Baked Manju
Baked Manju offers a delightful combination of tender dough filled with sweet 'An', topped with egg wash and sesame seeds, perfect as a snack or dessert for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Mix in evaporated milk, baking soda, and flour.
- Knead dough on a well-floured board until smooth.
- Roll out and cut dough into pieces about the size of walnuts.
- Flatten each piece of dough and cover prepared 'An' with it.
- Pinch the dough together on the bottom to seal it so that the 'An' will not leak through.
- Place the sealed dough pieces on greased cookie sheets.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.
- Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of the regular cube butter. If you’re out of evaporated milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of sugar. Ensure your dough is well-floured to prevent sticking while rolling it out. If you prefer, you can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Baked manju is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also serve them alongside a light fruit salad or with a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat. These sweet pastries make for a lovely addition to any festive spread, similar to Holiday Fruit Alaska.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked manju in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Manju contains roughly 760 calories, with 18g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out, ensuring it softens for easier handling.
What can I use as a filling instead of 'An'?
If you want to experiment with fillings, consider using fruit preserves, sweetened red bean paste, or even chocolate ganache. Each alternative will give a unique flavor profile to your baked manju, so feel free to get creative.
How do I know when the manju are done baking?
The manju are done when they turn a light golden brown color and have a slightly firm texture on the top. You can also gently tap the bottom of one; if it sounds hollow, it indicates they are fully baked. Keep an eye on them in the oven to prevent over-baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).