Iced skin mooncakes, as a distinctive delicacy for the Mid-Autumn Festival, are very popular among the public. This type of mooncake originated in Hong Kong and was initially rare, quickly gaining people’s favor due to its unique promotional slogan and wonderful taste. Although many people have a special affection for it, they may not fully understand the intricate craftsmanship behind its production. Next, let us explore the ingredients and the process of making iced skin mooncakes.
The ingredients required to make iced skin mooncakes include cake flour, duck egg yolks, red bean paste, syrup, alkaline water, cooking oil, and eggs. The steps are as follows: First, mix cake flour, syrup, alkaline water, and cooking oil in a ratio of 5:4:1.4:1 to form a uniform dough. Then, divide the dough into several small pieces and roll them into flat discs for later use. Next, form small round cakes from the red bean paste, wrap the duck egg yolk in it, and pinch it tightly to create the filling. Then, wrap the filling in the dough disc and roll it into a ball again.
A key step in the production is using a wooden mooncake mold. First, sprinkle some dry flour inside the mold to prevent sticking, then place the filled dough ball into the mold, pressing and flattening it well, and finally gently knock out the formed mooncake shell. To achieve a golden sheen on the surface of the mooncake, prepare an egg wash (3 egg yolks mixed with 1 whole egg) and evenly brush it onto the surface of the mooncake. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius, place the processed mooncakes on a baking tray, and bake for about 20 minutes, taking them out midway to brush with egg wash again to enhance the color and flavor.
It is worth noting that the skin of iced skin mooncakes is made from cooked glutinous rice flour, which makes the mooncake skin prone to aging, resulting in a shorter shelf life. However, it is this unique iced skin that gives the mooncake its extraordinary delicate texture. Why not try making it yourself? Not only can you showcase your culinary skills to friends and family, but you can also share the joy of homemade delicious iced skin mooncakes, receiving compliments and satisfaction.
