a fruit sandwich before in my life, but now I’m thinking “why the heck don’t we have these in the U.S.?!” They’re beautiful and sound so delicious!! I want to try making one on angel food cake. Thank you for sharing this fun recipe!
Great idea Sues to use angel food cake 😀 n
They have them in the US… every where. Visit any Chinese or Korean Bakery or Market in your area if available. They are sold next to the chickens or Tuna Sandwiches. Also, in the pastry area, Koreans have this made with sponge cake or saeng cream fruit cake… Delish!
Thank you for the information, Neg