Sep 43 min read

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival l Homemade Recipe Lotus Mooncakes with Salted Egg Yolks Flavor

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, families come together to enjoy mooncakes, lanterns, and the beautiful full moon. Among the many delicious fillings for mooncakes, salted egg yolk stands out as a favorite, particularly among Cambodians. It adds a savory flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake. This delightful treat is cherished not only in China but also in Cambodia!

Why Choose Homemade Lotus Mooncakes with Salted Egg Yolks Flavor?

Customization: Tailor the fillings to suit your taste preferences.
Freshness: Enjoy the delightful flavor of freshly made mooncakes.
Tradition: Create memorable family moments by baking together

Now, let’s walk through a simple recipe to make these delicious mooncakes at home! The process involves four key steps, so be sure to understand each one before you begin. This recipe yields around 8 mooncakes, making it perfect for celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Let’s get started!

First take a look at the ingredients:

For the Golden Syrup:

1/2 pound of granulated sugar (which is about 1 cup and 2 tablespoons)
Water: 1/2 cup of water
Lemon Juice: From half a lemon

For the Lotus Seed Paste Filling:

12 ounces dried lotus seeds (pre-halved is best)
4 to 4 1/2 cups water (for cooking the seeds)
1 2/3 cups powdered sugar (icing sugar or confectioner’s sugar)
1¼ cups peanut oil or corn oil
1/3 cup maltose (a sweet syrup)

For the Mooncake Dough:

200g all-purpose flour
120g golden syrup
1/4 tsp alkaline water (lye water)

For Assembly:

8 salted egg yolks (baked or steamed until cooked)

For the Egg Wash:

1-2 egg yolks
1-2 tablespoons water

Secondly the tools:

Saucepan
Mixing Bowl
Plastic Wrap
Food Processor
Large Pot
Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Mooncake Mold
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet
Pastry Brush

Instructions:

Step I: Make the Golden Syrup (you can also buy it at the convenience stores if you prefer, but making it at home is always a better option for freshness and flavor)

Heat Sugar and Water: In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add Lemon Juice: Once boiling, add lemon juice, stir briefly, and reduce heat to low.
Simmer: Simmer for 60-70 minutes without stirring, until the syrup turns light amber. If too thick, add hot water to thin.
Cool and Store: Pour into a heat proof container, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator.

Step II: Make the Lotus Seed Paste Filling

Prepare the Lotus Seeds: Split, remove green centers, rinse, and soak seeds overnight. Drain and rinse.
Cook the Lotus Seeds: Simmer with 4 cups of water for 30 minutes until softened. Cool and drain.
Make the Lotus Puree: Puree seeds in batches, adding reserved liquid until smooth. Transfer to a pan.
Cook the Lotus Paste: Heat and stir constantly, adding oil, sugar, and maltose in batches. Cook until slightly firmer.
Cool and Store: Cool completely and store in the refrigerator.

Step III: Prepare the Dough

Mix the Dough: Combine flour, golden syrup, and alkaline water in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, ensure the lotus paste is slightly firmer and can hold its shape, then allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, store the lotus filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator, you can make this a day ahead for easier handling after chilling.

Step IV: Assemble the Mooncakes

Prepare the Filling: Divide lotus seed paste into 8 portions. Flatten each, place a salted egg yolk in the center, and wrap into a smooth ball. Set aside.
Shape the Mooncakes: Divide dough into 8 portions. Flatten, place a filled paste ball in the center, wrap dough around it, and press into a mold.
Bake the Mooncakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush mooncakes with egg wash (1-2 egg yolks mixed with 1-2 tablespoons water). Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Rest and Enjoy: Let mooncakes rest for 1-2 days. Store in an airtight container.

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, you're ready to embark on this delightful baking journey! Making mooncakes is not just about the end product, it's about sharing the experience and joy with family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results. Happy baking, and may your mooncakes bring warmth and happiness to your Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations! 🌕🥮