Sun Baker’s Revamped Taiwanese Sun Cake Recipe without shortening
At Sun Baker, our passion lies in transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary healthy delights. Today, we unveil a healthier twist on the traditional Taiwanese Sun Cake. This revamped recipe retains the essence of the original while incorporating healthier alternatives like French butter and olive oil, making it perfect for those conscious of their dietary choices. Moreover, this version is vegan-friendly, omitting eggs without compromising on taste and texture. Let’s dive into crafting these delectable Special Chinese Cookies!
Traditional Taiwanese Sun Cake Recipe:
Ingredients:
For Water Dough:
- Plain flour: 110g
- Maltose: 1/4 tbsp
- Sugar: 15g
- Shortening: 45g
- Corn oil: 1/4 cup
- Warm water: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
For Oil Dough:
- Plain flour: 75g
- Shortening: 45g
For Filling:
- Icing sugar: 80g
- Maltose: 20g
- Plain flour: 25g
- Butter: 20g
- Warm water: 1/2 tbsp
For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg + 1 teaspoon water (lightly beaten)
Why Use Shortening in Baking?
Have you ever wondered why some cookie or sun cake recipes call for a mysterious ingredient called shortening?
What is Shortening?
Shortening is a type of fat that plays a crucial role in baking, especially in recipes like the traditional Taiwanese Sun Cake. It is solid at room temperature and is typically made from hydrogenated vegetable oil. This unique characteristic gives shortening its name, as it “shortens” gluten strands in dough, resulting in a tender, crumbly texture rather than a chewy one.
Advantages of Shortening:
One of the main reasons why shortening is favored in baking, particularly for cookies and sun cakes, is its ability to create a light and airy structure. Unlike butter, which contains water and can lead to a denser texture, shortening adds moisture without the water content.
Healthier Alternatives:
However, as baking trends shift towards healthier alternatives and dietary preferences evolve, the use of shortening has come under scrutiny. Sun Baker therefore opts for substitutions like French butter and olive oil to achieve similar results while maintaining a health-conscious approach.