Chinese Cake Recipe: How to Make a Delicious Sponge Cake
Chinese cakes are a beloved tradition that has been passed down through generations. These cakes come in many varieties, each with their unique flavours and textures. Whether you're looking to indulge in a delicious treat or learn more about Chinese baking, this article will guide you through the essential ingredients, techniques, and finishing touches needed to make the perfect Chinese cake.
To make a Chinese cake, you'll need to start with the right ingredients. Flour, sugar, eggs, and milk are the basic ingredients needed for most cakes, but Chinese cakes often call for additional ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, or even seafood. Traditionally, Chinese bakers use duck eggs in their cakes, but chicken eggs are a suitable substitute if duck eggs are not available.
Making the perfect batter is crucial to achieving a soft and fluffy cake. You'll need to mix the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and free from lumps. Chinese bakers often use a chiffon cake method, which involves whipping egg whites until they form stiff peaks and then folding them into the batter. Once you've made your batter, you can choose to bake or steam your cake, depending on the recipe.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese cakes come in many varieties with unique flavours and textures.
- Essential ingredients for Chinese cakes include flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, with additional ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, or seafood.
- Making the perfect batter and choosing the right baking or steaming method are crucial for achieving a soft and fluffy cake.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious Chinese cake, there are a few essential ingredients that you simply cannot do without. Here are some of the most important ones that you should add to your shopping list:
Choosing the Right Flour
The type of flour you use will have a huge impact on the texture and taste of your cake. Cake flour is the most commonly used flour for Chinese cakes, as it is finer and lighter than all-purpose flour. This helps to give the cake its soft and fluffy texture. However, if you cannot find cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.
Leavening Agents Explained
Leavening agents are essential for making a light and fluffy cake. Baking powder is the most commonly used leavening agent in Chinese cake recipes, as it helps the cake to rise during baking. Make sure to use fresh baking powder, as old baking powder can lose its effectiveness.
Fats and Liquids
Eggs, milk, oil, vegetable oil, butter, and coconut milk are all commonly used in Chinese cake recipes. Eggs add richness and structure to the cake, while milk and coconut milk add moisture. Oil and vegetable oil are often used as a substitute for butter, as they can help to keep the cake moist and tender.
When it comes to seafood, you can add some shrimp or crab meat to your cake batter for an extra burst of flavour. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and mix it into the batter before baking. Alternatively, you can serve your Chinese cake with some steamed fish or prawns on the side for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Making the Perfect Batter
When it comes to making a fluffy Chinese sponge cake, the batter is the most important component. Achieving the perfect texture requires a delicate balance of ingredients and mixing techniques. In this section, we will cover the key elements of making the perfect batter for your Chinese sponge cake.
Achieving Fluffy Texture
To achieve a light and fluffy texture in your Chinese sponge cake, it is essential to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. This process incorporates air bubbles into the batter, which gives the cake its signature lightness.
To whip the egg whites, separate them from the yolks and beat them in a clean, dry bowl until they form stiff peaks. This means that when you lift the whisk out of the bowl, the egg whites should hold their shape and not flop over.
It is also important to mix the egg yolk mixture until it is light and frothy. This will help to incorporate air into the batter and contribute to the cake's lightness.
Mixing Techniques
When it comes to mixing the batter, it is important to be gentle and avoid over-mixing. Over-mixing can cause the air bubbles to deflate, resulting in a dense and heavy cake.
To mix the batter, start by folding the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites. Use a gentle, circular motion to combine the two mixtures, being careful not to over-mix.
Next, sift in the flour in small batches, folding gently after each addition. This will help to ensure that the flour is evenly incorporated into the batter without deflating the air bubbles.
As a suggestion, you can add seafood to the recipe to give it a unique twist. Shrimp or crab meat can be added to the batter to create a savoury version of the cake. Simply chop the seafood into small pieces and fold them into the batter before steaming.
By following these tips and techniques, you can create a light and fluffy Chinese sponge cake that is sure to impress.
Baking and Steaming Methods
When it comes to making Chinese cakes, there are two main methods you can use: baking and steaming. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the one you choose will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available.
Oven Baking Basics
If you choose to bake your cake in the oven, you'll need a metal cake pan and an electric mixer. Start by preheating your oven to the required temperature and greasing your cake pan. Then, mix together your cake batter according to the recipe instructions.
Once your batter is ready, pour it into your cake pan and smooth it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for the recommended time. Keep an eye on your cake to ensure it doesn't burn.
Steaming Process
Steaming is another popular method for making Chinese cakes. To steam your cake, you'll need a wok or a bamboo steamer. Start by preparing your cake batter according to the recipe instructions.
Next, pour your batter into a greased cake pan and place it in the steamer. If you're using a wok, fill it with enough water to reach just below the steamer rack. If you're using a bamboo steamer, place it over a pot of boiling water.
Cover your steamer and steam your cake for the recommended time. Check your cake regularly to ensure it's cooking evenly. Once it's done, remove it from the steamer and let it cool before serving.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding seafood to your Chinese cake recipe. Shrimp or crab meat are both great options that can add a unique flavour and texture to your cake. Just be sure to cook your seafood thoroughly before adding it to your batter.
Chinese Cake Varieties
If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you know that Chinese cakes are a must-try. They come in different varieties and flavours, and they are all delicious. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular Chinese cake varieties.
Sponge Cakes
Sponge cakes are a type of Chinese cake that is light and fluffy. They are made using flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. Chinese sponge cakes are often served with fresh fruits and whipped cream. Some of the most popular sponge cakes in China include chiffon cake, Ma Lai Go, and white sugar sponge cake.
Chiffon cake is a type of sponge cake that is popular in Western-style bakeries. It is light and airy, and it is often served with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Ma Lai Go is a Chinese steamed cake that is made with dark brown sugar, eggs, and custard powder. White sugar sponge cake, also known as Bai Tang Gao, is a steamed cake that is made using white sugar.
Steamed Cakes
Steamed cakes are another popular type of Chinese cake. They are made using flour, sugar, eggs, and water. Steamed cakes are often served with tea. Some of the most popular steamed cakes in China include Chinese steamed sponge cake and Ji Dan Gao.
Chinese steamed sponge cake is a light and fluffy cake that is made using eggs, sugar, and flour. It is often served with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Ji Dan Gao, also known as steamed egg sponge cake, is a simple cake that is made using eggs, sugar, and flour. It is a light and fluffy cake that is perfect for any occasion.
If you want to add a twist to your Chinese cake recipe, you can try adding seafood to it. For example, you can add shrimp or crab meat to your chiffon cake or steamed sponge cake to give it a unique flavour. However, make sure to use fresh seafood that is cooked properly to avoid any health risks.
Finishing Touches and Storage
Decorating Tips
Once your Chinese cake has cooled, you can add some finishing touches to make it look more appealing. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder can add a touch of elegance to your cake. You can also add fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi, or mango to the top of your cake. Whipped cream is also a great addition to your Chinese cake, adding a creamy texture and flavour.
If you want to add some aroma to your cake, you can add vanilla extract to your batter. This will give your cake a warm and comforting flavour. You can also add a few drops of your favourite food colouring to your batter to give your cake a pop of colour.
Proper Storage Techniques
If you have any leftovers, you can store your Chinese cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store your cake for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. When storing your cake, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
To check if your cake is properly cooked, insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, your cake is ready. If there is batter on the toothpick, your cake needs more time in the oven.
If you want to add seafood to your Chinese cake recipe, you can use shrimp or crab meat. Simply add the seafood to the batter before baking. The seafood will add a unique flavour and texture to your cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a traditional Chinese birthday cake?
To make a traditional Chinese birthday cake, you will need to follow a recipe that includes ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. Some traditional Chinese birthday cakes are filled with red bean paste or lotus seed paste. You can also add fruits or nuts for added flavour.
What are some simple Chinese cake recipes for beginners?
If you're a beginner, you can try making a simple Chinese sponge cake or chiffon cake. These cakes are light and fluffy and are easy to make. You can also make a Chinese egg cake, also known as Ji Dan Gao, which is made with eggs, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
Can you share a recipe for Chinese egg cake, or Ji Dan Gao?
Sure! Here's a simple recipe for Ji Dan Gao:
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the cake flour and baking powder and mix until well combined.
- Add in the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
What's the secret to a perfectly soft and fluffy Asian chiffon cake?
The secret to a perfectly soft and fluffy Asian chiffon cake is to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and then fold them gently into the batter. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, which leads to a light and airy cake.
How can I tell when my chiffon cake is perfectly baked?
You can tell when your chiffon cake is perfectly baked by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. You can also gently press the top of the cake with your finger. If it springs back, the cake is ready.
What's the best substitute for cake flour in the UK?
If you can't find cake flour in the UK, you can substitute it with plain flour and cornflour. For every cup of cake flour, use 1 cup of plain flour minus 2 tablespoons, and add 2 tablespoons of cornflour. Sift the mixture together before using it in your recipe.
As a suggestion, you can also add seafood to your cake recipe for a unique flavour. Shrimp or crab meat can be used in a savoury cake, while dried scallops can be added to a sweet cake for a hint of umami flavour.