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What is Wuren Mooncakes?

Wuren Mooncakes are traditional pastries named for their filling, which includes five types of nuts. Common nuts used are walnuts, almonds, and peanuts. The mooncakes are round and golden, with a soft, flaky crust and a rich, varied filling that is crispy and slightly sweet and sour from the dried fruits.

The ingredients include flour and glucose syrup for the skin, and nuts and dried fruits for the filling. They are made through a series of steps: mixing, rolling out the dough, filling, molding, and baking. These mooncakes, like salted egg yolk pastries, are a classic treat for traditional festivals.

Why Try Homemade Wuren Mooncakes?

If you make wuren mooncakes at home, you’ll find that once you taste your homemade version, you won’t want to buy them.

They’re not overly sweet or greasy, and the nuts are fresh and clean, with a fragrant chew. The clear patterns make them visually appealing, and both the color and texture are excellent.

I believe mooncakes are one of the easiest pastries to make, much simpler than buns, mantou, or cakes. They’re one of my favorite pastries to make. I often prepare them as snacks, and they’re great for filling up when you’re hungry.

With Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, why not make some yourself? They’re perfect for enjoying at home or as gifts.

Ingredients:

For the Mooncake Skin:

180g mooncake syrup
5g lye water
60g corn oil
270g all-purpose flour

For the Wuren Filling:

Nuts:

80g walnuts
80g pumpkin seeds
60g sunflower seeds
70g peanuts
25g black sesame seeds (peanuts and black sesame should be roasted; walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds should be roasted at 160°C for 7-8 minutes and cooled)

Dried fruits:

45g dried cranberries
45g diced dried tangerines
45g dried mango (cut into small pieces)

Others:

45g mooncake syrup
36g corn oil
180g lotus seed paste (low sugar)

Instructions:

Prepare the Mooncake Skin:

Mix the mooncake syrup, lye water, and corn oil in a large bowl until well combined.
Gradually add the flour while stirring with a spatula until it forms a crumbly mixture.
Knead the dough with your hands until smooth. Avoid over-kneading to prevent the dough from becoming tough.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest for 2 hours.

Prepare the Five-Nut Filling:

Combine the roasted and cooled walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts in a large bowl.
Add the black sesame seeds, dried cranberries, diced tangerines, and dried mango. Mix well.
Add the mooncake syrup and corn oil, and mix again.
Finally, add the lotus seed paste and mix thoroughly until well combined.
Divide the filling into 45g balls and set aside.

Assemble the Mooncakes:

Divide the rested mooncake skin dough into 30g pieces and roll them into balls.
Flatten each ball slightly with your palm.
Place a nut filling ball in the center of each dough piece, then wrap the dough around the filling, sealing the edges tightly.
Lightly dust the mooncake with flour, place the filled mooncake in the mold, and press to imprint the design.
Remove the mooncake from the mold and place it on a baking tray.

Bake the Mooncakes:

Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
Spray some water on the surface of the mooncakes, then bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set.
Remove the mooncakes, brush with a thin layer of egg yolk wash (1 egg yolk mixed with 15g water).
Return to the oven and bake for another 15-18 minutes until the mooncakes are golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack before storing or enjoying.

Tips:

Adjust the types and amounts of nuts based on personal preference.
Monitor the nuts while roasting to avoid burning, and let them cool before use.
Be careful while wrapping the mooncakes to ensure an even cover and tight seal.
Apply the egg yolk wash lightly to avoid smudging the designs.
Adjust baking time and temperature based on your oven.

I hope this recipe helps you make delicious Five-Nut Mooncakes!

Print Pin

Wuren Mooncakes Recipe

If you make Wuren Mooncakes at home, you’ll find that once you taste your homemade version, you won’t want to buy them. They’re not overly sweet or greasy, and the nuts are fresh and clean, with a fragrant chew. The clear patterns make them visually appealing, and both the color and texture are excellent.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Chinese

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 25

Servings

Calories 795kcal