Authentic Homemade Mooncakes: A Traditional Chinese Delight

Ingredients

  • 200g golden syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon lye water (potassium carbonate solution)
  • 70g vegetable oil
  • 270g cake flour
  • 1 large egg, for egg wash
  • 1/4 teaspoon white sesame oil, for egg wash
  • 400g red bean paste, for filling
  • 50g melon seeds, for filling
  • 8 salted egg yolks (optional)
  • Food coloring for decoration (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Stir together the golden syrup, lye water, and vegetable oil until well combined.
  2. Sift the cake flour into the syrup mixture and gently stir until a dough forms.
  3. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
  4. Meanwhile, divide the red bean paste and melon seeds into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls.
  5. If using salted egg yolks, place one yolk into each paste ball, wrapping the paste around it.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
  7. After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal portions.
  8. Roll each portion out into a disc and wrap it around a paste ball, sealing the edges.
  9. Place the mooncakes seam-side down and gently press them into a mooncake mold to imprint the design.
  10. Arrange the mooncakes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  11. Mix the egg with sesame oil for the egg wash, then brush it lightly over the mooncakes.
  12. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mooncakes are golden brown.
  13. Optionally, after the mooncakes have cooled, paint on designs with food coloring for extra decoration.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Using different types of flour such as wheat flour, glutinous rice flour, or whole wheat flour for a different texture and flavor.
  • Replacing the red bean paste filling with lotus seed paste, black sesame paste, or mung bean paste.
  • Adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
  • Making a snow skin mooncake variation with a soft and chewy outer layer made from glutinous rice flour.
  • Creating a savory mooncake by using a meat or vegetable filling such as minced pork, chicken, or mushrooms.
  • Experimenting with different molds and shapes to create unique designs for the mooncakes.
  • Adding spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to the dough for a more aromatic taste.
  • Using alternative sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of golden syrup.
  • Incorporating matcha powder or cocoa powder into the dough for a flavored crust.

Recipe overview

This traditional Mooncake recipe is a guide to making the iconic treat commonly enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These sweet pastries are characterized by their beautifully embossed exterior and rich, sweet filling. Our version features a luscious red bean paste studded with melon seeds and an optional salted egg yolk center, all enveloped in a tender and slightly sweet crust. While making mooncakes can be a bit time-consuming, the process is rewarding and the result is a batch of stunning, delicious mooncakes that are a joy to share with family and friends. Happy baking!

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the golden syrup? - Yes, you can substitute golden syrup with honey or corn syrup.
  2. What can I use instead of lye water? - You can substitute lye water with alkaline water or kansui.
  3. Can I use a different type of flour? - Cake flour is recommended for its texture, but you can use all-purpose flour if cake flour is not available.
  4. Can I omit the salted egg yolks? - Yes, salted egg yolks are optional. You can make mooncakes without them or use other fillings of your choice.
  5. How do I store the mooncakes? - Store the mooncakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
  6. Can I freeze the mooncakes? - Yes, you can freeze the mooncakes for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature before consuming.
  7. Do I need a mooncake mold? - A mooncake mold helps in shaping and decorating the mooncakes, but if you don't have one, you can shape them by hand or use cookie cutters for different designs.
  8. Can I add other fillings? - Absolutely! You can experiment with different fillings such as lotus seed paste, black sesame paste, or even chocolate ganache.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ingredients and forming the dough.
  • Cling Wrap - Used to wrap and rest the dough.
  • Mooncake Mold - A specialized mold for shaping and imprinting the mooncakes.
  • Baking Tray - A flat tray used to hold and bake the mooncakes in the oven.
  • Parchment Paper - Lined on the baking tray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Pastry Brush - Used to brush the egg wash onto the mooncakes before baking.
  • Sifter - To sift the cake flour and ensure a smooth and lump-free dough.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into discs for wrapping the filling.

Origin stories

Mooncakes are an indispensable part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese communities. The folklore of the mooncake dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), a time when China was ruled by the Mongolian people. It is said that the mooncakes played a key role in the uprising against Mongol rule. Rebel leaders embedded messages inside the mooncakes, which were then distributed to every household. As families cut open these treats during the celebration, they discovered the hidden messages and were alerted about the planned rebellion. Since then, mooncakes have become a symbol of unity and rebellion, and every Mid-Autumn Festival, people share mooncakes with their loved ones, recalling the spirit of unity that helped the Chinese overthrow the Mongols.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.