Imagine biting into a warm, golden mooncake fresh from the oven. As your teeth sink into its soft, buttery crust, a creamy, aromatic pumpkin custard flows out like molten sunshine. Sweet, earthy, and perfectly spiced, this pumpkin lava mooncake captures the essence of fall in every bite.
These pumpkin-filled mooncakes are a delightful twist on the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival pastry — reimagined for autumn and perfect for Halloween gatherings. The smooth pumpkin filling melts into a silky custard center, offering a comforting flavor that tastes like the season itself. From cozy fall picnics to Halloween dessert tables, these mooncakes bring together Eastern tradition and Western autumn flair in one irresistibly festive creation.
A Fall Twist on a Beloved Tradition
Mooncakes have long symbolized unity, family, and reunion — especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. But their versatility has also inspired endless modern variations. This pumpkin lava mooncake takes that classic concept and infuses it with the comforting warmth of fall.
The combination of pumpkin puree, custard, and a hint of cinnamon or five-spice transforms the traditional mooncake into something fresh yet familiar. It’s the perfect fusion dessert for those who love baking with seasonal ingredients or want a unique centerpiece for their Halloween party spread.
Why Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is the star of the season — naturally sweet, rich in fiber, and loaded with vitamins A and C. When blended into a creamy custard filling, it creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the buttery mooncake crust.
Beyond its nutritional perks, pumpkin’s subtle sweetness and golden color make it the perfect autumn ingredient for creative desserts. As jack-o’-lanterns glow outside and pumpkin spice fills the air, these mooncakes add a delicious homemade touch to your fall celebrations. Their deep orange hue and glossy finish make them picture-perfect for your Halloween dessert table or cozy fall gathering.
The Secret Weapon: Baking with a Dutch Oven
The Dutch oven brings bakery-level results right to your kitchen. Its even heat distribution ensures a uniform bake, while the enameled surface keeps the mooncake crust tender and prevents sticking.
For this recipe, the RJ Legend 8.5 oz mini Dutch oven works perfectly — each pot holds one mooncake and keeps it evenly browned without drying out. You won’t even need the lids for this bake, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the perfect tool to turn your fall baking or Halloween treat-making into something truly special.
To elevate the seasonal vibe even more, pair your baking with a pumpkin-shaped mooncake mold. The Pumpkin Mooncake Mold (or similar) lets you stamp your mooncakes into adorable pumpkin silhouettes — complete with ridges and patterns — to match the spirit of Halloween and fall. Using a mold adds visual appeal, reinforces the theme, and makes your pumpkin lava mooncakes that much more memorable.
Recipe: Pumpkin Lava Mooncakes
Yields: 4–6 mooncakes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Ingredients
For the dough:
· 200g all-purpose flour
· 80g granulated sugar
· 10g vegetable oil
· 10g shortening
· 100g hot water (about 80–90°C)
For the pumpkin lava filling:
· 250g pumpkin puree (freshly steamed or canned)
· 100g condensed milk
· 30g sugar (adjust to taste)
· 20g butter (melted)
· 20g glutinous rice flour
· 1 egg yolk
· 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
· Optional: pinch of cinnamon or five-spice powder
For the egg wash:
· 1 egg yolk
· 1 tablespoon water or milk
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, oil, and shortening. Gradually pour in hot water while stirring until a soft dough begins to form. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Once ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to shape later.
Make the Pumpkin Filling
Start by steaming or microwaving the pumpkin until tender, then mash or blend it into a smooth puree. In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree with condensed milk, sugar, butter, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and glutinous rice flour. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture becomes silky and thick — it should have a flowy, lava-like consistency. For added autumn warmth, mix in a pinch of cinnamon or Chinese five-spice powder. Chill the filling in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, just until it firms up slightly and is easier to handle.
Assemble the Mooncakes
Divide the dough into 4–6 equal portions, rolling each piece into a small ball. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a round disc. Spoon a portion of the chilled pumpkin filling into the center, then carefully seal the dough around it to form a smooth ball again. For a festive touch, use a pumpkin-shaped mooncake mold to imprint a seasonal design before baking — like this pumpkin-style mooncake mold that adds a Halloween twist to the traditional shape. Place each filled mooncake into a mini Dutch oven, one per pot, and lightly brush the tops with egg wash to give them a beautiful golden finish.
Bake the Mooncakes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the mooncakes for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust develops a warm golden brown hue. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the edge — it should come out clean. Let the mooncakes cool for 5–10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to set while keeping the inside moist and fragrant.
Serving & Presentation
Once cooled slightly, cut into each mooncake to reveal the golden pumpkin lava flowing from the center. The contrast between the crisp crust and silky filling is pure magic — especially when served warm with tea or coffee.
Want to take your Halloween dessert table up a notch? Arrange these mooncakes on a wooden cheese board, sprinkle some cinnamon powder for garnish, and pair them with a pumpkin spice latte or warm milk tea. The glowing orange filling against the golden crust creates a picture-perfect autumn aesthetic — ideal for cozy nights or festive get-togethers.
Mooncake Size
When baked in the 8.5 oz RJ Legend Dutch oven, each mooncake is similar to a traditional medium-sized one — about 3–4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. The Dutch oven’s even heating ensures a golden crust and soft interior every time.
🍂 Celebrate the Season with a Pumpkin Twist
Whether you’re celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival or simply embracing the cozy flavors of fall, these pumpkin lava mooncakes bring warmth and joy to any occasion. From trick-or-treat nights to intimate autumn gatherings, this dessert delivers both comfort and creativity. Sweet, aromatic, and undeniably festive — they’re the perfect bridge between traditional mooncakes and Halloween indulgence.
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