plum blossom crisp recipe

How to Make Plum Blossom Cakes: A Complete Guide

Plum blossom cakes, delicate and visually stunning, are a delightful Chinese pastry perfect for celebrations or afternoon tea. Here’s a simple guide to crafting these floral treats at home.

Ingredients: For the pastry, you’ll need 150g all-purpose flour, 50g powdered sugar, 70g cold butter, and 1 egg yolk. For the filling, choose red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or black sesame paste (100g). A pinch of salt and 2-3 tbsp cold water are also essential.

Steps:

1. Make the dough: Mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Rub in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and water, knead into a smooth dough. Chill for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling: Divide the filling into small balls (about 15g each).

3. Shape the cake: Roll the dough into 3cm balls. Flatten each, wrap a filling ball inside, and seal. Roll into a 5cm circle.

4. Create the petals: Use a knife to cut 5 evenly spaced slits from the edge toward the center, stopping 1cm from the middle. Gently lift each slit to form a petal, pinching the center slightly to shape the blossom.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Tips: For vibrant color, add a drop of red food coloring to the dough. Serve warm or at room temperature. These elegant pastries are sure to impress with their beauty and flavor!