Steamed Chinese New Year Cake Recipe

Name: Steamed Chinese New Year Cake Recipe
Ingredients: 2 cups water, plus more for steaming; 1 (1-pound) package Chinese brown sugar; 1 pound sweet rice flour (about 3 cups); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for coating the pan; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 10 dried seedless Chinese red dates, also known as jujubes, for garnish (optional); 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

7 ingredients

23 steps

Ingredients

2 cups water, plus more for steaming
1 (1-pound) package Chinese brown sugar
1 pound sweet rice flour (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for coating the pan
2 teaspoons almond extract
10 dried seedless Chinese red dates, also known as jujubes, for garnish (optional)
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

1

Place the measured water and brown sugar in a medium saucepan.
2

Set over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 10 minutes.
3

(Do not let it boil.)
4

Remove from heat and let cool until warm to the touch.
5

Meanwhile, fill a 14-inch wok with about 1 1/2 inches of water and place a 12-inch bamboo steamer inside.
6

(The water should not touch the bottom of the steamer.)
7

If you dont have a wok and a bamboo steamer, use a large frying pan and foil as described above in Special equipment.
8

Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.
9

Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil; set aside.
10

Place the rice flour in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
11

With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the sugar-water mixture, beating until smooth, about 2 minutes.
12

If needed, stop to scrape down the sides of the mixer with a rubber spatula.
13

Add the measured oil and continue beating on low speed until the batter is smooth and the oil is incorporated, about 5 minutes.
14

Add the almond extract and beat until just incorporated.
15

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
16

Carefully place the pan in the bamboo steamer or on top of the foil coils.
17

Cover the bamboo steamer with its lid or cover the wok or frying pan with a tightfitting lid or a sheet of aluminum foil.
18

(Do not cover the cake pan directly with a lid or foil.)
19

Steam until the cake is very firm to the touch, about 3 hours, checking every hour and replenishing the wok or pan with hot tap water as needed.
20

While the cake is still warm, garnish with the dates (if using) and sesame seeds.
21

Let cool on a rack to room temperature.
22

Run a knife around the outside of the cake, then slip a thin spatula under the cake to lift it out.
23

Serve it sesame seed side up.