Best 6 Midnight Moon Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Midnight Mooncake, a delectable pastry hailing from the culinary traditions of China. This traditional Chinese treat, also known as Wuren Su, is a delightful ensemble of five nuts and seeds—walnuts, melon seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, and peanuts—all harmoniously enveloped within a tender, flaky pastry. Our curated collection of recipes offers diverse variations of this beloved delicacy, encompassing both traditional and modern interpretations. Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of crafting the perfect Midnight Mooncake, exploring the nuances of each recipe and the unique flavors they impart.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

MOONCAKES



Mooncakes image

Mooncakes are traditionally enjoyed during the Chinese and Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival, when families gather to give thanks for the harvest and pray for longevity and good fortune. Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark of this festival (some even call it the Mooncake Festival!). In Chinese culture, a round shape symbolizes completeness and reunion, and sharing the round pastries with relatives signifies the unity of families. The pastries are made of a tender dough stuffed with a sweet filling -- often lotus seed paste or red bean paste. The top of each mooncake has an intricate design, achieved by pressing the pastry into a mold; traditional molds are shaped like wooden paddles, modern presses are spring-loaded and made of plastic. Bakeries stamp their mooncakes with their own designs; flowers, vines and moons are common. Every family has its favorite version of the pastry, based on passed-down recipes or where they like to buy the cakes. Our take is filled with white lotus paste, made by boiling and pureeing dried lotus seeds that you then cook with caramelized sugar. To set the beautiful stamped design, we bake the mooncakes for 10 minutes before brushing them with egg wash (the key to their glossy finish).

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 11h55m

Yield 12 mooncakes

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup dried lotus seeds
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 cup golden syrup
1/2 teaspoon alkaline water (also called kansui)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2/3 cup cake flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • For the lotus paste: Place the dried lotus seeds in a medium bowl and cover with plenty of room temperature water. Let the seeds soak and rehydrate for at least 6 hours, and preferably overnight.
  • Rinse the lotus seeds under cold water, then split them in half to remove and discard the green sprout in the center (they are very bitter). Transfer the seeds to a large pot and fill with plenty of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until the seeds are tender enough to smash with a fork, about 1 hour. Drain well, then transfer the seeds to a food processor while they are still warm, add 3/4 cup sugar and puree until very smooth. (Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water if necessary to get a very smooth texture). Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then cook until caramelized and deep golden, about 5 minutes. Add the lotus puree and cook, stirring continuously, until most of the moisture has been cooked out and the puree is similar in texture to thick mashed potatoes, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the remaining 1/3 cup vegetable shortening, then continue to cook, stirring continuously, until all of the shortening has fully incorporated and the paste is very thick, glossy and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 6 minutes more. (The final lotus paste should be amber brown in color and almost stretchy in texture.) Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool completely.
  • For the mooncake dough: Meanwhile, whisk together the golden syrup, alkaline water and vegetable oil in a large bowl until combined. Add the cake and all-purpose flours, then stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Gently knead the dough until it comes together completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and set aside to rest, about 45 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Divide the lotus paste into 12 equal pieces (each about 2 1/2 tablespoons) and roll into golf ball-size balls. Place on a plate and chill in the refrigerator, 20 to 30 minutes. The colder the balls, the easier it will be to shape the mooncakes.
  • Roll about 1 tablespoon of the mooncake dough into a ball, then place between 2 pieces of parchment paper that have been lightly dusted with flour. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and 3 1/2 to 4 inches wide. Place one of the lotus paste balls in the center of the dough, and shape the dough around it, pinching the edges to seal. Roll the ball in your hands to smooth the exterior.
  • Place the assembled ball in a plastic 2-inch wide miniature mooncake press mold, then turn the press upright on your work surface. Press the plunger down until you feel resistance, then lift the mooncake mold off the table and use the plunger to carefully press the mooncake out. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, then refrigerate while you make the remaining mooncakes in the same manner.
  • Bake the mooncakes until the tops are no longer shiny and the dough has just set, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Whisk the egg together with a splash of water in a small bowl, then brush over the tops and sides of each mooncake. Return to the oven and bake until deep golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let cool on the baking sheet 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container for 2 days (they'll get shinier as they sit).

MIDNIGHT MOON CAKE



Midnight Moon Cake image

Make and share this Midnight Moon Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by scarley

Categories     Cheesecake

Time 1h15m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

23 chocolate wafers (reserve 3 wafers for the bat wings)
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup Twix candy bar, chopped
4 tablespoons butter, melted 2/3 cup chopped MILKY WAY Bars
1/4 cup low-fat milk
3 (8 ounce) packages fat free cream cheese, room temperature
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
yellow food coloring
3 m&m's brand peanut butter chocolate candies

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°F Prepare the baking pan. Line the bottom of an 8-inch round spring form pan with heavy-duty foil. Grease the pan's sides and bottom. Wrap foil around the outside of the pan; set aside.
  • Process 20 chocolate wafers, 2 tablespoons of sugar and TWIX® Cookie Bars in a food processor fitted with a metal blade until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until combined. Press the mixture evenly around the bottom of the prepared pan. Place that pan into a larger pan, such as a shallow roasting pan. Set aside.
  • Prepare the batter by heating MILKY WAY® Bars and milk in a microwave until melted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition
  • Divide the batter between two mixing bowls. In one bowl, add cocoa powder and the chocolate mixture; stir until blended. Pour chocolate batter into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Tint the remaining bowl of batter yellow. Gently spoon this yellow batter on top of the chocolate layer, covering it completely.
  • Before baking, create a water bath to keep the top of the cheesecake from badly cracking. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the side of the cheesecake pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the cheesecake sets with a 2-inch jiggly circle in the center. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake remain inside for 30 minutes with the door ajar. At this time, remove the roasting pan to a wire rack, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the water bath until it lowers to room temperature. Remove the cheesecake pan from the water bath and loosely cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into wedges.
  • To unmold the cake, gently run a small knife around the pan's edges; loosen the hinge, and remove the cake. Place on a serving platter.
  • To make the bats, cut the 3 reserved cookie wafers in half. Either leave the edges jagged or, using a small cookie cutter, press out a scalloped edge. Arrange pairs of the cookie halves close together to resemble bat wings, pressing the inside tips slightly into the top of the cake. Place black M&M'S® Brand Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies in between for the bats' bodies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162.2, Fat 6.1, SaturatedFat 3.1, Cholesterol 64.3, Sodium 321.6, Carbohydrate 18.9, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 12.4, Protein 8.6

CRAZY CRATER CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW MOON CAKE



Crazy Crater Chocolate Marshmallow Moon Cake image

Make and share this Crazy Crater Chocolate Marshmallow Moon Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by GABREEZY

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 1 cake, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1/2 cup miniature marshmallow

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In an 8" round cake pan, mix together the
  • flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
  • With a spoon, dig one 1 1/2" and two 3/4" holes in the flour mixture. Put the oil in the big hole and vinegar and vanilla in the small holes.
  • Pour the milk over everything and mix to the consistency of mud.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, then sprinkle on the marshmallows. Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the center springs back when pressed lightly and the marshmallows have melted into tan "moon rocks" (hence the name of the recipe). Set the pan on a rack to cool and serve right out of the pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 333.9, Fat 11.9, SaturatedFat 2.3, Cholesterol 4.3, Sodium 248.6, Carbohydrate 54.6, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 33.2, Protein 4

MOON CAKE



Moon Cake image

I have six grandchildren and this is one of their favorite desserts. If I don't take it to potlucks, I hear lots of groans! Everyone wants the recipe after they've tried it.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield about 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

CRUST:
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
FILLING:
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
TOPPING:
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Chocolate sauce
Chopped nuts

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition., Spread on a greased 15x10x1-in. jelly roll pan. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes. Cool but do not prick, leaving surface with its "moon-like" appearance. , Meanwhile, for filling, beat pudding and milk until thick. Add cream cheese; blend well. Spread on crust; refrigerate 20 minutes. Top with whipped topping. Drizzle chocolate sauce over top and sprinkle with nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 253 calories, Fat 17g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 96mg cholesterol, Sodium 238mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 5g protein.

MIDNIGHT MOON COOKIES



Midnight Moon Cookies image

Inspired by an Edgar Allan Poe story in which a demonic cat is "graven in bas-relief upon the white surface" of a wall, these cakey black-and-white cookies feature the chocolate silhouette of a fur-raised feline set against a full moon of glossy icing.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 10 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 14

Vegetable oil, cooking spray
1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour (not self-rising)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
1 pound confectioners' sugar (4 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup boiling water, plus more as needed
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

Steps:

  • Make the cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray, line with parchment, and coat parchment. Sift flours, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl.
  • Beat butter and granulated sugar with a mixer on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium, and add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, then add vanilla. Reduce speed to low, and beat in flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour.
  • Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round tip. Pipe batter into ten 1/2-inch-thick, 3 1/2-inch-wide rounds, spacing them 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake cookies until firm but not browned on bottoms, 9 to 10 minutes. Transfer parchment with cookies to wire racks, and let cool.
  • Make the cats and icing: Place melted chocolate in a pastry bag fitted with the smallest round tip. Tape 10 cat templates onto a baking sheet, then tape waxed paper over templates to baking sheet. Pipe chocolate on center and legs of 1 cat. Using a toothpick, spread chocolate to edges for fur. Repeat with remaining cats and chocolate. Freeze until hard, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, sift confectioners' sugar into a large bowl. Add boiling water in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until mixture is smooth. Add butter, and whisk until smooth, adding more water if needed to thin.
  • Remove cats from freezer, and cut waxed paper around each cat. Return to freezer. Spread a thin layer of icing on flat side of 1 cookie. Peel waxed paper from 1 cat. Using a small offset spatula, flip a cat, smooth side up, then center on icing. Repeat with remaining cookies, icing, and cats.

MOON CAKE



Moon Cake image

I got this simple yet delicious recipe from a lady named Elaine, who I work for. I work in a kitchen of a country club and this is one of many desserts that they serve, and by far my favorite! Drizzle with chocolate syrup and use a knife to make a design.

Provided by TARYN003

Categories     Desserts     Cakes

Time 1h30m

Yield 35

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup water
½ cup margarine
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
¼ cup chocolate syrup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and lightly grease a jelly roll pan.
  • In a large saucepan, bring water and margarine to a boil. Remove from heat, and mix in flour with electric mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Spread evenly in prepared pan .
  • Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to cool completely
  • In large bowl, combine pudding mix, milk and cream cheese. Mix with electric mixer until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled crust. Top with whipped topping and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Chill in refrigerator and serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 132.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Cholesterol 81.9 mg, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 2.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 140 mg, Sugar 6.9 g

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality chocolate, and real dairy products. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your cake.
  • Be precise with your measurements: This is especially important for baking recipes. If you don't have a kitchen scale, invest in one. It will help you get accurate measurements and ensure that your cake turns out perfectly.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake at the right temperature: The temperature of your oven can affect the texture and flavor of your cake. Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.

Conclusion:

Midnight Moon Cake is a great recipe for those who love a moist and flavorful chocolate cake. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed with children. The cake is a cross between a pound cake and a chocolate cake, with a light texture and a rich chocolate flavor. It is perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a delicious and elegant cake that will impress your friends and family.

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