Steal the show with a steamed sponge cake. Delectably tasty and tender, this cake will be your new favourite dessert to serve to friends and family.
More about steamed sponge cake
Although you may think steamed cake and baked sponge cake are the same, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Steamed sponge cake, sometimes found on dim sum menus, has been a popular dessert option in China for years. Unfortunately, not much is known about the dish’s origins. However, one thing’s certain: it’s loved by all who try it.
Steamed sponge cake was once an uncommon treat in Chinese cuisine, as butter and eggs were relatively rare. Furthermore, Western-style desserts weren’t common in China. However, as influences from the West grew, Chinese diners could find a greater variety of fusion desserts like this one. The steaming process of cooking the cake, which creates a different texture and flavour than baking, makes it quintessentially Asian.
The magic of preparation
Steamed sponge cake starts in a similar manner to traditional Western cakes. Eggs are whipped until they’re light and fluffy before sugar, flour and raising agents are added to the mixture. Depending on the recipe, you may add other ingredients at this stage, such as cocoa powder, dried fruit or chocolate chips. The mixture is then stirred until combined and poured into a heatproof dish. Air bubbles are knocked out of the pan before the dish is placed in a bamboo steamer. The cake is then cooked until a skewer inserted to the middle comes out clean.
Once your cake is cooked, there several ways to serve this tasty dish. Serve it as is with a small cup of coffee or glass of milk, or decorate your cake with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar or some light and fluffy buttercream frosting. Steamed sponge cake is one of the most versatile dessert options around and can be easily customised to your taste.
How to get your hands on these yummy cakes
To get your hands on a tasty steamed sponge cake, you have several options available. Make your own, or visit your local Chinese restaurant or favourite bakery.
Order home delivery of this tasty steamed sponge cake at Tim Ho Wan. Alternatively, Garden Pastry & Cake offers delicious Black Forest cake and coffee sponge cake with fresh cream.
