How to Make Chinese Steamed Cake - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chinese steamed cake, also known as 馒头 (mántou) or 馒头蛋糕 (mántou dàngāo), is a popular traditional Chinese dessert that is enjoyed throughout the year. It is a versatile and simple dessert that can be served at any time of day, and can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Its light, fluffy texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a beloved treat for people of all ages.

Steamed cakes have a long history in Chinese cuisine, with their origins dating back to ancie...

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Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 ¼ cups white sugar
  • 2 ½ tablespoons water
  • 1 ½ cups cake flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
  • ¼ cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Information

  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 9-inch square cake

  • Arrange a large bamboo steamer or a large vegetable steamer over simmering water. Make sure it is large enough to hold the baking pan. Line a 9 inch square pan with waxed paper.
  • Separate the eggs. Place the yolks in a large bowl along with the sugar and water. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture has increased about three times in volume. Whisk together the flour and the baking powder; sift this over the egg mixture, and fold in gently. Blend in the extract.
  • Whip the egg whites in a clean bowl to stiff, not dry, peaks. Fold into yolk base. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and smooth out to edges. Rap the pan on the counter to get rid of large air bubbles.
  • Place the pan into the steamer. Cover the top of the steamer with a kitchen towel, and place the lid on top; the towel will absorb any steam that collects on top from dripping onto the cake. Steam for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioner's sugar.
  • Nutrition

    193 cal.

    • Total Fat: 3g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 93mg
    • Sodium: 56mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 38g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 24g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Calcium: 27mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 53mg