Crystal Cake – A Popular Dessert and Souvenir in Xian

Written by Clementine | Updated October 29,2025

Shaanxi’s food culture is profound and rich. And among all the specialties, the Crystal Cake, a distinctive local dessert, has never failed to win the hearts of residents and visitors. Different from many other traditional pastry, crystal cake has more delicate and translucent layers while just gently sweetened. With its perfect combination of flavor, texture, and aroma, every bite can give people an understanding of Shaanxi’s understated yet rich culinary tradition. It’s long been a must-try for anyone visiting Xi’an and also a popular souvenir for friends and family.

Content Preview

• The Recipe: Ingredients and Unique Flavor Profile
• History and Cultural Significance
• Demaogong: A Time-Honored Brand
• Production: The Craftsmanship of the Crystal Cake
• FAQs about Crystal Cake
• Join China Xian Tour to Discover Xi’an’s Signature Flavors

The Recipe: Ingredients and Unique Flavor Profile

• Crust / wrapper: made from wheat flour, starch, and fat (lard or pig oil),which is designed to be thin, flaky, and translucent. It forms delicate layers that almost melt as soon as you put it in your mouth.
• Filling:mixture of white sugar, rock sugar, rose petals, walnut kernels, and blue-red slices (candied orange peel, radish, papaya) for texture and aroma.
• Aroma & taste:The cake is sweet but mild, not cloying or greasy. Rose petals bring a gentle floral scent, walnuts add slight crunch, and the candied citrus brings a refreshing note.
• Appearance:After baking, the cake becomes slightly translucent, giving it a “crystal-like” look, which is how it got its name.

History and Cultural Significance

The Legend of Kouzhun

According to the legend, in Northern Song Dynasty the crystal cake was as a gift sent to the chancellor Kouzhun and it was made by the members at north of Weihe River. At Kouzhun’s 50-year-old birthday, the people who came from different places delivering their blessings to him. Among them, an old man praised him by offering crystal cake while saying that “Kouzhun’s eyes and heart are as bright as crystal”. Therefore, he was distinguished with loyalty and traitors.”

Documented Origin and Status

Historically, the first documented Crystal Cake actually appeared in 1872, during the 11th year of the Tongzhi reign. This predates the famous Daoxiangcun pastry of Beijing by 23 years. Today, Crystal Cake is recognized as part of Shaanxi’s intangible cultural heritage and remains a beloved snack across generations.

Demaogong: A Time-Honored Brand

As the intangible cultural heritage, Demaogong Crystal Cake is a famous trademark of Shaanxi Province and also a model in the northwest snack industry. As a time-honored brand, it has a good reputation, and also has been tasted by generation and generation.

There are nine small, exquisite and lovely crystal cakes wrapped in oily paper and packed in the carton, with a weight of a pound per box. On the cover of the box, there are four children dancing. The three characters of “Crystal Cake” are written in the middle. And the trademarks of Demaogong and time-honored brand are on the top and bottom separately.

Production: The Craftsmanship of the Crystal Cake

The process of making crystal cakes is complicated, and it has to go through many procedures such as stuffing, skinning, wrapping, baking, etc., and the traditional crafts are passed down.

1. Wrappers preparation:mixing flour, starch, fat to make a silky, flexible dough
2. Filling preparation: finely chopping walnuts, roses, and blue-red slice; blending sugars
3. Skinning and layering:the thin dough is stretched or pressed into fine sheets, then layered
4. Wrapping and shaping:placing appropriate filling, folding into rounds
5. Baking / firing: carefully controlling heat so cake becomes crisp yet retains translucency
6. Cooling & packaging: once baked, the cakes are cooled and tightly packaged to prevent peeling

Traditional Craftsmanship

The craftsmanship behind Crystal Cake has been passed down through generations, and both the package and the cakes are the carriers of tradition. Though the packaging is rather modest, it represents exactly a sense of simplicity that valued in Shaanxi culture. And the cake itself embodies the region’s passion and dedication that shines forever. Every cake is uniform in size and design, just like Chinese chess pieces, and this also showcases the meticulous attention to detail that defines this traditional pastry.

FAQs about Crystal Cake

Why is it called “Crystal Cake” if it doesn’t contain crystal?

It’s so named because after baking, the filling and crust become slightly translucent and shimmering, just like crystal. So the name actually emphasizes clarity and elegance of this part, not literally saying it’s a crystal-shaped.

What is the primary flavor profile of Crystal Cake?

It is lightly sweet but not greasy, with a delicate floral note from rose petals, nutty crunch from walnuts, and a hint of citrus from the blue-red slice.

Is Crystal Cake considered a daily snack or a festive food?

Both. Originally it was more of a luxury or gift item, but it is now enjoyed as a daily snack and widely used as a souvenir or gift.

What is the “blue-red slice” and what is its purpose in the cake?

The blue-red slice (青红片) is a candied blend that is able to add color, texture, and a light citrus aroma to the cake, and it can balance the cake’s sweetness and richer flavor.

What is the typical shelf life of a Crystal Cake?

It can last around 10–15 days if stored properly. But to have it within a week guarantee the best taste and texture.

Where is the best place to buy authentic Crystal Cake in Xi’an?

The most authentic is from Demaogong’s flagship stores in Xi’an, particularly the one near Guangji Street / West Avenue. Other good sources include reputable local bakeries along Huimin Street (Muslim Quarter) or markets known for traditional snacks.

Join China Xian Tour to Discover Xi’an’s Signature Flavors

Xi’an, with its profound history, has also given birth to a rich and incredible food culture, which by all means, deserves everyone’s explorations. Except for the crystal cakes, to enjoy more of the local highlights, join a fully customized Xi’an food tour with China Xian Tour is how you can get the best experience. While our local guides leading you through all the bustling markets or hidden eateries, you’ll get the chance to taste the most authentic local flavors, and also, the essence of the land that they are carrying. With us taking care of everything for you, all you’ll have to think about along this journey is how to welcome the greatest moments and memories.