Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe

If you have a soft spot for delicate desserts that combine a chewy texture with fresh fruity flavors, this Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe is an absolute must-try. These mooncakes are ethereal and tender, with a subtly sweet snow skin that blankets a luscious strawberry jelly center, bringing a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a unique treat, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is key for mastering this Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing to the soft texture of the dough, the natural sweetness of the strawberry filling, or the beautiful pastel hue that makes these mooncakes so inviting.

• 150g glutinous rice flour: Also called sweet rice flour, it gives the dough its signature chewy, elastic texture.
• 50g powdered sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness without graininess, perfect for delicate desserts.
• 50g coconut milk: Brings a rich, creamy undertone and keeps the dough tender.
• 30g vegetable oil: Provides moisture and a smooth mouthfeel in the snow skin.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle aromatic touch.
• 1 tablespoon strawberry puree: Fresh or store-bought, this infuses the dough with a lovely pink tint and fruity hint.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (pureed): The star ingredient for a fresh, vibrant filling.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the strawberry filling perfectly without overpowering its natural tartness.
• 1 tablespoon agar-agar powder: Sets the strawberry mixture into a firm yet tender jelly.
• 2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the agar and sugar for the filling’s consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Begin by simmering the strawberry puree with sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture warms through. This step intensifies the natural fruitiness and creates a luscious base for your jelly.

Step 2: Activate the Agar-Agar

Add the agar-agar powder to the warm mixture and stir until it dissolves fully. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, which is crucial to activate the agar’s gelling properties, ensuring your filling will set with the perfect, firm texture.

Step 3: Set the Jelly Filling

Pour the mixture into a shallow tray or silicone molds. Allow it to cool at room temperature until completely set. Once firm, cut the jelly into small, round pieces that are just the right size to become the sweet surprise inside each mooncake.

Step 4: Make the Snow Skin Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together glutinous rice flour, powdered sugar, and coconut milk until smooth. This mixture forms the tender dough that wraps around the filling, key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Add Oil and Vanilla

Mix in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract thoroughly. The oil keeps the snow skin soft yet pliable, while the vanilla adds a depth of flavor that complements the strawberry notes beautifully.

Step 6: Incorporate Strawberry Puree

Fold in the tablespoon of strawberry puree gently. Watch as the dough takes on a soft pink hue — a visual cue that you’re crafting something truly special. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky but manageable enough to shape.

Step 7: Divide and Flatten the Dough

Portion the dough into small balls, roughly 15 to 18 grams each depending on your mold size. Flatten each ball into a 3-inch round disk with your hands, ready to encase the luscious strawberry jelly.

Step 8: Encase the Strawberry Jelly

Place one piece of the strawberry jelly in the center of each dough disk. Carefully fold the edges over the filling, sealing it snugly so the jelly stays inside during shaping and chilling.

Step 9: Dust and Shape

Lightly dust the outside with glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking. Then, dust your mooncake mold as well before firmly pressing the dough ball inside. This step gives the mooncake its beautiful embossed pattern and neat shape.

Step 10: Chill to Set

Remove the shaped mooncake from the mold and place the collection in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. This chilling firms up the snow skin and the jelly filling, making the mooncakes easier to handle and enhancing their chewy texture.

How to Serve Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple but stunning finish, dust the mooncakes lightly with powdered sugar or apply a thin brush of edible pearl dust to add a subtle shimmer. You can also garnish with a small fresh strawberry slice on the side to highlight the main flavor and add a pop of color.

Side Dishes

Pair these mooncakes with a fragrant jasmine tea or a lightly brewed green tea. The floral and fresh notes in the teas cleanse the palate beautifully between bites, letting you savor the mooncakes’ sweetness and chewy texture fully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe on a bamboo steamer lined with banana leaves for an authentic touch. Alternatively, arrange them on a cake stand with fresh edible flowers or berries to create a festive, eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your mooncakes, keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents them from drying out and maintains their soft snow skin texture for up to 2 to 3 days, so you won’t have to rush to eat them.

Freezing

If you want a longer shelf life, you can freeze the mooncakes by placing them in a single layer on a baking tray first to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When frozen, they can last for up to one month without losing their deliciousness.

Reheating

To enjoy the mooncakes after freezing, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you want to slightly soften the snow skin, steam the mooncakes lightly for about 2 to 3 minutes or warm them briefly in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat, which could make them too sticky.

FAQs

What makes snow skin mooncakes different from traditional mooncakes?

Snow skin mooncakes are made with glutinous rice flour and are never baked, resulting in a soft, chewy texture distinct from the baked, pastry-like exterior of traditional mooncakes. They are served cold or chilled, making them lighter and perfect for warmer climates.

Can I use gelatin instead of agar-agar in this Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe?

Yes, gelatin can be substituted for agar-agar, but keep in mind that gelatin requires soaking in cold water before use and may produce a slightly different texture. Agar-agar creates a firmer, more jelly-like consistency that holds up well in these mooncakes.

How do I prevent the snow skin dough from being too sticky?

The key is to use just enough coconut milk and oil while mixing and to dust your hands and surfaces generously with glutinous rice flour while shaping. If your dough feels too sticky, a little extra dusting flour can help manage the texture without making the dough dry.

Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen or other berries?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well once thawed and pureed. Other berries like raspberries or blueberries can also be used to create a similar jelly filling with unique flavors, though the color and sweetness might differ slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! This Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe uses coconut milk and agar-agar (a plant-based gelling agent), making it completely vegan-friendly. Just make sure any additional flavorings or garnishes you use are also vegan.

Final Thoughts

Making these Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes is a wonderfully rewarding project, blending fresh flavors with a delightfully chewy texture that feels like a treat from a dream. Whether you’re new to mooncakes or looking to surprise friends and family with a fresh take, this Strawberry Snow Skin Mooncakes Recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire. Don’t hesitate to dive in, have fun with it, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!

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