Easy Chinese Brown Sugar Steamed Cakes
Fa gao (发糕) is a type of traditional Chinese Steamed Cup Cakes found in many regions of China. Different families have their own versions - some use white sugar, while others use rice flour instead of cake flour, so the texture can vary quite a bit.
This brown sugar version is my favorite. It is soft and fluffy with a slightly chewy, fudgy texture that almost reminds me of a brownie. It is simple to make, requires no oven, and makes a wonderful snack or breakfast.
A perfect fa gao (发糕) should crack beautifully across the top, which is the sign of fluffiness. Here is a little wordplay: the more it cracks, the more it symbolizes 发财, or striking it rich in the year ahead.
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Easy Chinese Brown Sugar Steamed Cakes
Mandy Fu
6 Steamed Cakes
2 hours
25 minutes
Fa gao (发糕) is a type of traditional Chinese Steamed Cup Cakes found in many regions of China. Different families have their own versions - some use white sugar, while others use rice flour instead of cake flour, so the texture can vary quite a bit.
Ingredients
- 80g brown sugar
- 236ml / 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp yeast
- 250g cake flour
- 3 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 1.5 tsp of baking powder
Directions
In a big mixing bowl, add brown sugar, lukewarm milk, and yeast and stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
Continue to add the cake flour and vegetable oil. Mix until you get a thick, smooth batter. Cover it and let it proof for 1.5-2 hours or until it is doubled in size.
Add baking powder and stir for a couple of minutes or until the baking powder is well mixed.
You will need 4 fl oz foil cupcake containers. Apply oil to the inner surface to prevent sticking. Don’t use paper cupcake liners because this is a steamed cake, and the paper can break easily in a high-moisture environment.
Bring the water to a boil first, then add the cupcakes to the steamer. Steam over high heat for 25 minutes, and we are done.
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