At the table
Let a freshly cooked cake cool slightly, especially its center, then eat it in small bites. The crisp sugar surface contrasts with the soft shell and filling. Ask about the filling and toppings before choosing a cake.
Contains wheat flour and bean paste. Depending on the recipe, pork fat, egg, sesame or nuts may also be present. Ask about the batter, filling, mold grease and toppings before ordering if you avoid these ingredients.
The small cake has a crisp sugary surface and soft center and can be split for sharing; cool the freshly cooked center before serving.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Fillings and toppings vary. Some preparations include sugared pork leaf-fat cubes; sesame, nuts or preserved fruit may be added.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet bean filling and caramelized sugar; richer when pork fat is included.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Crisp sugary surface around a soft batter shell and smooth filling.
- How it’s made
- Pour leavened flour batter into heated, greased molds around the filling, bake and finish against a sugared hot plate.
Fillings and toppings vary. Some preparations include sugared pork leaf-fat cubes; sesame, nuts or preserved fruit may be added.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanghai. Associated with Jiangsu.
About this regional connection
Shanghai: Associated with Shanghai. Jiangsu: Associated with Suzhou and nearby parts of Jiangsu; no exclusive-origin claim.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有海棠糕吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
The mold and the sugar lid
In a Changshu method, flour batter and bean filling cook in shallow round cups in a copper mold. A sugared lid is pressed onto the cakes, then the mold is turned over so the tops brown against it. The contrast comes from that caramelized surface above a soft batter shell and smooth filling.