Chinese Longevity Peach Cakes, or Shòutáo Bāo, are delicate steamed buns traditionally shaped and shaded to resemble ripe peaches—a symbol of long life and good fortune in Chinese culture. Filled with smooth lotus seed paste or sweet mung bean paste, these soft, slightly sweet buns are often served during birthdays, especially for elders, and are also featured in festive celebrations. These elegant treats blend time-honored symbolism with subtle flavor and an irresistibly tender bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Symbolic and Meaningful: These buns are a culinary expression of longevity, prosperity, and cultural heritage.
- Soft and Pillowy Texture: Steamed to perfection, the dough yields a tender, fluffy bun.
- Customizable Fillings: Choose from lotus seed, mung bean paste, or your favorite sweet filling.
- Naturally Plant-Based: Vegan-friendly and adaptable for various dietary needs.
- Artful and Impressive: The peach shape and light blush coloring make these buns as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- all-purpose flour
- instant yeast
- warm water
- sugar
- neutral oil
- pink food coloring
- green food coloring (optional)
For the Filling:
- lotus seed paste or sweet mung bean paste (store-bought or homemade)
For Decoration (optional):
- pink and green food coloring
- small clean brush
Directions
- Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and warm water. Mix to form a rough dough. - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, adding the oil halfway through. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns
Divide the risen dough into 10 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a round disc. - Place a spoonful of lotus seed or mung bean paste in the center of each disc. Wrap the dough around the filling, pinching to seal tightly.
- Gently shape each bun into a peach by creating a slight point at one end. Lightly indent the top with the back of a knife to suggest a peach seam.
- Using a clean brush, apply a light blush of pink food coloring to the top of each bun. Optionally, use green food coloring to paint on leaves for added detail.
- Place each bun on a small square of parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Steam the Buns
Bring water in a steamer to a boil. Carefully place the buns in the steamer basket, leaving space between each. - Steam over medium heat for 12–15 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave the lid closed for an additional 5 minutes to prevent the buns from collapsing due to a sudden temperature change.
- Remove the buns and serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 10 peach buns
- Calories: Approximately 190 kcal per bun
Variations
- Red Bean Filling: Substitute lotus seed paste with sweet red bean paste for a deeper flavor.
- Fruit-Flavored Fillings: Try fillings like mashed taro, pineapple paste, or purple sweet potato for creative spins.
- Pan-Fried Version: Lightly pan-fry the buns after steaming for a crispy base.
- Miniature Buns: Make smaller, bite-sized versions for dim sum-style presentation.
- Baked Version: While non-traditional, these can also be adapted to a baked format using enriched dough.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze steamed buns in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Reheat directly from frozen.
- Reheating: Steam refrigerated or frozen buns for 5–10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture.
FAQs
What do longevity peach buns symbolize?
They represent long life, health, and happiness, and are traditionally gifted during birthday celebrations, especially for elders.
Can I use store-bought dough?
For convenience, pre-made bao or mantou dough can be used, but homemade dough yields the best texture and authenticity.
What is lotus seed paste?
Lotus seed paste is a smooth, subtly sweet filling made from cooked lotus seeds. It’s commonly used in Chinese pastries and mooncakes.
Is it necessary to paint the buns?
No, the coloring is decorative. The buns will taste the same without it, though the peach-like appearance enhances the presentation.
Can I make these gluten-free?
It’s challenging with traditional steamed dough. A specific gluten-free bao recipe would be required for good texture.
Why did my buns collapse after steaming?
This can happen if the lid is removed too quickly. Always let the buns sit in the steamer for 5 minutes after turning off the heat.
Can I use food coloring alternatives?
Yes, natural powders like beetroot or matcha can be used for gentle color, though the results may vary.
What’s the best way to shape the buns like peaches?
After sealing the dough around the filling, pinch one end to form a slight point, then use a knife to indent a subtle seam across the top.
Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?
Yes, knead with a dough hook on medium speed for about 6 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Do these need to be served hot?
They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They’re softest and most flavorful when freshly steamed.
Conclusion
Chinese Longevity Peach Cakes (Shòutáo Bāo) are a cherished symbol of celebration, tradition, and good fortune. Their tender, fluffy texture, delicate sweetness, and eye-catching design make them a meaningful and memorable addition to birthday feasts and festive gatherings. Whether you’re preserving a cultural tradition or exploring new flavors, these peach-shaped steamed buns are a joy to make, share, and savor.
PrintChinese Longevity Peach Cakes
Chinese Longevity Peach Cakes (Shòutáo Bāo) are soft, fluffy steamed buns shaped like peaches and filled with smooth lotus seed or sweet bean paste. A traditional and symbolic birthday dessert, these festive buns represent long life and prosperity, making them perfect for celebrations and cultural gatherings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 peach buns
- Category: Dessert / Dim Sum
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons instant yeast
-
1/2 cup warm water
-
2 tablespoons sugar
-
1 tablespoon neutral oil
-
A few drops pink food coloring
-
Green food coloring (optional, for leaves)
For the Filling:
-
1 cup lotus seed paste or sweet mung bean paste (store-bought or homemade)
For Decoration (optional):
-
Green and pink food coloring
-
Small clean brush
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir until a dough forms.
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Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, adding oil halfway through.
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Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Divide dough into 10 equal pieces. Flatten each piece and place a spoonful of paste in the center. Seal and shape into a peach with a slight point at the top.
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Tint the top of each bun lightly with pink food coloring. Optionally paint on green leaves using a brush.
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Place buns on parchment squares and let rest for 20 minutes.
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Meanwhile, prepare a steamer. Steam buns over boiling water for 12–15 minutes.
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Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes before opening the lid to prevent collapse.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
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Lotus seed paste and mung bean paste can be found at Asian grocery stores or made from scratch.
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Don’t skip the post-steam resting time to keep buns fluffy.
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Perfect for birthdays, Lunar New Year, or as a symbolic gift.
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Buns can be frozen before steaming and cooked fresh when needed.
Nutrition
- Calories: 190 kcal per bun