Description
Moon cakes are an iconic pastry enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration of family, gratitude, and the full moon. These round, rich pastries are often filled with sweet or savory fillings such as red bean paste, lotus seed paste, and salted egg yolk. A symbol of unity and good fortune, moon cakes have been cherished for centuries across Chinese and other East Asian cultures.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60ml) golden syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon alkaline water (optional, for texture)
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups (400g) lotus seed paste or red bean paste
- 4 salted egg yolks (optional, cut in halves)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, mix golden syrup, vegetable oil, and alkaline water.
- Gradually add the flour and baking soda, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead for 5 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Divide the lotus seed or red bean paste into 8 equal portions.
- If using, place half a salted egg yolk inside each portion and roll into a ball.
Step 3: Assemble the Moon Cakes
- Divide the rested dough into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a flat circle and wrap around a filling ball.
- Gently press into a moon cake mold for design.
Step 4: Bake the Moon Cakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place moon cakes on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with egg wash and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove, let rest for 10 minutes, brush again, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Rest & Enjoy
- Let moon cakes cool completely and store in an airtight container for 1-2 days to soften before eating.
- Serve with tea and enjoy this delightful tradition!
Notes
- Filling Variations: Try black sesame paste, taro, or mixed nuts.
- Storage: Moon cakes last up to a week at room temperature or two weeks in the fridge.
- Best Enjoyed: After 1-2 days when the crust softens and absorbs moisture from the filling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~5 g