For Seniors: Snacks to Make in May That Capture the Season
May has pleasant weather and is a great season to spend time outdoors.
On sunny days, we recommend hosting a little tea party outside.
How about making some sweets that are perfect for May to go along with your tea?
In this article, we’ve carefully selected treats that are ideal for May—such as sweets made with strawberries and matcha, and snacks that evoke Children’s Day.
Of course, we’ve chosen options that are simple and safe to make so that older adults can enjoy them as a recreational activity.
Handmade treats prepared together are sure to be enjoyed by seniors as well.
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[For Seniors] Treat activities that feel seasonal to make in May (11–20)
strawberry candy
Why not try making candied strawberries that let seniors enjoy the festive feel of food stalls? It’s a perfect recipe for a May snack activity when strawberries are in season.
All you need are strawberries, sugar, and water—so simple and convenient! Remove the strawberry tops and skewer them on bamboo sticks.
Having 1 to 3 strawberries per skewer is ideal.
Next, put the sugar and water in a pot and heat.
The trick is not to stir or touch it while heating over medium heat.
Finally, pour the thickened syrup over the strawberries, and you’re done.
The crisp snap of the candy coating is delightful—give it a try!
Warabi Mochi in Anmitsu Style
Warabi mochi has a soft, jiggly texture in the mouth.
It’s often dusted with kinako (roasted soybean flour), but topping it with matcha or drizzling kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) is also delicious.
Warabi mochi is made with warabi starch, though using it can sometimes result in a slightly firmer texture.
Try using store-bought kits designed to make softer warabi mochi, or make a tender version with potato starch (katakuriko).
You can also turn it into an anmitsu-style dessert by adding sweet red bean paste and fruit, then finishing with kuromitsu.
It transforms warabi mochi into a more festive wagashi, which is likely to be appreciated by older adults as well.
strawberry daifuku
From children to seniors, everyone loves ichigo daifuku! This irresistible sweet pairs May’s in-season, sweet-and-tangy strawberries with chewy mochi and red bean paste.
If you swap the mochi for shiratama dumplings, which are less likely to get stuck in the throat, even seniors can enjoy them safely—so give it a try.
Put shiratamako (glutinous rice flour), sugar, and salt in a bowl and mix, then add water little by little.
Once the flour is dissolved, cover with plastic wrap and heat in the microwave.
Meanwhile, remove the stems from the strawberries and wrap them with store-bought red bean paste.
After microwaving, vigorously stir the shiratama mixture until it becomes mochi-like—that’s the key.
When wrapping the strawberries, dust with potato starch to prevent sticking.
This recipe is perfect for making with a large group, so be sure to use it as a reference!
Hojicha pudding
Hojicha pudding you can make without a frying pan or oven.
Let’s whip up a simple and delicious dessert by just heating a mixed batter in the microwave! First, add milk, eggs, and sugar to a large bowl.
Next, mix hojicha powder with chocolate sauce and strain it through a tea strainer.
Finally, heat it in the microwave and then chill it in the refrigerator to finish.
Topping with chocolate sauce or whipped cream makes it feel even more like a professional dessert.
Why not try this sweet treat-making activity? It’s also great for recreational programs or events for seniors.
Stick Banana Pie
Stick Banana Pies that let you enjoy the gentle sweetness of banana and the crisp texture of puff pastry.
They can be made safely in about 15 minutes, so they’re also recommended for seniors who enjoy making sweets.
Cut the bananas into thick slices, brush egg yolk onto puff pastry that’s been divided into four, and arrange the banana pieces on top.
Bake in the oven, and when the surface is nicely golden, they’re done.
A dusting of powdered sugar makes a nice finishing touch.
Enjoy them warm for a toasty aroma, or let them cool to highlight the banana’s sweetness.
This is a dessert that adds color to spring snacks while satisfying both heart and appetite.
chimaki (a Japanese sticky rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves; in Chinese contexts, often called zongzi)
Chimaki, a familiar treat in the Kansai region for the Boys’ Festival in May.
The fresh aroma of bamboo leaves makes it an appetizing dish.
Seasonal foods like this are sure to delight older adults as well! To make it, combine rice flour, glutinous rice flour, and granulated sugar, adding water in several additions.
When the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thick, cover it with plastic wrap and heat it in the microwave.
Wrap the mixture in a cloth, knead it, shape it into a circle, and cut it into five equal pieces.
Finally, form each piece into a cone, wrap it in bamboo leaves, and tie with rush grass to finish! The steps of wrapping with bamboo leaves and tying with rush grass also serve as fine-motor rehabilitation for seniors, so be sure to give it a try.
[For Seniors] Treat Activities That Feel the Season to Make in May (21–30)
Fluffy Marshmallow Mousse
How about a stylish yet super easy marshmallow mousse for a May snack activity? You only need three ingredients: marshmallows, milk, and lemon! Put the marshmallows and milk in a saucepan and heat over medium while whisking.
Once the marshmallows are completely melted, turn off the heat.
Pour the mixture into glasses or other containers, chill in the refrigerator until set, then garnish with a lemon slice—and it’s done! The mousse naturally separates into two layers: the top is fluffy and the bottom is silky-smooth.
It’s fun to make, and the surprising texture is something everyone should try!