Snow Skin Mooncake Recipe
Snow skin mooncakes are a delightful variation of traditional mooncakes, typically enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Unlike their baked counterparts, these mooncakes have a soft, chewy outer layer made from glutinous rice flour and are usually served chilled. The filling can be sweet or savory, with popular choices including red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or even ice cream. Here’s a detailed recipe for making snow skin mooncakes from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Snow Skin:
- 250g (2 cups) glutinous rice flour
- 50g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
- 150g (3/4 cup) icing sugar
- 200ml (3/4 cup) water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Food coloring (optional)
For the Filling:
- 250g (about 1 cup) red bean paste or lotus seed paste (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: salted egg yolks, chopped nuts, or fruit for added flavor and texture
For Dusting:
- Extra cornstarch, for dusting
Equipment
- Mooncake molds (plastic or wooden)
- Mixing bowls
- A steamer or large pot with a steaming rack
- A rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Make the Filling:
- If using store-bought red bean paste or lotus seed paste, you can skip this step. For homemade paste, cook soaked red beans or lotus seeds until soft, then mash or blend them with sugar until smooth.
- Divide the filling into small portions (about 30g each) and roll them into balls. If you’re adding salted egg yolks or nuts, ensure that they’re evenly distributed within the filling. Cover the filling balls with plastic wrap and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Snow Skin
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, cornstarch, and icing sugar. Mix well until there are no lumps.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix the water and vegetable oil. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until you form a smooth batter. If you want to add food coloring, divide the batter into portions and mix in the colors to achieve your desired hues.
- Steam the Batter:
- Prepare a steamer and bring water to a boil. Line a heatproof dish with parchment paper, and pour the snow skin batter into it. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Steam the batter on high heat for about 25-30 minutes. Cover the steamer with a lid to avoid water dripping onto the batter. After steaming, let it cool slightly before handling.
Step 3: Assemble the Mooncakes
- Knead the Snow Skin:
- Once the snow skin is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a lightly dusted surface with cornstarch. Knead it for a few minutes until smooth and pliable.
- Shape the Mooncakes:
- Divide the snow skin into pieces, roughly 30g each. Flatten each piece with your palm, creating a small disk.
- Place a filling ball in the center of the disk, then fold the edges of the snow skin over the filling, pinching it closed. Roll it gently into a smooth ball.
- Mold the Mooncakes:
- Dust your mooncake mold with a little cornstarch to prevent sticking. Place the filled ball into the mold, pressing it down gently. Use the plunger or lid to create the mooncake shape. Carefully release the mooncake from the mold.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Mooncakes:
- Place the molded mooncakes on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until they are firm and chilled. This step helps enhance the chewy texture of the snow skin.
- Serve:
- Once chilled, your snow skin mooncakes are ready to be served! They can be enjoyed plain or garnished with fresh fruits, sesame seeds, or edible flowers for a decorative touch.
Tips for Success
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Other popular options include chocolate ganache, fruit puree, or even ice cream for a modern twist.
- Storage: Snow skin mooncakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are best enjoyed fresh but can last longer if stored properly.
- Mold Sizes: Depending on the size of your molds, you can adjust the quantities for the filling and skin accordingly.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful snow skin mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival or any time you crave a sweet, chewy treat!