Steamed Cakes: A Brief Overview
Steamed cakes are a delicious and healthy treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Unlike traditional cakes that are loaded with butter, sugar, and flour, steamed cakes are made with wholesome ingredients that are good for you.
Steamed Cakes and Their Origin
Steamed cakes have been a popular food in many cultures around the world for centuries. In fact, the Chinese have been making steamed cakes for over 3,000 years. They are commonly known as "mushi pan" in Japanese, "ma laigou" in Cantonese, "puto" in Filipino, and "idli" in Indian cuisine. Historically, steaming was a common cooking method in many cultures because it was easy to prepare with limited resources. The method of cooking also helped retain the nutrients in the ingredients, making it a healthy and nutritious option. Steamed cakes were often served as a quick breakfast or snack food, and they were an easy way to satisfy hunger on-the-go.
Steamed Cake Recipes
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, these seven wholesome steamed cake recipes are sure to hit the spot.
1. Steamed Banana Oat Cake
This cake is moist, fluffy, and bursting with banana flavor. To make this cake, you'll need ripe bananas, rolled oats, milk, eggs, honey, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Simply blend all the ingredients together in a blender, pour the batter into a greased baking dish, and steam for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 180 calories
2. Steamed Sweet Potato Cake
This cake is made with mashed sweet potatoes, coconut milk, brown sugar, and gluten-free flour. It's lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. To make this cake, mix all the ingredients together, pour into a baking dish, and steam for 30–40 minutes until cooked through.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 50 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 200 calories
3. Savory Steamed Tofu Cake
This savory cake is made with tofu, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, and garlic. It's seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. To make this cake, blend all the ingredients together in a food processor, pour into a greased baking dish, and steam for 20–25 minutes until set.
Taste: Salty
Total time: 35 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 120 calories
4. Coconut Milk Steamed Cake
This cake is light, fluffy, and full of coconut flavor. It's made with coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and all-purpose flour. To make this cake, mix all the ingredients together, pour into a greased baking dish, and steam for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 220 calories
5. Steamed Carrot Cake
This cake is a healthier version of the classic carrot cake. It's made with grated carrots, whole wheat flour, honey, and cinnamon. To make this cake, mix all the ingredients together, pour into a greased baking dish, and steam for 30–40 minutes until cooked through.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 50 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 150 calories
6. Steamed Matcha Cake
This cake is a beautiful green color and is flavored with matcha powder. It's made with almond flour, coconut milk, eggs, and honey. To make this cake, mix all the ingredients together, pour into a greased baking dish, and steam for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 160 calories
7. Steamed Chocolate Cake
This cake is rich, moist, and chocolatey. It's made with cocoa powder, almond flour, eggs, and honey. To make this cake, mix all the ingredients together, pour into a greased baking dish, and steam for 20–25 minutes until cooked through. Top with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Taste: Sweet
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 180 calories
What to Serve with These Steamed Cake Recipes
These steamed cake recipes can be served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments, depending on your taste preferences. For the sweet cakes, you could top them with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. The savory tofu cake can be served with a soy sauce dipping sauce, while the sweet potato cake can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coconut milk and chocolate cakes can be topped with shredded coconut or cocoa nibs, while the carrot cake can be served with a cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. And for a unique twist, the matcha cake can be paired with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
These seven wholesome steamed cake recipes are not just easy to make, nutritious, and delicious, but also perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert that won't ruin your diet. So go ahead, try them out, and indulge in a guilt-free treat.
