Designer Bunny Mooncake

DIY Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncake Recipe for the Mid-Autumn Festival

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The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and of course, the indulgence in mooncakes. While traditional mooncakes filled with lotus seed paste or red bean paste hold a special place in this festival, contemporary mooncake designs and flavors are becoming increasingly popular. For those who enjoy a creative twist on tradition, Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncakes offer a delightful and playful alternative to the classic mooncake.

Combining the chewy texture of mochi with the softness of snow skin mooncakes, this fusion dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Inspired by the adorable bunny, a symbol of the moon in Chinese folklore, these mooncakes are perfect for those who want to create something unique for the festival. In this blog post, I’ll share the step-by-step recipe for making DIY Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncakes, along with tips, techniques, and variations to help you create a treat that’s as cute as it is tasty.

Why Choose Mochi Snow Skin Mooncakes?

The idea behind creating these Bunny Mochi Mooncakes stemmed from my love for both mochi and snow skin mooncakes. Snow skin mooncakes have a delicate, soft, and chewy outer layer made from glutinous rice flour, while mochi, which is made from pounded glutinous rice, has a denser and stickier texture. Combining the two offers a fun twist that enhances the overall texture and flavor of the mooncake.

Traditional mooncakes can sometimes feel heavy due to their dense fillings and rich pastry. In contrast, snow skin mooncakes offer a lighter and fresher alternative. The addition of mochi brings a bit of chewiness, making each bite more exciting. Furthermore, shaping the mooncakes into bunny forms gives them a playful aesthetic that is sure to capture the hearts of both children and adults.

DIY Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncake Recipe

Here’s my recipe for creating adorable DIY Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncakes. The recipe uses simple ingredients and is relatively easy to follow, although some patience is required for the shaping and decorating process.

DIY Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncake Recipe for the Mid-Autumn Festival
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DIY Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncake Recipe for the Mid-Autumn Festival

Recipe by HankerieCourse: Media
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • For Mochi Snow Skin:

  • 25g glutinous rice flour

  • 25g rice flour

  • 20g wheat flour

  • 50g caster sugar

  • 120ml milk

  • 20ml vegetable oil

  • 1/2 tsp strawberry jam (for coloring the bunny’s inner ears)

  • Red beans (for decorating as eyes)

  • For Filling:

  • 200g black bean paste (or any filling of your choice, such as lotus paste, red bean paste, or even chocolate)

Directions

  • Prepare the Mochi Snow Skin Dough
  • Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the glutinous rice flour, rice flour, and wheat flour. These three types of flours will give the dough a smooth and slightly chewy texture.
  • Add the Wet Ingredients: To the flour mixture, add caster sugar, milk, and vegetable oil. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well combined. This mixture will form the base of the mochi snow skin dough.
  • Steam the Dough: Pour the dough mixture into a heatproof bowl and steam it for 15 minutes over medium heat. Steaming allows the dough to cook through while retaining its moisture, giving it the signature soft texture of snow skin.
  • Cool and Knead the Dough: Once steamed, let the dough cool to a lukewarm temperature. Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and pliable. The dough should feel soft, stretchy, and slightly sticky to the touch.
  • Color the Dough for the Bunny’s Ears
  • Divide a Small Portion of Dough: Take a small portion of the dough (about 10g) and mix it with strawberry jam to create a pink-colored dough. This will be used to form the inner ears of the bunny.
  • Set Aside the Colored Dough: Set the colored dough aside while you work on the rest of the mooncake.
  • Prepare the Filling
  • Roll the Filling into Balls: Take the black bean paste (or your filling of choice) and divide it into small portions (about 30g each). Roll each portion into a ball and set them aside. This will form the center of the mooncake.
  • Shape the Mooncakes
  • Form the Bunny’s Body: Roll the white mochi snow skin dough into small, even-sized balls (about 40g each). Flatten each ball into a disc large enough to wrap around the black bean paste filling.
  • Wrap the Filling: Place one of the black bean paste balls in the center of the flattened dough disc. Gently wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the edges together to seal it completely. Roll the dough-covered filling into an oval shape to form the bunny’s body.
  • Create the Bunny’s Ears: Take two small pieces of the white dough and roll them into oval shapes to form the bunny’s ears. Flatten two tiny pieces of the pink-colored dough and press them onto the white ears to create the inner ear detail.
  • Attach the Ears: Gently press the ears onto the top of the bunny’s body. You can use a small dab of water to help the ears stick if needed.
  • Decorate with Red Bean Eyes: Place two small red beans on the bunny’s face to serve as the eyes. You can gently press them into the dough to secure them.
  • Refrigerate and Serve
  • Refrigerate the Mooncakes: Once shaped and decorated, place the mooncakes in the refrigerator to set for at least 1-2 hours. This helps the mochi snow skin firm up slightly and makes the mooncakes easier to handle.
  • Serve and Enjoy: After the mooncakes have chilled, they’re ready to serve! Pair them with a cup of tea, such as TWG Emperor Sancha, for a perfect Mid-Autumn Festival treat.

Notes

  • Be Gentle with the Dough: Mochi dough can be delicate, so handle it with care when wrapping the filling and shaping the bunny’s body. If the dough becomes too sticky, lightly dust your hands with glutinous rice flour.
  • Chill the Dough for Easier Shaping: If you find the dough too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to work with.
  • Customize the Filling: While black bean paste is a traditional choice, feel free to get creative with the fillings. You can use lotus seed paste, sweetened red bean paste, or even chocolate ganache for a modern twist.
  • Use Food Coloring for Extra Creativity: If you want to add more details to your bunny mooncakes, you can use food coloring to create different patterns or designs on the dough. For example, you can paint small whiskers or a nose using a food-safe brush.
  • Make-Ahead Tips: These mooncakes can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Tips for Perfect Bunny Mochi Mooncakes

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh glutinous rice flour, rice flour, and wheat flour for the best texture in your snow skin. Old flours can result in a dense or dry dough.
  2. Knead Gently: After steaming the dough, knead it while it’s still warm to ensure a smooth and stretchy texture. Kneading too hard can cause the dough to become tough.
  3. Work with Warm Dough: Mochi and snow skin dough is easiest to work with when it’s warm. If it cools down too much and becomes difficult to handle, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
  4. Dust with Flour: Lightly dust your hands and surface with glutinous rice flour to prevent sticking when shaping the dough. Avoid over-dusting, as it can dry out the dough.
  5. Refrigerate for Easier Handling: If the dough feels too soft or sticky to shape, pop it into the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This firms it up slightly and makes it easier to handle.
  6. Thin, Even Dough: When rolling the dough to wrap the filling, ensure the thickness is even. A thin, even layer of snow skin ensures a smooth outer texture without cracks or uneven spots.
  7. Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overload the dough with too much filling, as this can make the mooncake difficult to shape and lead to cracks. Stick to the recommended filling amount for the best results.
  8. Chill Before Serving: Once shaped, refrigerate the mooncakes for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This helps the snow skin set and makes the texture even more chewy and delicious.
  9. Creative Decorations: If you want more colorful bunnies, use natural food colorings (like beetroot or matcha) to dye portions of the dough. You can also experiment with edible pens to draw eyes, whiskers, or other features.
  10. Storing Mooncakes: Store the mooncakes in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days but are best enjoyed within the first two days for optimal texture.

Why Bunny Mochi Mooncakes Are Perfect for Mid-Autumn Festival

Designer Bunny Mooncake

These Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncakes are not only delicious but also hold symbolic significance for the Mid-Autumn Festival. According to Chinese folklore, the Jade Rabbit lives on the moon and is a companion to the Moon Goddess, Chang’e. As such, rabbits are often associated with the moon, making these bunny-shaped mooncakes an ideal treat for this lunar celebration.

Additionally, the combination of mochi and snow skin brings a contemporary twist to the traditional mooncake, making them lighter and more fun to eat. Their playful appearance is sure to be a hit at any Mid-Autumn Festival gathering, especially with children.

Creative Variations of Mochi Snow Skin Mooncakes

If you want to experiment further with this recipe, here are a few creative variations you can try:

  1. Matcha Mochi Bunny Mooncakes: Add matcha powder to the snow skin dough for a green hue and subtle tea flavor. Pair with a red bean paste filling for a classic combination.
  2. Chocolate Bunny Mooncakes: For chocolate lovers, try filling the mooncakes with chocolate ganache or a Nutella filling. You can also add cocoa powder to the snow skin dough for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
  3. Fruit-Flavored Mochi Mooncakes: Incorporate fruit purees, such as mango or strawberry, into the dough to create fruity-flavored mooncakes. These would pair well with a white chocolate or cream cheese filling.
  4. Festive Mooncake Designs: Beyond the bunny shape, you can use mooncake molds to create other fun designs, such as flowers, stars, or traditional Chinese patterns.

Conclusion: Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with a Creative Twist

The DIY Bunny Mochi Snow Skin Mooncake is a perfect blend of tradition and creativity. By combining the soft, chewy texture of mochi with the delicate snow skin of mooncakes, you can create a delightful treat that brings joy to both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re making these mooncakes for a family gathering