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literally a magical transformation of cakes, and yes, could you imagine adding sweet or salty stuffing and having a doubled-universe feast at the same time?
The Origin of Wheel Cake
The story is traced back to long long time ago....
Wheel cake is a kind of "wheel-shaped dimsum" commonly found on the streets of Taiwan. It is also ranked as a must-have snack in every night market in Taipei. In fact, wheel cake is a traditional delicacy introduced from Japan during the Japanese occupation. It was originally called "Imagawa yaki"（今川燒） , while it is generally called red bean pie or wheel pie in Taiwan. As there are different names in different areas in Japan, there are also three versions of its origin. However, no story is proven to be the most accurate so far, so we would prefer to call them as "anecdotes".
Inspired by bridge?
Inspired by bridge?
During the Ernst and Young Period in the mid-Edo period, there was a small vendor selling "wagashi" (車輪餅）near the "Imagawa Bridge"(now "Kanda Bridge"), and thus it was named after the bridge as "Imagawayaki". This story is the widely-accepted version of its origin.
Based on surname?
Based on surname?
It is believed to be the name of the "Imagawa" clan of the samurai family during the period of Warring States, who was the most powerful clan back in those days.
Inspired by a military instrument?
Inspired by a military instrument?
Legend has it that Benkei, a general of the ancient Japanese source, Yoshitsune, went to a private home to heal his injury. Benkei then gave them his military instrument gongs as a gesture of appreciation. Unexpectedly, this family turned the gong as a mold to bake cakes. After several transformations during the Edo period, eggs, flour and sugar were used for the wraps with red bean fillings on the inside. Wagashi then was indicated to be the predecessor of "Dorayaki".
The Varieties of Wheel Cake
Nowadays, there are different flavors of wheel cakes in Taiwan.
Flavor Transformation
Flavor Transformation
You might be thinking why the wheel cakes, so-called "red bean cakes", are not always stuffed with red bean, right?
Ever since the Edo period, even until now, vendors have been constantly inventing different flavors, including the salty ones, such as tuna, smoked shredded chicken, salted egg, just to name a few. As for the sweet ones, oreo, taro, and pearl are the current thumbs-up among the local.
There is no specific reason or story behind this transformation. However, if you long for a taste of authenticity, red bean and peanut should definitely be on your list!
Can't wait to taste different flavors?
Here's how you can save money and make as many wheel cakes and flavors as you wish!
Steps to make cream wheel cakes:
Combine egg, pastry flour, sugar & corn starch in a large bowl. Blend with whisk
In another bowl combine and heat milk and butter.
Combine flour mixture with milk & butter. Stir stir stir while maintaining medium low heat. Low is better since this batch burned a little.
Stir until thick and creamy for 10 minutes. Set aside.
For the cake wheels, combine milk and eggs. Blend.
Add Mirin, sugar, butter
More pastry flour. Whisk whisk whisk. Then add vanilla extract and baking powder.
Batter should be neither too thick nor thin.
Wheel cake maker with her friends Batter and Cream Filling.
After 20 minutes or so, the wheel cake maker cranked out these bad boys.
*You can always customize the fillings by adding your favorite ingredients!
Christine Cheng & Sharmane Lin
Instructor: Gretchen Lee
Instructor: Gretchen Lee
Department of English Language and Literature
Fu Jen Catholic University
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