Midnight Mooncake with Black Sesame Filling
A delicate pastry filled with earthy black sesame paste, finished with a dusting of edible flower petals. This chinese-inspired desserts (vegan-friendly) ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, black sesame paste into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup black sesame paste
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp edible violet petals
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water egg wash
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until crumbly; press into a 9-inch pie dish and chill 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Combine 1/2 cup black sesame paste with 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl until smooth, then spread evenly over chilled crust.
- Step 3: Roll remaining dough into 12 equal balls, flatten into discs, and place over filling, sealing edges with a fork.
- Step 4: Brush edges with egg wash and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until golden brown and crust is crisp.
- Step 5: Cool completely on a wire rack, then dust with 1 tsp edible violet petals before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Midnight Mooncake with Black Sesame Filling take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Midnight Mooncake with Black Sesame Filling?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Midnight Mooncake with Black Sesame Filling?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Midnight Mooncake with Black Sesame Filling for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Midnight Mooncake with Black Sesame Filling vegan-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious! The mooncake was beautifully crafted and the filling was rich without being too sweet.
- ★★★★★
The black sesame filling was divine, and the texture was perfect. Made for my family and they loved it!
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe! The mooncakes turned out beautifully and were a hit at the dinner party.
Related recipes
Steamed Eight-Treasure Sweet Rice with Red Bean Paste
Pan-Fried Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls with Sweet Black Sesame Filling
Classic Apple Pie with Oat Crust
Hong Kong Pineapple Buns (Sweet Buns with Caramelized Topping)
Zhejiang-Style Sweet Osmanthus Rice Cake
Sweet Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls in Ginger Syrup
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
