When my friend invited me to celebrate the Lunar New Year last January, I was greeted by the delightful scent of steamed treats wafting from her kitchen. Among the dishes was a fluffy Chinese steamed egg cake that immediately caught my attention. Its delicate, airy texture and slight sweetness enchanted everyone at the table, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. This simple yet traditional recipe yields a moist cake, perfect for any gathering or even a cozy afternoon tea.
With just a handful of ingredients—eggs, sugar, and cake flour—you can whip up this pillowy delight that will remind you of sponge cake but with a twist! Plus, it’s impressive enough to make your neighbors curious about your secret ingredient while being easy enough to include in your weeknight dinner lineup. Join me as we embark on a delightful journey to make your own Fluffy Chinese Steamed Egg Cake, a delicious treat that wonderfully balances tradition and taste.
Why is Chinese steamed cake so popular?
Fluffy texture: This cake achieves a cloud-like softness that melts in your mouth, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Simple ingredients: With just a few pantry staples—eggs, sugar, and cake flour—you can whip this up in no time!
Crowd pleaser: Its delightful sweetness and unique presentation will impress family and friends, making it a hit at gatherings.
Cultural significance: Often enjoyed during celebrations, this cake symbolizes prosperity, adding a meaningful touch to your meals.
Versatile options: Easily customize the recipe by adding flavors like vanilla or butter for a richer experience! Enjoy this delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Chinese Steamed Cake Ingredients
• To create your own fluffy delight, gather these ingredients that make all the difference!
For the Batter
- Eggs (178g, about 3 large) – Provides structure and moisture; use room temperature eggs for better air incorporation.
- Sugar (178g) – Sweetens the cake; reducing sugar will affect both texture and moisture.
- Cake Flour (152g, sifted twice) – Ensures a light and tender crumb; substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser texture.
- Vegetable Oil (43g) – Adds moisture and enhances fluffiness; melted butter can be a substitute but may impact rise.
Optional Flavorings
- Vanilla Extract (optional) – Adds a warm, rich aroma; a teaspoon can elevate the cake’s flavor profile.
- Pinch of Salt (optional) – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; just a small pinch will do!
This friendly guide will help you gather everything needed to make your own delightful Chinese steamed cake! Enjoy the delightful cooking journey ahead!
How to Make Chinese Steamed Cake
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Beat the Eggs: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat on high speed for about 15 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and doubles in size, resembling a fluffy cloud.
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Fold in Flour: Gently fold in the sifted cake flour using a whisk or a silicone spatula until just combined. Take care not to overmix; the batter should still look light and airy.
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Incorporate Oil: Pour about 1/3 of the batter into a separate bowl. Add the vegetable oil and mix lightly before returning this mixture to the remaining batter. Fold gently until just combined, keeping that airiness intact!
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Prepare to Steam: Pour the batter into a prepared bamboo steamer, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Steam over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once done, allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This helps to set the texture and makes it easier to slice!
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a lovely touch before serving!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Fluffy Chinese Steamed Egg Cake?
Experience an unforgettable dining moment by complementing this airy delight with dishes that enhance its unique flavor and texture.
- Fragrant Jasmine Rice: The light, fluffy grains offer a gentle contrast, perfect for an elegant spread, especially if you are serving savory sides alongside the cake.
- Sweet Red Bean Soup: This traditional dessert brings out a beautiful sweetness while adding a comforting warmth that pairs harmoniously with the egg cake.
- Steamed Broccoli: A vibrant addition that provides a crisp texture, counterbalancing the soft cake while introducing a refreshing note.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: This delicate herbal tea gives a floral aroma that refreshes the palate, enhancing the cake’s subtle sweetness exceptionally well.
- Mango Pudding: For those with a sweet tooth, the creamy and fruity treat complements the soft texture of the cake for an enjoyable dessert duo.
- Sesame Balls: The crunchy exterior and sweet filling of these fried treats contrast nicely with the cake, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
- Chilled Wintry Fruit Salad: Bright fruits like watermelon and grapes create a refreshing burst of flavor, cleansing the palate between bites of cake.
- Mochi Ice Cream: The chewy texture of mochi filled with ice cream pairs beautifully, offering a delightful contrast to the light fluffiness of your steamed cake.
Chinese Steamed Cake Variations
Feel free to explore delicious twists on this classic recipe and tailor it to your taste buds!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for a lovely, subtle coconut flavor without the dairy.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a delightful twist that warms the soul.
- Chocolate Lover: Fold in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the flour for a rich, chocolate-infused steamed cake.
- Fruit-Infused: Mix in ½ cup of mashed bananas or applesauce to the batter for added moisture and natural sweetness.
- Savory Spin: Incorporate a pinch of five-spice powder to give your cake an aromatic, savory touch that’s unique and delicious.
- Nutty Texture: Fold in finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor depth.
- Herbal Hint: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender or a sprig of fresh rosemary for a fragrant, herby kick that’s surprisingly delightful.
- Steamed with a Twist: Try steaming the cake in a tea-infused broth (like jasmine or oolong) for exciting aromatic layers.
Explore these variations to make your Chinese steamed cake truly your own delight!
Storage Tips for Chinese Steamed Cake
Fridge: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will keep it moist and fresh while preventing it from absorbing any odors.
Freezer: If you want to keep the cake longer, wrap slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Chinese steamed cake, simply re-steam or microwave briefly until warmed through. This will help restore its fluffy texture.
Serving Temperature: This cake is delightful either warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion!
Make Ahead Options
These Fluffy Chinese Steamed Egg Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the eggs, sugar, and flour, and then refrigerating it in an airtight container—this helps keep the batter fresh and prevents any unwanted browning. When you’re ready to serve, simply bring the batter back to room temperature, pour it into your prepared bamboo steamer, and steam it for 20 to 25 minutes. The result will be just as delicious and fluffy as if you made it fresh! This way, you’ll save time and still impress your family with this delightful treat!
Expert Tips for Chinese Steamed Cake
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Use Room Temperature Eggs: Helps incorporate air more effectively, resulting in a fluffier cake. Cold eggs may yield denser results.
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Don’t Rush the Mixing: Beat the eggs and sugar for the full 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that signature light texture in your Chinese steamed cake.
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Gentle Folding: When adding flour, use a light touch. Overmixing can deflate your batter and affect the cake’s rise; aim for just combined.
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Keep the Lid Closed: Avoid peeking into the steamer while cooking. Opening it can cause sudden temperature changes, leading to a flat cake.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding vanilla extract or a pinch of salt for a richer flavor—just remember, a little goes a long way!
Each tip will help ensure your Chinese steamed cake turns out perfectly fluffy and delicious!
Chinese Steamed Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right eggs for my Chinese steamed cake?
Absolutely! For the best texture, choose large eggs that are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs incorporate air more effectively, resulting in a fluffier cake. Look for eggs that are clean, with no visible cracks, and a good date on the package for freshness.
What are the best storage methods for leftovers?
Very good question! Store any leftover Chinese steamed cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor. If you’d like to enjoy it even longer, you can wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to 3 months.
How do I freeze my Chinese steamed cake properly?
The more the merrier! To freeze your Chinese steamed cake, first, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the cake into individual portions. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, ensuring no exposed areas, and then place all the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, re-steam the slices for about 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly until warm.
What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise?
Not to worry! If your Chinese steamed cake doesn’t rise as expected, make sure to check a couple of things: First, ensure that you beat the eggs and sugar long enough—around 15 minutes is crucial for incorporating adequate air. Also, avoid opening the steamer lid while it’s cooking; this can cause temperature drops that lead to deflation. Remember to fold the flour gently to keep the batter airy.
Can I adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions or allergies?
Absolutely! If you have dietary concerns, there are certainly alternatives. For a dairy-free version, substitute the vegetable oil with any plant-based oil, and you can skip the butter altogether. For gluten-free options, consider using a gluten-free cake flour blend. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Is it safe for pets or those with allergies?
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead! While the ingredients in this Chinese steamed cake are generally safe for human consumption, be cautious with sharing it with pets, particularly dogs, as some ingredients, like sugar and flour in excess, can be harmful. Always ensure any food you share with pets is safe and consult your vet if unsure.
Fluffy Chinese Steamed Cake: A Sweet Twist on Tradition
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat the Eggs: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat on high speed for about 15 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and doubles in size.
- Fold in Flour: Gently fold in the sifted cake flour until just combined. The batter should still look light and airy.
- Incorporate Oil: Pour about 1/3 of the batter into a separate bowl. Add the vegetable oil and mix lightly before returning this mixture to the remaining batter.
- Prepare to Steam: Pour the batter into a prepared bamboo steamer and steam over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before serving. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar.