Steamed Banana Cake

Recipe

Steamed Banana Cake

A Delicate Delight: Steamed Banana Cake

Steamed Banana Cake, a traditional Vietnamese dessert, is a delightful treat that showcases the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. This soft and moist cake is made with ripe bananas, rice flour, and coconut milk, resulting in a subtly sweet and aromatic dessert.

Jan Dec

15 minutes

30-35 minutes

45-50 minutes

6 servings

Easy

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using plant-based milk instead of coconut milk), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free rice flour)

N/A

Paleo, Keto

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 3g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 16g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  2. 2.
    Grease a round cake pan or a heatproof dish with oil or cooking spray.
  3. 3.
    Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it evenly.
  4. 4.
    Prepare a steamer by filling a pot with water and placing a steaming rack inside. Make sure the water level is below the rack.
  5. 5.
    Place the cake pan on the steaming rack and cover the pot with a lid.
  6. 6.
    Steam the cake over medium heat for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. 7.
    Carefully remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes.
  8. 8.
    Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the cake for garnish.
  9. 9.
    Cut the cake into slices and serve warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Ripe bananas — Use bananas that are fully ripe with brown spots on the skin. They will provide natural sweetness and a soft texture to the cake.
  • Rice flour — Make sure to use rice flour specifically labeled for baking, as it has a finer texture compared to regular rice flour used for savory dishes.
  • Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the creamy part is evenly distributed.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a subtle spiced flavor.
  • To make the cake even more indulgent, serve it with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or a scoop of coconut ice cream.
  • If you don't have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and place a heatproof dish on top of a heatproof rack or a small inverted bowl to elevate it above the water level.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture in the final cake.
  • Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Steamed Banana Cake warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful snack or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the cake into neat slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Sprinkle some additional toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of color and texture.