Quzhou Sesame Cake

Quzhou Sesame Cake

　　A specialty of Zhejiang—Quzhou Sesame Cake. Its outer dough is made from refined flour, sesame oil, maltose, edible alkali, powdered sugar, and sesame flakes, then filled with sweet ingredients such as white sugar, orange cake, sesame oil, maltose, walnuts, peanuts, and sesame seeds. The surface of the Quzhou Sesame Cake is brownish-yellow, the edges are light yellow, and the bottom is yellow, with no burnt spots. The cake has a thin crust and generous filling, with clearly defined layers when cut, free from any impurities. The sesame aroma is sweet and delicious, offering a uniquely delightful flavor.

　　 Specialty Culture: The Quzhou Sesame Cake was first created during the Qing Dynasty at Shaoyongfeng Bakery, where it was known as "Shaoyongfeng" Sesame Cake. Since its inception, the cake has gained fame both domestically and internationally, alongside other Quzhou specialties such as frozen rice candy, hibiscus cake, and peanut candy. In line with modern tastes and health trends, a variety of new types have been developed, including traditional sweet sesame cakes and mooncakes with sugar-based fillings, as well as sugar-free and low-sugar options, offering a wide range of choices.

　　 "Shaoyongfeng" Sesame Cake was established during the Qing Dynasty at Shaoyongfeng Bakery. Since its launch, it has been renowned across the province and beyond for producing traditional Quzhou specialties such as sesame cakes, frozen rice candy, hibiscus cake, and peanut candy. As early as the 1929 Nanjing Expo, Shaoyongfeng (Quzhou Sesame Cake) won the national title of "Famous Delicacy." For years, Shaoyongfeng has built its reputation on quality and customer care, earning widespread popularity among consumers. In 2000, the business underwent restructuring, and Xu Chengzheng, who had joined Shaoyongfeng to learn the craft at age 19, purchased this century-old brand with the goal of taking Shaoyongfeng beyond Quzhou and across the nation. "When we exhibited in cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou, our cakes were in such high demand that many locals asked if they could buy Shaoyongfeng pastries regularly."

　　 It is said that the reason Shaoyongfeng Sesame Cake is favored by consumers is closely tied to its processing techniques. Therefore, Shaoyongfeng has maintained traditional methods, using charcoal ovens for baking. From raw materials to finished product, over a hundred processes are involved, and the cakes are sold fresh from the oven. Meanwhile, the equipment has been continuously improved and updated. The days of a single charcoal oven on the street, with ash flying everywhere, are long gone. Today’s ovens are more hygienic and environmentally friendly. At various Shaoyongfeng outlets across the city, residents can once again enjoy freshly baked sesame cakes. Additionally, in response to modern tastes and health trends, Shaoyongfeng has developed many new varieties, including traditional sweet sesame cakes and mooncakes with sugar-based fillings, as well as sugar-free and low-sugar options, totaling over 20 varieties. In addition to freshly baked goods, there are also individually wrapped or boxed options to suit different markets and consumer needs.

　　 Specialty Identification: To distinguish a good Quzhou Sesame Cake, first check its appearance—is it uniform, plump, and well-shaped? Then smell it; a fresh cake will have a rich, inviting aroma, while one with inferior ingredients or that is old may have an off smell. Finally, taste it to see if it has a thin crust, generous filling, pure flavor, and a refreshing taste. Generally, lower-quality cakes will not have the chewy resilience or crispiness of authentic ones, and may even carry a slightly bitter taste.