Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, golden-brown moon-cake. As you break through the crust, a creamy, nutty black sesame custard welcomes you. But the real surprise comes from the heart of the moon-cake: a velvety, black sesame lava filling that oozes forth with every bite.
This black sesame lava moonscape is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. The rich, nutty notes of the black sesame paste combine harmoniously with the sweetness of the custard and the buttery crispness of the crust. The lava filling adds an element of surprise, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Whether you're celebrating with family or friends, this black sesame lava moon-cake is the perfect addition to your Mid-Autumn Festival festivities. Its exquisite taste and visually stunning presentation will impress even the most discerning palate.
A Culinary Tradition: The Moon-cake
Moon-cakes, a culinary delight deeply rooted in Asian culture, are a centerpiece of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These delectable pastries, often round or square, symbolize unity and togetherness, making them a cherished tradition.
With a variety of flavors and fillings, moon-cakes offer a delightful blend of taste and tradition. From the classic lotus paste to modern twists like black sesame lava, there's a moon-cake for every palate.
Beyond their deliciousness, moon-cakes are adorned with intricate designs, adding to their aesthetic appeal and making them a cherished symbol of the festival.
Why not elevate your Moon Festival celebration by making your own moon-cakes? You'll enjoy the satisfaction of creating a culinary masterpiece and the opportunity to customize ingredients to your liking. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a moon-cake-making adventure this Mid-Autumn Festival.
Black Sesame: A Flavorful and Nutritious Ingredient
Beyond its delightful flavor, black sesame seeds offer a wealth of nutritional benefits. Packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, they are a true culinary powerhouse.
Black sesame benefits include lowering cholesterol, supporting bone health, aiding digestion, and enhancing skin health.
By indulging in our black sesame lava moon-cake, you're not only treating yourself to a delicious dessert but also nourishing your body with a variety of essential nutrients.
The Benefits of Using a Dutch Oven for Moon-cake Baking
The cast iron Dutch oven is an invaluable tool for this moon-cake recipe. Its excellent heat retention ensures a consistent temperature throughout the baking process, which is crucial for melding the flavors and cooking the moon-cake thoroughly. The 8.5 oz cast iron pot we used is about 5.5 inch size, handles included. The RJ Legend mini Dutch oven have lids too, but for this recipe, it's not needed to cover for baking. Additionally, the enameled surface provides a non-stick quality, crucial for easy serving and cleaning, making the entire cooking experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Yields: 4-6 moon-cakes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the dough:
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200g all-purpose flour
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80g granulated sugar
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10g vegetable oil
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10g shortening
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100g hot water (about 80-90°C)
For the filling:
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250g black sesame paste
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100g granulated sugar
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20g glutinous rice flour
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the egg wash (optional):
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1 egg yolk
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1 tablespoon water or milk
Equipment:
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8.5 oz Dutch oven from RJ Legend (1 moon-cake for each pot)
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Rolling pin
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Moon-cake mold (optional)
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Small bowl
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Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan
Instructions:
Prepare the dough:
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Combine flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and shortening in a large bowl.
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Gradually add hot water, stirring until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
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Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling:
TIPS: Can increase proportion for more black sesame paste and sugar to make it sweeter and more fluid filling.
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Combine black sesame paste, sugar, glutinous rice flour, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and uniform.
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The filling should be slightly runny to achieve the lava effect. If it's too thick, add a small amount of water or milk and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
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Chill the filling in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until it's firm enough to handle. This will make it easier to roll into balls without it sticking.
Prepare the egg-wash:
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In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and water or milk until smooth.
Assemble the moon-cake:
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Roll the dough into a disk shape: To ensure even thickness, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a circular or square shape.
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Place the black sesame filling in the center: Carefully position the prepared filling in the center of the dough.
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Seal the moon-cake: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together to securely seal the moon-cake.
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Brush the top of the moon-cake with a thin layer of egg-wash.
Cook the moon-cake:
Note: The exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your moon-cake.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place the assembled moon-cake in the 8.5 oz Dutch oven.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bottom of the moon-cake is golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
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To check if the moon-cake is cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the moon-cake is done.
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Repeat the steps until all moon-cakes are cooked or simply prepare more mini Dutch oven to cook all at once.
Finish:
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Let the moon-cake cool slightly.
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Add a final layer of semi-sweet chocolate gauche to the top.
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Let it set before serving.
Moon-cake Size:
The moon-cakes you make with this moon-cake recipe will be similar in size to traditional medium-sized moon-cakes. They would likely be around 3-4 inches in diameter and about 1 inch thick. This size is based on the typical dimensions of moon-cakes and the size of the cast iron Dutch Oven or other bakeware used in the recipe. While the exact size may vary slightly depending on your technique and the specific dimensions of your pots, the moon-cakes you make should be comparable to the standard size of traditional moon-cakes.
Enjoy your homemade black sesame lava moon-cakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival! The runny filling will ooze out when the moon-cake is cut, creating a delightful surprise. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of moon-cakes with a modern twist, making it a perfect addition to your moon festival celebration.
Other delicious moon-cake recipes: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip
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