Crystal cake is one of the traditional desserts in Weinan city of eastern Shaanxi, China. It has more than 800 years of history and was first invented in Xiagui during the Song Dynasty, eventually spreading throughout the region.[1] It gets its name from its filling, which is glittery and translucent, like a crystal.
The crust is made of wheat flour, starch, and oil; the filling is a mixture of granulated sugar, lard, and pounded rock candy, candied fruits and nuts.[1]
In southern China, small pastries with a translucent crust made with wheat starch as a main component, and filled with sweet bean paste, are also called "crystal cake."[2]