Year cake, a sweet, sticky treat made from glutinous rice flour, is a traditional Chinese delicacy enjoyed during Lunar New Year for good luck and prosperity.
Ready to dive into the scrumptious world of Year Cake, a Chinese New Year delight that brings good luck and great flavors? Whether you’re a kitchen wizard or a baking newbie, this recipe will guide you through every step with ease. Prepare for some gooey, sweet magic!
Year Cake Recipe
Not just a cake, it’s a calendar confection! The Year Cake (Nian Gao) is a scrumptious traditional Chinese delicacy enjoyed during festivities. It’s sweet, slightly sticky, and lucky! Flip your wand-spatula and conjure this celebratory cake.
- Cooking Method: Steaming
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Steam Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine Type: Chinese
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional: Red dates or nuts for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat water in a pot until it’s nice and steamy but not boiling.
- Dissolve the brown sugar and white sugar in warm water. Stir it like a potion until fully dissolved.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar water. Mix well to form a smooth batter. Goodbye lumps!
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil for stick-free magic.
- Pour the batter into the greased cake pan. Smoothen it like you’re icing a cake with invisible frosting.
- Place the cake pan in a steamer. Steam over medium heat for 1 hour; no peeking! This isn’t a magic show trick.
- Carefully remove the cake from the steamer. Let it cool down before declaring it ready for the taste test.
- Feel like a cake wizard? Garnish with red dates or nuts before serving.
Suggestions
Short on sugar? Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural twist. For more flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. Serve with a sprinkle of coconut flakes or sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in matcha powder for a green-hued delight!
