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{{Short description|Chinese bakery product}}
{{For|the American chocolate-marshmallow confection|Moon pie}}
{{For|the animated character|Final Space}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2021}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox food
| name             = Mooncake
| image            = File:Mooncake 3-4, lotus seed paste.jpg
| image_alt        = Mooncake
| caption          = A Cantonese mooncake filled with lotus seed paste
| alternate_name   = 
| type             = [[Pastry]]
| course           = Dessert
| country          = [[China]]
| region           = [[East Asia]] and [[Southeast Asia]]
| main_ingredient  = Crust: [[lard]] or [[vegetable oil]]<br />Filling: [[red bean paste|red bean]] or [[lotus seed paste]], salted [[egg yolk]], may or may not have additional ingredients
| minor_ingredient = 
| variations       = 
| serving_size     = 100 g
| calories         = 416
| calories_ref     = &nbsp;(approximately)
| protein          = 
| fat              = 
| carbohydrate     = 
| glycemic_index   = 
| similar_dish     = 
| other            = Unicode [[emoji]] 🥮
| commons          = Category:Mooncakes
| module           = {{Chinese
| child = yes
| t = {{linktext|月餅}}
| s = {{linktext|月饼}}
| p = yuèbing, yuèbǐng
| y = yuht béng
| j = jyut6 beng2
| h = Ngat biang
| gan = Ngiet7 biang3
| poj = go̍eh-piáⁿ
| wuu = {{IPA|wuu|ɲyɪʔ piɲ|}}
| l = Moon cake/biscuit
| w = yüeh-ping|
| mi = {{IPAc-cmn|yue|4|b|ing|3}}
| qn = bánh Trung thu
| chunom = 餅中秋
| khm = នំព្រះច័ន្ទ
| showflag = p
}}
}}
{{Chinese cuisine}}

A '''mooncake''' ({{zh|s={{linktext|月饼}}|t={{linktext|月餅}}}}) is a [[Chinese bakery products|Chinese bakery product]] traditionally eaten during the [[Mid-Autumn Festival]] (中秋節).<ref>{{Cite web |title=MOONCAKE - Cambridge Dictionary |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/mooncake}}</ref> The festival is primarily about the harvest while a legend connects it to [[moon]] watching, and mooncakes are regarded as a delicacy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=[黄涛]中秋节：月光里的温情与狂欢 · 中国民俗学网-中国民俗学会 · 主办 · |url=https://www.chinafolklore.org/web/index.php?NewsID=5844 |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=www.chinafolklore.org}}</ref> Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is widely regarded as one of the four most important [[Chinese festivals]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=既是节气又是节日的清明 |url=https://www.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/47QoXIF8o8R |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=www.visitbeijing.com.cn}}</ref>

There are numerous varieties of mooncakes consumed within China and outside of China in [[overseas Chinese]] communities. The Cantonese mooncake is the most famous variety. A traditional Cantonese mooncake<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/traditional-mooncakes.htm |title=Traditional Mooncakes in China - 12 Types of Regional Variations |date=2019-08-15 |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=TravelChinaGuide.com |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908013201/https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/traditional-mooncakes.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> is a round pastry, measuring about {{cvt|10|cm|sigfig=1}} in diameter and {{cvt|3|–|4|cm|in|frac=4}} thick, with a rich, thick filling usually made from [[lotus seed paste]] (other typical fillings include [[red bean paste]] or mixed nuts) surrounded by a thin, 2–3&nbsp;mm (approximately 1/8 of an inch) crust and may contain [[yolk]]s from [[salted duck egg]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/mooncake-flavors.htm |title=10 Most Popular Mooncake Flavors - Which one do you like? |date=2021-04-14 |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=TravelChinaGuide.com}}</ref>

Mooncakes are usually eaten in small wedges, accompanied by [[Chinese tea|tea]]. Today, it is customary for business people and families to present them to their clients or relatives as presents,<ref>[http://www.asianweek.com/092498/coverstory.html Asianweek] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526115649/http://asianweek.com/092498/coverstory.html |date=26 May 2010 }}</ref> encouraging the market for high-end mooncakes.

Just as the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in various Asian localities due to the presence of Chinese communities throughout the region,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mid-Autumn Festival|url=https://www.roots.gov.sg/ich-landing/ich/mid-autumn-festival|access-date=2021-07-22|website=www.roots.gov.sg|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723164148/https://www.roots.gov.sg/ich-landing/ich/mid-autumn-festival|url-status=live}}</ref> mooncakes are enjoyed in other parts of Asia too. Mooncakes have also appeared in western countries as a form of delicacy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mid-Autumn Festival in Other Asian Countries|url=https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/mid-autumn-asia.htm|website=Travelchinaguide.com|access-date=27 May 2017|archive-date=10 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910094511/https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/mid-autumn-asia.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Parulis-Cook|first1=Sienna|title=Mooncakes: China's Evolving Tradition|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2009/10/mooncakes-chinas-evolving-tradition/27723/|work=The Atlantic|access-date=27 May 2017|archive-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918202400/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2009/10/mooncakes-chinas-evolving-tradition/27723/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scio.gov.cn/32618/Document/1490259/1490259.htm|title=Customs around the Mid-Autumn Festival|date=2016-09-07|work=China Today|access-date=27 May 2017|archive-date=5 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205171653/http://www.scio.gov.cn/32618/Document/1490259/1490259.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

== General description ==
Most mooncakes consist of a thick, tender pastry skin enveloping a sweet, dense filling, which may contain one or several whole salted [[egg yolks]] in the center to symbolize the full moon. Depending on the custom, mooncakes may also be steamed, baked, or fried.<ref>{{Cite web |title=人民日报海外版-人民网 |url=https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrbhwb/html/2018-09/22/content_1882720.htm |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=paper.people.com.cn}}</ref>

Traditional mooncakes have an imprint on top consisting of the [[Chinese character]]s for "[[longevity]]" or "harmony", as well as the name of the bakery and the filling inside.<ref>{{Cite web |title=月饼：传统与团结的美味象征 |url=https://www.iweiyi.com/zh/content/69-yue-bing-chuan-tong-yu-tuan-jie-di-mei-wei-xiang-zheng |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=iweiyi.com - Flowers and Gifts Delivery in China |language=zh}}</ref> Imprints of the Moon, the [[Chang'e|Chinese goddess of the Moon (Chang'e)]], flowers, vines, or a rabbit (symbol of the Moon) may surround the characters for additional decoration.

== History ==

=== Mid-Autumn Festival ===
The festival is intricately linked to [[Mid-Autumn Festival#Moon worship|legends of Chang’e]], the Moon [[Goddess]] of [[Immortality]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=爱诗礼 |date=2024-09-17 |title=庆祝中国中秋节：传统、传说和文化意义 - 马林少林功夫学院 |url=https://shaolin-kungfu.com/zh-CN/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E4%B8%AD%E7%A7%8B%E8%8A%82/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy |language=zh-CN}}</ref>According to the ''[[Liji]]'', an ancient Chinese book recording customs and ceremonies, the Chinese Emperor should offer sacrifices to the Sun in spring and the Moon in autumn. The 15th day of the 8th Chinese month is the day called "Mid-Autumn". The night on the 15th of the 8th Chinese month is also called "Night of the Moon".

Because of its central role in the Mid-Autumn festival, mooncakes remained popular even in recent years. For many, they form a central part of the Mid-Autumn festival experience such that it is now commonly known as 'Mooncake Festival'.

=== Ming Revolution ===
There is a folk tale about the overthrow of the [[Yuan dynasty]] facilitated by messages smuggled in moon cakes.

Mooncakes were used by revolutionaries in their effort to overthrow the [[Mongols|Mongol]]-led Yuan dynasty, eventually resulting in the establishment of the [[Ming dynasty]].<ref name="npr-2019sep14">{{cite episode |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/09/14/760780802/the-revolutionary-history-of-mooncakes |title=The Revolutionary History Of Mooncakes |series=[[Morning Edition]] |network=[[NPR]] |date=September 14, 2019 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |access-date=17 October 2020 |archive-date=6 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106163923/https://www.npr.org/2019/09/14/760780802/the-revolutionary-history-of-mooncakes |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ao-2017aug11">{{cite news |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/mooncakes-china-mongols-manchu-metaphor-uprising |title=Did Mooncakes Help the Chinese Overthrow the Mongols?: On the enduring power of myth and metaphor. |magazine=[[Atlas Obscura]] |date=August 11, 2017 |first=Natasha |last=Frost |archive-date=11 August 2021 |access-date=17 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811201518/https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/mooncakes-china-mongols-manchu-metaphor-uprising |url-status=live }}</ref>  The idea is said to have been conceived by [[Zhu Yuanzhang]] and his advisor [[Liu Bowen]], who circulated a rumor that a deadly plague was spreading and that the only way to prevent it was to eat special mooncakes, which would instantly revive and give special powers to the user.  This prompted the quick distribution of mooncakes.  The mooncakes contained a secret message: on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, kill the rulers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2003/09/06/2003066764 |title=A new mooncake rising - Taipei Times |newspaper=[[Taipei Times]] |access-date=2 October 2018 |archive-date=2 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002180958/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2003/09/06/2003066764 |url-status=live |date=September 6, 2003 |page=16 |first=Gavin |last=Phipps}}</ref>

Another method of hiding a message was to print it on the surfaces of mooncakes (which came in packages of four), as a simple puzzle or mosaic.  To read the message, each of the four mooncakes was cut into four parts.  The resulting 16 pieces were pieced together to reveal the message.  The pieces of mooncakes were then eaten to destroy the message.

== Traditional styles ==
=== Fillings ===
[[File:Lotus seed paste.jpg|thumb|right|Cut mooncake showing lotus seed paste filling around the (crumbled) egg yolk "moon"]]
Many types of fillings can be found in traditional mooncakes:<ref>{{Cite web |title=月饼小知识-新华网 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2016-09/15/c_129282286.htm |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=www.xinhuanet.com}}</ref>
*'''[[Lotus seed paste]]''' (蓮蓉, ''lían róng''): Considered by some to be the original and most luxurious mooncake filling, lotus paste filling is found in many types of mooncakes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=莲蓉月饼的莲蓉是什么 |url=https://www.sohu.com/a/www.sohu.com/a/454418044_120364295 |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=www.sohu.com}}</ref>White lotus paste commands an even higher premium. Due to the high price of lotus paste, white kidney bean paste is sometimes used as a filler.
*'''[[Sweet bean paste]]''' (豆沙, ''dòu shā''): A number of pastes are common fillings found in Chinese desserts. Although [[red bean paste]], made from [[azuki bean]]s, is the most common worldwide, there are regional and original preferences for bean paste made from [[mung bean]]s, as well as [[Black bean paste|black beans]].
*'''[[Jujube]] paste''' (棗泥, ''zǎo ní''): A sweet paste is made from the ripe fruits of the jujube (date) plant. The paste is dark red in color, a little fruity/smoky in flavor, and slightly sour in taste. Depending on the quality of the paste, jujube paste may be confused with red bean paste, which is sometimes used as a filler.
*'''Five kernels''' (五仁, ''wǔ rén'') or '''mixed nuts''': A filling consisting of five types of nuts and seeds, coarsely chopped, is held together with [[maltose]] syrup. Recipes differ from region to region, but commonly used nuts and seeds include: [[walnut]]s, [[pumpkin]] seeds, [[watermelon]] seeds, [[peanut]]s, [[sesame]] seeds, or [[almond]]s. The mixture for the filling also contains candied [[winter melon]], [[jinhua ham]], or pieces of [[Rock candy|rock sugar]] as additional flavoring.

=== Crusts ===
[[File:Moon Cakes.jpg|thumb|right|Mooncakes with Chinese characters 金門旦黃 (''jinmen danhuang''), meaning the moon cake contains a single egg yolk and is made from a bakery named "Golden Gate". Mooncakes usually have the bakery name pressed on them.]]
Traditional mooncakes vary widely depending on the region where they are produced. Most regions produce them with many types of fillings, but with only one type of crust. Although [[vegetarian]] mooncakes may use [[vegetable oil]], many mooncakes use [[lard]] in their recipes. Three types of mooncake crust are used in [[Chinese cuisine]]:<ref>{{Cite web |title=月饼_中国国情_中国网 |url=http://guoqing.china.com.cn/2023-09/20/content_116698269.htm |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=guoqing.china.com.cn}}</ref>
*'''Chewy''': This crust has a reddish-brown tone and glossy sheen. It is the most common type of crust used on [[Cantonese cuisine|Cantonese]]-style mooncakes. It is also the most commonly seen type of mooncake in [[North America]] and many Western countries. Chewy mooncake crusts are made using a combination of thick sugar syrup, [[lye]] water (碱水, sodium carbonate (碱 [Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>]), flour, and oil, thus giving this crust its rich taste and a chewy yet tender texture. Chewiness can be increased further by adding [[maltose]] syrup to the mixture.
**The dough is also baked into [[fish]] or [[pig]]let shapes ({{zh|cy=jyū jái béng|s=猪仔饼|l=piglet biscuits}}) and sold at bakeries as a chewy snack. They often come individually packaged in small plastic baskets, to symbolize fish being caught or piglets being bound for sale.
*'''Flaky''': Flaky crusts are most indicative of [[Suzhou]]- and [[Taiwan]]-style mooncakes. The dough is made by rolling together alternating layers of oily dough and flour that has been [[Stir frying|stir-fried]] in oil. This crust has a texture similar to [[puff pastry]].
*'''Tender''': Mooncakes from certain provinces of [[China]]{{Which|date=September 2011}} are often made to be tender rather than flaky or chewy. The texture of this type of mooncake crust is similar to the [[shortcrust pastry]] used in Western [[pie]] crusts or [[tart]] shells. Tender crusts are made mainly of a homogenous mix of sugar, oil, flour, and water. This type of crust is also commonly used in other type of Chinese pastries, such as the [[egg tart]].
*'''Crumbly''': [[Yunnan]]-style mooncakes are made using a [[hot water crust pastry]] that combines different kinds of flour with oil, salt, and hot water to form a dense, crumbly pastry that's quite uncommon elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web |title=Types Of Mooncake – Moon Festival |url=https://moonfestivalblog.com/types-of-mooncake-moon-festival/ |website=Moonfestivalblog.com |date=June 2021 |access-date=13 April 2022 |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413145521/https://moonfestivalblog.com/types-of-mooncake-moon-festival/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

=== Regional variations in China ===
[[File:Mooncakes in Malaysia.jpg|thumb|right|Mooncakes from Malaysia]]
[[File:Mooncake with double yolk and lotus seed paste.jpg|thumb|right|Cantonese-style mooncake with double yolk and lotus seed paste (including [[salted duck egg]] yolk and [[lotus seed paste]] as fillings, and this wheat flour pastry on the surface)]]
[[File:Mooncake with five smashed nuts.jpg|thumb|right|Cantonese-style mooncake with five nuts/kernels (including smashed cashews, smashed sesame seed, smashed almonds, smashed walnuts, smashed egusi seeds)]]
[[File:Savoury Suzhou-style meat mooncake.jpg|thumb|right|[[Suzhou]]-style mooncakes with minced pork filling]]
There are many regional variants of the mooncake. Types of traditional mooncake include:<ref>{{Cite web |title=月饼承载记忆与情感 |url=https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrbhwb/html/2020-09/26/content_2011017.htm |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=paper.people.com.cn}}</ref>

*'''[[Beijing cuisine|Beijing]]-style mooncake''': This style has two variations. One, called ''di qiang'', was influenced by the Suzhou-style mooncake. It has a light, foamy dough as opposed to a flaky one. The other variation, called "''fan mao''", has a flaky, white dough. The two most popular fillings are the mountain [[Rhaphiolepis|hawthorn]] and [[wisteria]] blossom flavors.
*'''[[Cantonese cuisine|Cantonese]]-style mooncake''': Originating from [[Guangdong]] and [[Guangxi]] provinces, the Cantonese mooncake has multiple variations and is the most famous regional style of the mooncake. The ingredients used for the fillings are various: lotus seed paste, melon seed paste, nuts, ham, chicken, [[Duck (food)|duck]], roast [[pork]], [[Edible mushroom|mushrooms]], egg yolks, etc. More elaborate versions contain four egg yolks, representing the four [[moon phase|phases]] of the moon. Recent contemporary forms (albeit non-traditional) sold in Hong Kong are even made from chocolate, ice-cream or jelly.<ref>鳳凰衛視中文台, 12 September 2008</ref>
*'''[[Shanghai cuisine|Shanghai]]-style mooncake''': This style is made from shortcrust pastry which is rich, crumbly and buttery crust but not like pie dough. The most popular fillings are similar to those sweet Cantonese-style mooncake such as sweetened red bean paste, lotus seed paste and taro paste with egg yolks in the middle of the filling.
*'''[[Hong Kong cuisine|Hong Kong]]-style mooncake''': Hong Kong has gained its own style of mooncakes. While [[Hongkongers]] typically eat Cantonese-style mooncakes, local inventions such as [[snow skin mooncake]] have been appearing over the last few decades.
*'''[[Teochew cuisine|Teochew]]-style mooncake''': This is another flaky crust variety, but is larger in size than the Suzhou variety. It is close in diameter to the Cantonese style, but thinner. A variety of fillings are used, but the aroma of lard after roasting is stressed. The [[Chaozhou people|Teochew]] also have a fried lotus cake (or lotus pastry) ({{zh|s=莲花酥月饼|t=蓮花酥月餅|p=Liánhuā sū yuèbǐng}}), eaten on the Mid-Autumn Festival. This moon cake is deep-fried, not baked. The yam filling and flaky pastry crust are what set Teochew mooncakes apart from other mooncakes. These old-school confections are known as "la bia" ([[朥饼]]) in the [[Chaoshan]] region in the east of Guangdong, where the Teochews came from. La means lard or pork oil in Teochew, which is mixed with flour to make the pastry.
*'''[[Ningbo]]-style mooncake''': This style is also inspired by the Suzhou-style. It is prevalent in [[Zhejiang]] province, and has a compact covering. The fillings are either [[Edible seaweed|seaweed]] or [[ham]]; it is also known for its [[spice|spicy]] and salty flavor.
*'''[[Suzhou]]-style mooncake''': This style began more than a thousand years ago, and is known for its layers of flaky [[dough]] and generous allotment of sugar and lard. Within this regional type, there are more than a dozen variations. It is also smaller than most other regional varieties. [[Suzhou]]-style mooncakes feature both sweet and savory types, the latter served hot and usually filled with pork mince. Fillings made from salt and pepper (椒鹽, ''jiāoyán'') are common in flaky Suzhou-style mooncakes.
*'''[[Meizhou]]-style mooncake''' 
*'''Southern Min-style mooncake''' 
*'''[[Wenzhou]]-style mooncake''' 
*'''[[Yunnan]]-style mooncake''': The distinctive feature is the combination of various flours for the dough, including [[rice flour]], [[wheat flour]], and [[buckwheat]] flour, and a filling that combines [[Xuanwei ham]] and [[sugar]].

== Contemporary styles ==
[[File:Yam mooncake1.jpg|thumb|right|Jelly mooncake with yam-paste filling]]

Over time, both the crusts and the composition of the fillings of mooncakes have diversified, in particular, due to a commercial need to drive up sales in the face of intense competition between producers and from other food types. Part of these trends are also to cater to changing taste preferences, and because people are more health-conscious. Therefore, most of these contemporary styles are especially prominent amongst the cosmopolitan and younger Chinese and amongst the overseas Chinese community. However, traditional mooncakes are often sold alongside contemporary ones to cater to individual preferences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ezproxy01.hsu.edu.hk:2190/ps/i.do?&id=GALE&#124;A158836938&v=2.1&u=hsuhk&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w|title=China's Mid-Autumn Day|last=Yang|first=Lemei|date=15 October 2017|website=Exproxy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921071833/https://ezproxy01.hsu.edu.hk/login?qurl=http%3A%2F%2Fgo.galegroup.com%2Fps%2Fi.do%3Fid%3DGALE%257CA158836938%26v%3D2.1%26u%3Dhsuhk%26it%3Dr%26p%3DLitRC%26sw%3Dw|archive-date=21 September 2020|url-status=live|access-date=15 February 2019}}</ref>

Some of the earliest forms of diversification were by changing the fillings with ingredients considered unusual then. [[Taro]] paste (芋泥, ''yù ní''), [[pineapple]] and [[durian]] were amongst the first to be introduced, especially amongst the overseas Chinese communities in [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title="洋味"月饼飘香传统中秋佳节-新华网 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/world/2015-09/25/c_1116683833.htm |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=www.xinhuanet.com}}</ref>The crust itself also evolved, particularly with the introduction of "[[snow skin mooncake]]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=冰皮月饼系列 Snow Skin Series Archives - Tai Thong Mooncake |url=https://taithong.com.my/product-category/snow-skin/ |access-date=2025-11-02 |website=Tai Thong |language=en-US}}</ref> It is different from the traditional mooncake - the snow skin mooncake needs to be stored inside a refrigerator and is white on the outside. This kind of white coloured mooncake is popular with teenagers.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sheila|first=McNamara|date=1996|title=Mooncakes over Hong Kong|url=https://ezproxy01.hsu.edu.hk:2171/ga/default.aspx|journal=Far Eastern Economic Review|volume=159|pages=51|access-date=19 February 2019|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921071826/https://ezproxy01.hsu.edu.hk/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fglobal.factiva.com%2Fga%2Fdefault.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Miniature mooncakes also appeared, in part to allow for easier individual consumption without the need to cut the large cakes.

To adapt to today's health-conscious lifestyle, fat-free mooncakes also appeared. Some are made of [[yogurt]], [[fruit preserves|jelly]], and fat-free [[ice-cream]]. Customers pick and choose the size and filling of mooncakes that suits their taste and diet. For added hygiene, each cake is often wrapped in airtight plastic, accompanied by a tiny food preserver packet.

Contemporary-style mooncakes, while increasingly popular, have their detractors. Pricey ingredients have pushed up prices, causing worry of a "mooncake bubble" forming in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jingdaily.com/en/luxury/is-a-high-end-mooncake-bubble-forming-in-china/ |title=Is a High-End "Mooncake Bubble" Forming in China? « Jing Daily : The Business of Luxury and Culture in China |access-date=2010-09-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906021731/http://www.jingdaily.com/en/luxury/is-a-high-end-mooncake-bubble-forming-in-china/ |archive-date=6 September 2010}}</ref> Food critics sometimes point out that "chocolate mooncakes" are in reality just chocolate shaped into mooncakes, and not mooncakes made with chocolate, while others complain that food chains appear intent on coming up with exotic flavors to take advantage of the market, without much thought for how well the tastes fuse together.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiatatler.com/hk/top_stories.php?id=4204|title=Asia Tatler|website=Asiatatler.com|access-date=2 October 2018|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921071853/https://tatlerasiagroup.com/?id=4204|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Fillings ===
[[File:Moon Cake Filling.jpg|right|thumb|Mooncake filling]]
Fillings in contemporary style mooncakes have diversified to include just about anything which can be made into a paste. Mooncakes containing [[taro]] paste and [[pineapple]], which were considered novelty items at their time of invention, have become commonplace in recent years. In addition, filling composed of ingredients such as [[coffee]], [[chocolate]], nuts (e.g., [[walnut]]s, [[mixed nuts]], etc.), fruits (e.g., [[prune (fruit)|prunes]], [[pineapple]]s, [[melon]]s, [[lychee]]s, etc.), vegetables (e.g., [[sweet potato]]es, etc.), and even [[ham]] have been added to give a modern twist to the traditional recipes.

Some other examples include
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
*[[cream cheese]]
*[[Rousong|chicken floss]]
*[[tiramisu]]
*[[green tea]]
*[[pandan (cake)|pandan]]
*[[purple yam]]
*[[durian]]
*[[ice cream]] (variety of flavors)
*[[chocolate]]
*[[strawberry]]
*[[coffee]]
*[[peanut]]
*[[mango pomelo sago]]
*[[Mala_(seasoning)|mala]]
*lava custard<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/2008377/8-best-tasting-mooncakes-hong-kong|title=8 new Hong Kong mooncake flavors for 2016: the best and the rest – our verdict|date=2016-08-25|newspaper=SCMP Food & Drink|access-date=2018-08-31|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831211710/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/2008377/8-best-tasting-mooncakes-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
[[File:Snow Skin Fruity Mooncakes.jpg|alt=Snow skin fruity mooncakes|thumb|Snow skin fruity mooncakes]]
Traditional Chinese delicacies such as [[ginseng]] and [[swiftlet|bird's nest]] were soon followed by [[abalone]] and [[Shark fin soup|shark fin]]. Foreign food companies have also tried to cash in. [[Häagen-Dazs]] were one of the first to create an ice-cream mooncake, with a choice of either the "traditional," snow-skin, or [[Belgian chocolate|Belgian]]/[[Swiss chocolate|Swiss]] white, milk, and dark chocolate crusts. Other ice-cream and restaurant chains soon followed up with their own versions. Other Western ingredients, including champagne ganache, malt whisky, volcanic-salt caramel and even [[Black truffles]], [[caviar]] and [[foie gras]] have made it into mooncakes.

=== Crusts ===
[[File:Pink jelly2.jpg|thumb|right|Pink jelly mooncake with red-bean paste filling]]
Snowy mooncakes first appeared on the market in the early 1980s. These non-baked, chilled mooncakes usually come with two types of crusts:
*'''[[Glutinous rice]]''': A crust with texture similar to that of a [[mochi]]. This is a [[snow skin mooncake]]. These moon cakes are known [[colloquial]]ly as "''snowskin mooncakes''", "''ice-skin mooncakes''" or "''snowy mooncakes''" (冰皮 or 冰皮月餅).<ref name="cnn">{{cite web
 |url          = http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/eat/hong-kong-mooncake-challenge-000006/
 |title        = The Mooncake Challenge
 |author       = Tiffany Lam
 |author2      = Virginia Lau
 |work         = CNN Go
 |date         = 29 September 2009
 |access-date   = 11 August 2012
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20121004020459/http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/eat/hong-kong-mooncake-challenge-000006
 |archive-date = 4 October 2012
 |url-status     = dead}}</ref>
*'''Jelly''': A crust made of gelling mixtures such as [[agar]], [[gelatin]], or [[konjac]] and flavored with a wide variety of fruit flavorings.

== Use in other countries and regions ==
===East Asia===
==== Mongolia ====
Mooncakes are transliterated into Mongolian as yeven (еэвэн, ᠶᠧᠪᠢᠩ). Mooncakes in Mongolia are hearty with the crust made from wheat flour, barley and raisin is a popular filling. 
==== Japan ====
Mooncakes in Japan are known as {{nihongo|''geppei''|月餅}}, a transliteration of the Chinese name.  Their designs are based on the Cantonese mooncake, are associated with Chinese culture and are sold all year round, mainly in Japan's [[Chinatown]]s. [[Azuki]] (red bean) paste is the most popular filling for these mooncakes, but other sorts of beans, as well as chestnut, are also used.

==== Taiwan ====
The most traditional mooncake found within [[Taiwan]] resembles those from southern Fujian. Taiwanese mooncakes are filled with sweetened red bean paste, sometimes with [[mochi]] in the center.  The most common traditional mooncakes coming from Taiwan are filled [[mung bean]] (''lu dou'') or [[taro cake|taro]] paste, generally with a salted duck egg yolk in the mung bean mooncakes, and either salted duck egg or a savory treat in the taro mooncakes. They typically have a flaky crust and are spherical in shape. Instead of the imprinted pattern on top common in Cantonese versions, Taiwanese mooncakes have a red stamp typically in celebratory Chinese character.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://tecompanytea.com/products/taiwanese-mooncake | title=Taiwanese Mooncake | access-date=24 August 2022 | archive-date=27 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527065422/https://tecompanytea.com/products/taiwanese-mooncake | url-status=live }}</ref> Modern, more trendy Taiwanese moon cakes are wide in variety that includes low fat, lard free and ice cream versions.  Popular modern flavors include [[green tea]], chocolate, strawberry and [[tiramisu]].

===Southeast Asia===
==== Indonesia ====
In [[Indonesia]], there are several main types of mooncakes,{{Quantify|date=November 2013}} from the traditional to the modern mooncakes. The very traditional mooncake has been there ever since the Chinese and Japanese entered Indonesia, they are circular like a moon, white and thinner than regular mooncake. Fillings may include pork, chocolate, cheese, milk, [[durian]], [[jackfruit]] and many other exotic fruits made into a paste. This type of mooncake is widely available all year long while the regular modern mooncakes are usually only sold around the mid-autumn festival season.

As a Muslim-majority country, mooncakes are predominantly made with [[halal]] ingredients. The crust is typically made from vegetable oil or [[peanut oil]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.kompas.com/food/read/2020/10/02/212300475/apakah-kue-bulan-tradisional-selalu-mengandung-minyak-babi |title=Apakah Kue Bulan Tradisional Selalu Mengandung Minyak Babi? |date=2021-09-21 |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Kompas.com |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091645/https://www.kompas.com/food/read/2020/10/02/212300475/apakah-kue-bulan-tradisional-selalu-mengandung-minyak-babi |url-status=live |last1=Media |first1=Kompas Cyber }}</ref>  and filled with [[mung bean paste]].

==== Malaysia ====
There are three major cities that have diverse types of moon cakes; [[George Town, Penang|George Town]], [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Sabah]]. Mooncakes are quite similar to the traditional Chinese. However, many prefer to add 100% pure [[Hunan]] lotus seed to maintain the quality of mooncakes. The most popular types, especially in Kuala Lumpur, are White Lotus Seed Paste Cake, Snow Skins and Black Sesame With Yolk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ccfoodtravel.com/2014/08/top-10-mooncakes-for-2014/|title=Top 10 mooncakes for 2014|website=Ccfoodtravel.com|date=13 August 2014 |archive-date=1 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001024114/http://ccfoodtravel.com/2014/08/top-10-mooncakes-for-2014/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Singapore ====
[[File:Mooncake Gift Sets in Singapore.jpg|alt=Mooncake gift set by a top hotel in Singapore.|thumb|Mooncake gift set by a top hotel in Singapore]]
In [[Singapore]], mooncakes are luxury gifts. They come in a wide variety of flavors ranging from the traditional baked ones, to the Teochew flaky ones filled with yam paste, to snowskin varieties filled with chilled fruit pastes.  Traditional mooncakes feature base fillings of red lotus paste, white lotus paste or red bean paste, with 0-4 salted duck egg yolks embedded within. Variations include adding other ingredients such as macadamia nuts, [[osmanthus]], orange peel and melon seeds.

Snowskin mooncakes in Singapore feature flavors ranging from Lychee Martini, Baileys, Matcha Red Bean, durian, and various fruit pastes.

Mooncakes are luxurious gifts in Singapore and are very popular as gifts to clients, friends and family. An average box of 4 mooncakes cost US$60. Many hotels and fine Chinese cuisine restaurants offer mooncakes packaged in elaborate boxes with multiple compartments and jeweled clasps. Mooncake boxes are commonly repurposed as jewelry boxes after the festival ends.

==== Thailand ====
In [[Thailand]], mooncakes (in Thai, ขนมไหว้พระจันทร์) are sold in [[Thai Chinese|Thai-Chinese]] bakeries during festival season. In [[Bangkok]], traditional and modern moon cakes are not limited to [[Chinatown, Bangkok|Chinatown]] on [[Yaowarat Road]], but they are also found in stalls of large supermarkets.

==== Vietnam ====
[[File:Bánh trung thu 2.JPG|thumb|A box with ''bánh nướng'' (baked mooncake) and ''bánh dẻo'' (sticky rice mooncake)]]
[[File:B%C3%A1nh_trung_thu_3.JPG|thumb|Vietnamese sticky rice mooncake with mung bean paste and salted egg yolk]]
In Vietnam, mooncakes are known as ''bánh trung thu''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goexplorevietnam.com/vietnam-moon-cake/ | title=Origin and meaning of Vietnam mooncake | date=November 2019 | access-date=23 September 2020 | archive-date=6 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106155844/https://www.goexplorevietnam.com/vietnam-moon-cake/ | url-status=live }}</ref> (literally "mid-autumn cake"). Vietnamese mooncakes are usually sold either individually or in a set of four. There are two kinds of mooncake: ''bánh nướng'' (baked mooncake) and ''bánh dẻo'' (sticky rice mooncake).

It can be said that ''bánh nướng'' and ''bánh dẻo'' are two special kinds of cake in Vietnam. They are widely popular and are sold only during the [[Tết Trung Thu]] season. Vietnamese mooncakes are often in the shape of a circle (10&nbsp;cm in diameter) or a square (a length of about 7–8&nbsp;cm), and 4–5&nbsp;cm thick. Larger sizes are not uncommon. Their designs largely resemble that of the Cantonese mooncake, though some other images, such as the sow with cub, fish, shrimp, etc. can also be found.

Vietnamese mooncakes have two basic parts: crust and filling. The ingredients usually consist of: jam, dried sausage, mung bean paste, salt, sugar, cooking oil, sugared lard, lotus seed, watermelon seed, etc. Compared to other variants, Vietnamese mooncakes' flavor is more on the sweet side. Thus, to balance it, salted egg yolk is often added. They can be baked or eaten immediately.

''Bánh nướng'' (baked mooncake) is made from wheat flour, cooking oil, and simple syrup boiled with malt. After being filled with various combinations of salted egg yolk, dried sausage, mung bean paste, salt, sugar, cooking oil, sugared pig fat, lotus seed, watermelon seed, it will be brushed with egg wash, then baked in the oven. The egg wash will protect the crust of the cake from drying out and create the aroma of the cake. The cakes have to be rotated constantly in the oven to prevent burning.

''Bánh dẻo'' (sticky rice mooncake) is easier to make than ''bánh nướng''. The crust and filling are pre-cooked. The crust is made from roasted glutinous rice flour, pomelo blossom water or vanilla and simple syrup. After malaxating rice flour, fillings similar to that of baked mooncake is stuffed inside the crust and then the cake is put into the mold dusted with a thin layer of flour to prevent sticking to fingers. The cake can be used immediately without any further steps. However, ''bánh dẻo'' is not as popular as ''bánh nướng''.

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="200" heights="200" perrow="5">
File:Vietnam Grilled moon cake.JPG| Baked moon cake from Vietnam
File:Wing Wah Mooncake.jpg|Commercial brand Mooncake
File:Moon Cakes2.jpg|Mooncakes
File:Brown sugar griddle buns chengdu.jpg|Mooncakes in Chengdu
</gallery>

== Trivia ==
* Mooncake has its own [[Unicode]] [[emoji]]: 🥮 (U+1F96E)

== See also ==
* [[Bakpia]] (Hopia)
* {{anl|Bánh pía}}
* {{anl|Crystal cake}}
* [[List of Chinese desserts]]
* {{anl|Lotus seed paste}}
* {{anl|Nian gao}}
* {{anl|Suncake (Taiwan)}}
* {{anl|Yueguangbing}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.chinatownology.com/mooncakes.html Chinatownology – Moon cakes and social solidarity]
* [https://www.goexplorevietnam.com/vietnam-moon-cake/ Origin and meaning of Vietnam mooncake]
* [https://www.chinaeducationaltours.com/guide/mid-autumn-festival-mooncake.htm What is Mooncake?]

{{Cakes}}
{{Cantonese cuisine}}
{{pastries}}
{{Portal bar|Food|China|Taiwan}}
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[[Category:Mid-Autumn Festival]]
[[Category:Autumn traditions]]
[[Category:Cakes]]
[[Category:Chinese confectionery]]
[[Category:Chinese desserts]]
[[Category:Chinese egg dishes]]
[[Category:Chinese pastries]]
[[Category:Indonesian desserts]]
[[Category:Japanese desserts and sweets]]
[[Category:Legume desserts]]
[[Category:Malaysian desserts]]
[[Category:Mauritian cuisine]]
[[Category:Mongolian cuisine]]
[[Category:Moon in culture]]
[[Category:Singaporean cuisine]]
[[Category:Stuffed desserts]]
[[Category:Taiwanese desserts]]
[[Category:Tea culture]]
[[Category:Thai desserts and snacks]]
[[Category:Vietnamese desserts]]