Changzhou Sesame Cake

Changzhou sesame cake, a cherished traditional delicacy from Changzhou, Jiangsu, has been pleasing palates for over 150 years. These oval-shaped baked treats are a breakfast staple, often paired with congee, and are a popular street food. They also make for a considerate gift, often available in prepackaged forms.

Crafting these cakes is an art form. The process begins with mixing water, oil, wheat flour, and yeast to create a dough that needs time to ferment. Once ready, the dough is divided and filled with lard shortening. The next step involves flattening and rolling the dough into a spiral, then shaping it into an oval bun.

Changzhou sesame cakes come in both sweet and savory varieties. The sweet ones are filled with sugar, while the savory ones feature a delectable mixture of lard and scallions. Before baking, the cakes are coated with white sesame seeds, and sometimes black sesame seeds for added variety.

When they emerge from the oven, these cakes are crisp and flaky with a thin, golden crust. Typically served hot, they are about the size of your hand, making them an ideal snack for enjoying on the go.