Sweetheart cake

Sweetheart cake or Wife cake is a traditional Chinese pastry with a thin crust of flaky pastry, and made with a filling of winter melon, almond paste, and sesame, and spiced with five spice powder.

History

Sweetheart cake is believed to have originated from the Guangdong province of China. The story behind its creation is linked to a couple who lived in poverty. The husband sold the cakes made by his wife, which became popular, and they were able to live a comfortable life. The cake was then named Sweetheart cake or Wife cake to honor the wife.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of a Sweetheart cake are winter melon, almond paste, and sesame. The winter melon is candied, mashed and mixed with the almond paste and sesame to create the filling. The dough for the crust is made from wheat flour, sugar, water, and lard. The dough is then filled with the winter melon mixture and baked until golden brown.

Variations

There are several variations of the Sweetheart cake. Some variations include the addition of coconut in the filling, or using a different type of melon. In Hong Kong, a version of the cake is made with a filling of white sesame paste and crushed lotus seeds.

Cultural Significance

The Sweetheart cake is often used in Chinese weddings as a symbol of love and commitment. It is also a popular gift during the Chinese New Year.

See Also

• Chinese cuisine
• Chinese New Year
• Chinese wedding customs