bean paste shortcake

How to Make Red Bean Paste Sesame Cakes

Red bean paste sesame cakes, a beloved Chinese pastry, offer a crispy crust with a sweet, smooth filling. Here’s a simple guide to making them at home.

Ingredients: For the dough, you’ll need 200g all-purpose flour, 50g sugar, 80ml vegetable oil, and 60ml water. For the filling, use 250g red bean paste (store-bought or homemade), plus 1 tbsp flour for coating. Extra white sesame seeds for coating are optional.

Steps:

1. Make the dough: Mix flour and sugar, then add oil and water gradually. Knead into a smooth dough, rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling: If using homemade red bean paste, cook beans until soft, mash, and simmer with sugar until thick. Shape into 12 small balls.

3. Assemble: Divide the dough into 12 equal balls. Flatten each, wrap a bean paste ball inside, and seal tightly. Roll into a circle, then dip one side in sesame seeds.

4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the cakes on a baking sheet, bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Tips: For flakier layers, replace 30g flour with 30g cornstarch. Ensure the dough is well-rested for better texture. Enjoy these treats with tea or as a dessert!