Moon Cake Filling: Lotus Paste

Creative Mooncake Fillings: From Tradition to Twist

Mooncakes are a delightful canvas for culinary creativity, offering a wide array of fillings to suit any palate. For those who cherish tradition, lotus seed paste remains a beloved classic its tender texture and subtly sweet flavor can be customized by adjusting the sugar content when made at home.

For added richness, salted egg yolk is an exquisite addition. I like to include one or two yolks per cake for a more indulgent flavor, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler, cleaner bite.

If you're in the mood to explore beyond the traditional, here are a few inspired filling ideas to spark your creativity:

  1. Red Bean Paste
    Smooth and gently earthy, red bean is a timeless staple that offers a comforting sweetness and pairs beautifully with the mooncake’s tender crust.

  2. Black Sesame
    Rich, nutty, and aromatic, black sesame brings a bold, toasty depth that adds character and intrigue to every bite.

  3. Matcha Green Tea
    A modern favorite, matcha offers a vibrant green hue and a slight bitterness that balances perfectly with sweet elements like white bean or lotus paste.

  4. Pineapple & Coconut
    Bright, tropical, and refreshing—this duo delivers a juicy contrast to the rich pastry shell, making each bite feel like a vacation.

  5. Chocolate & Hazelnut
    Think of this as mooncake meets dessert truffle: decadent, creamy, and ideal for chocolate lovers who want a luxurious twist on tradition.

  6. Mung Bean Paste
    Buttery and smooth with a gentle flavor, mung bean is a delicate and satisfying choice for those who enjoy subtle, comforting sweetness.

  7. Savory Mixed Nuts & Meat
    A bold and hearty option. Combine roasted nuts (cashews, sesame, sunflower seeds) with savory elements like Chinese sausage or BBQ chicken. Candied orange peel or lemon adds contrast. Adjust the balance of meat, nuts, and sweet elements to match your personal taste.

The joy of mooncakes lies in their versatility. Whether you remain faithful to tradition or venture into inventive territory, each mooncake you craft can be a delicious reflection of your taste, creativity, and heritage. Let the filling tell your story.

Moon cake

 Watch my video how to make mooncake on YouTube Chanel Ti’s Kitchen

Lotus Seed paste

Lotus paste fry in oil looks shy and translucent look

Supplies:

Plastic mold I use

  • Mixing bowl medium size or stand mixer

  • Mooncake mold

  • Rolling pin

  • Scale

  • Baking tray

  • Stand mixer machine, Electric handheld mechine






Lotus Paste’s Basic

Ingredients: 

  • 1 package of dried lotus -227g

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 100g sugar

  • 50 ml oil

  • 3 tbsp maltose or light corn syrup

Flavour Optional for Lotus Paste:

  • Orange blossom 1-2 tsp

  • Vanilla 2 bags sugar vanilla or non color vanilla

  • Pandan 1 tsp

  • Salt egg yolks

  • Toast Melon seeds if available

  • Winter lemon candy chopped


Steps:

  1. Begin by rinse and soak seeds overnight.

  2. Cook the seeds in 5 cups of water with baking soda until tender, about 40 minutes.

  3. Drain excess water, and add sugar cook for 10-20 minutes on medium-low heat,

  4. Process the mixture in a food processor or Mash cooked seeds into a fine paste

  5. Then fry the paste in a non-stick skillet with oil over medium lower heat, stirring constantly until the paste thickens and gooey; adjust heat as necessary

  6. Store lotus paste in airtight containers. Refrigerate or freeze for up to 3 months

  7. Use lotus paste within 2 weeks for optimal flavor

Mixing the pandan flavour 

Lotus pandan paste and salt yolk filling

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality lotus seeds (e.g., Nelumbo nucifera)

  • Freshness matters: Opt for recently harvested seeds

  • Stir frequently to prevent lumps

  • Adjust sugar content to balance sweetness

  • Add oil gradually to maintain smooth texture

  • Test consistency: Paste should be smooth, shiny, and hold its shape

Common Issues and Solutions

 

1. Grainy texture: Overcook or insufficient stirring

2. Too sweet: Adjust sugar content

3. Too oily: Reduce oil amount

 Enjoy these mooncake ! Happy Autumn Festival !

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