Yunpian Cake is a famous dessert in the Jiangsu and Guangdong regions of China. Its name comes from its appearance. Yunpian Cake is usually rectangular in shape with a thin and even thickness, a snow-white color, neatly trimmed edges, and a soft texture that can be bent into an arc without breaking.
Yunpian Cake comes in various flavors, such as walnut, osmanthus, and more. Some variations also include fillings, such as orange sugar, scallion oil, black sesame, five-spice powder, cashews, and more. It is fragrant, sweet, and soft, and melts in your mouth.
Traditionally, Yunpian Cake was wrapped in red paper or a red box. It is an essential dessert for happy occasions, such as weddings, and is also seen during events like moving or praying for peace and safety.
The making of Yunpian Cake requires great attention to detail. The flour must be sieved continuously to ensure a fine texture, and white sugar cannot be used; instead, coarse sugar from Tushaliao is used, and the glutinous rice must be cooked thoroughly and maintained a snow-white color. All ingredients are mixed thoroughly, compressed into shape, and finally cut into thin slices by a skilled slicer to complete the process.
Yunpian Cake is in danger of disappearing, but efforts are being made to preserve this traditional pastry by passing on the skill to younger generations. It is also believed that eating Yunpian Cake can bring peace and safety to those who enjoy it.
