Prepare the required raw materials: sugar, water (pure water or mineral water is recommended) and a little maltose (which can increase the viscosity and luster of syrup). The ratio of sugar to water is generally 2: 1, and the amount of maltose depends on personal preference.
Pour sugar and water into a clean pot and heat it over medium heat. When heating, stir with chopsticks or a silicone scraper until all the sugar melts and forms a uniform syrup. In this process, we should pay attention to the heat to avoid the bottom of the sugar paste.
When the syrup thickens gradually, add a little maltose. The addition of maltose can make the syrup smoother, more shiny and easier to wrap on the surface of moon cakes. If you want to make the syrup darker, you can extend the heating time appropriately, but you should pay attention to controlling the heat to prevent the syrup from becoming bitter.
Turn off the heat when the syrup is slightly sticky, and you can start brushing the syrup on the moon cake. Dip a clean brush in syrup and spread it evenly on the surface of the moon cake. Move lightly, so as not to destroy the shape of the moon cake.
The moon cakes coated with syrup are cooled in a ventilated place. In this process, the syrup will gradually solidify and form a crystal clear icing. In order to prevent the syrup from regaining moisture, it is suggested that moon cakes be sealed and preserved.
Here are some practical suggestions to help you make a more perfect moon cake syrup:
Choose high-quality sugar, with fine particles and more uniform melting.
If there is no maltose, you can use a little honey instead.
When heating the syrup, avoid excessive stirring to avoid foaming the syrup.
When brushing syrup on moon cakes, move quickly to avoid the syrup from setting too fast.
If there are bubbles or crystals on the surface of the moon cake after air cooling, you can gently scrape them off with a toothpick.
According to these steps and suggestions, you will be able to make attractive crystal clear moon cake syrup, adding sweetness and joy to your Mid-Autumn Festival.