Ayurvedic Mooncakes: A Lunar Fusion of Wellness and Tradition

Moon Cakes

Ayurvedic Mooncake Recipe (Vegan + Gluten-Free Option)

As the full moon rises for the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes take center stage in celebrations across Asia. But what if this year, your mooncakes didn’t just honor tradition, they also nourished your body in harmony with your dosha?

In this recipe, I’ve reimagined the classic mooncake through the lens of Ayurveda, blending ancient Chinese symbolism with the healing wisdom of Indian tradition. These Ayurvedic mooncakes are made with sattvic ingredients, natural sweeteners, and dosha-balancing fillings, perfect for a mindful celebration under the moonlight.

Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or simply craving a healthier twist on a beloved treat, this recipe invites you to celebrate the moon with intention, flavor, and balance.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)

• 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil (Vata/Pitta) or sunflower oil (Kapha)

• 2 tbsp maple syrup or jaggery syrup

• 2–3 tbsp warm water

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

For the filling (choose based on dosha):

Vata-Pacifying Filling:

• ½ cup cooked sweet potato, mashed

• 2 tbsp almond butter

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg

Pitta-Pacifying Filling:

• ½ cup soaked dates, blended

• 2 tbsp shredded coconut

• 1 tsp rose water

• ½ tsp fennel powder

Kapha-Pacifying Filling:

• ½ cup cooked mung beans, mashed

• 1 tbsp ginger powder

• 1 tbsp honey (added after baking)

• 1 tsp clove or black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the dough: Mix flour, ghee/oil, syrup, cardamom, and water until a soft dough forms. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling: Blend or mash ingredients until smooth and pliable.

3. Assemble: Divide dough into 6–8 balls. Flatten each, add a spoonful of filling, and seal into a ball. Press into a mooncake mold or shape by hand.

4. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake mooncakes on a lined tray for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.

5. Cool & glaze (optional): Brush with a mix of maple syrup and water for shine. Let cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

6. Designs Optional If you’d like to add a beautiful design to your mooncake, simply use a mooncake mold, either a traditional wooden one with carved patterns or a plastic plunger mold that stamps the design with a quick press.