Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake Recipe

Mooncakes are renowned traditional pastries in China, essential during the Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolizing reunion and harmony. There are various types of mooncakes, with Cantonese-style mooncakes being famous for their thin crust, generous filling, and soft, sweet taste. Lotus seed paste mooncakes are among the most classic varieties.

Although the Mid-Autumn Festival is still a little way off, the anticipation for moon-gazing and the sense of ceremony are already strong. Of course, we can also experience it ahead of time, such as by making mooncakes ourselves. Today, I'll guide you through a classic and delicious mooncake recipe—Lotus Seed Paste Mooncakes.

1.What is Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake?

Mooncakes are well-known traditional snacks deeply cherished by the Chinese people, especially during traditional festivals. Mooncakes are round and symbolize family unity and harmony, often shared among family members. They are an essential food item during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In ancient times, mooncakes were offered as sacrificial offerings during this festival. The tradition of eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival is said to have started in the Tang Dynasty. By the Northern Song Dynasty, mooncakes became popular not only in the imperial court but also among the common people, initially known as "small cakes" or "moon pastries". Over time, they evolved into their present round shape, symbolizing reunion and harmony, reflecting people's heartfelt wishes for family gatherings and fond memories of loved ones and friends.

Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake is a type of Cantonese-style mooncake originating from the Guangdong region, known for its distinctive Cantonese characteristics. It is loved by many people, especially female friends, for its sweet taste and delicate texture. The main ingredient of Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake is lotus seed paste, complemented by other ingredients. These mooncakes are not only golden in color and crispy on the outside but also have a soft and smooth filling that is irresistibly delicious.

2.Key ingredients used include?

Flour: Medium-gluten flour is preferred for producing mooncakes with a delicate texture.These are crucial ingredients for making mooncakes.

Invert Syrup: Invert syrup is a food product primarily made from granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice, among other ingredients. This syrup can be stored for extended periods without crystallizing, making it an excellent choice for this recipe.

Alkaline water: It's a complex food additive used to adjust the pH of dough (neutralizing acidity in syrup). It's also an essential ingredient in lotus seed paste mooncakes. You can find it at Asian supermarkets or Chinatown.

Salted egg yolks: I'm using ready-made ones, typically sealed in plastic bags, usually found in the refrigerated section of Chinese stores.

Red lotus seed paste filling: Making lotus seed paste from scratch takes time, so you can use ready-made options available at Chinese supermarkets.

3.What tools do you need?

To make traditional baked mooncakes, you'll need the following equipment: an oven, mooncake molds, a kitchen scale, and a pastry brush.

Oven: The oven provides even heat distribution, ensuring the mooncakes receive sufficient heat. It's recommended to set the oven to 165°C with both top and bottom heat, and bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Mooncake mold: I use modern-style plastic mooncake molds with flexible handles. They are neater and easier to use compared to traditional wooden molds.

Kitchen scale: Used to measure the weight of each filling for the mooncakes.

Pastry brush: Used for applying egg wash for coloring.

4.How to make the dough?

Mix the flour, alkaline water, invert syrup, and peanut oil thoroughly until well combined. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for two hours.

5.How to store mooncakes?

①Refrigeration: Refrigeration is a common method to preserve most mooncakes. Place the mooncakes, along with their packaging, in the refrigerator. Take them out about an hour before consumption to ensure optimal taste. However, note that refrigeration may cause the mooncakes to harden slightly, affecting their texture.

②Sealed storage: Place the remaining mooncakes in a sealed bag or container to ensure they are completely sealed. This prevents air and moisture from entering, helping to avoid the mooncakes from becoming hard or dry.

③Avoiding light and moisture: Direct sunlight and humid environments can cause mooncakes to mold and spoil, so it's crucial to store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk mooncakes have a thin and crispy crust that hides a sweet and dense lotus seed paste filling. The salted egg yolks are rich and flavorful, blending savory and sweet tastes harmoniously. Interested friends, let's learn how to make them together!