Hamdi Saidani Chinese New Year Cakes, also known as Nian Gao, made from glutinous rice flour and sugar serves 6 and takes about 1 hour to prepare this traditional cake is a festive favorite symbolizing good fortune!
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🤍 🥳Why You’ll Love This Chinese New Year Cake (Nian Gao) Recipe:
- Symbolic Tradition: Making Nian Gao is a meaningful way to celebrate Chinese New Year and honor customs.
- Easy to Make: Requires only a few ingredients and simple steaming for a perfect result.
- Chewy and Delicious: The unique chewy texture and sweetness make it a delightful dessert.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be made ahead and stored, ideal for busy holiday preparations
❓🎆 What Is Chinese New Year Cake (Nian Gao) Recipe?
Chinese New Year Cake, or Nian Gao, is a traditional cake made from glutinous rice flour and sugar. Its chewy texture and sweet flavor symbolize progress and prosperity, making it an essential part of New Year festivities.
🍚 Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)
- Optional toppings: red dates, sesame seeds
🍥 Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually add water, stirring until you get a smooth batter.
- Grease a heat-proof cake pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the greased pan.
- Add red dates or sesame seeds on top for decoration if desired.
- Place the pan in a steamer and steam over medium heat for about 45 minutes or until set.
- The cake should appear translucent and firm when done. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.
💭🎉 Recipe Tips:
- Use Fresh Glutinous Rice Flour: For best results, ensure the flour is fresh and finely ground for a smooth texture.
- Watch the Water Level: Don’t add too much water; the batter should be thick but pourable for a firm, chewy cake.
- Steam Over Medium Heat: Avoid high heat as it can cause the cake to harden or crack.
- Check for Doneness: The cake is ready when it becomes translucent and can hold its shape.
- Decorate for Good Luck: Traditional toppings like red dates or nuts symbolize prosperity and are a lovely touch for New Year celebrations.
🍯✨What To Serve With Chinese New Year Cake?
Chinese New Year Cake is delicious on its own or with tea you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit, red bean paste, or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Chinese New Year Cake?
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers chinese new year cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap leftovers chinese new year cake in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag frozen Chinese New Year Cake can last up to 2 months.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chinese New Year Cake?
- In The Steaming: Re-steam leftovers chinese new year cake for 3-4 minutes to restore its soft, chewy texture.
- In The Pan-Frying: Pan-fry leftovers chinese new year cake over medium heat with a little oil for a crispy outside and soft inside adding a unique twist to leftovers for up 2-4 minutes.
🎇FAQ’S
Can I add flavors to Chinese New Year Cake?
Yes, you can enhance Chinese New Year Cake with flavors like ginger, coconut milk, or even orange zest for a unique twist while still maintaining the cake’s traditional taste.
Why is Chinese New Year Cake sticky and chewy?
The sticky, chewy texture of Chinese New Year Cake comes from glutinous rice flour, which is naturally high in starch. This gives Chinese New Year Cake its elasticity and smooth, sticky bite that is highly valued in Chinese culture.
Can I make Chinese New Year Cake without a steamer?
Yes, Chinese New Year Cake can be made in an oven using a water bath, steaming is preferred for the authentic texture and moisture retention of Chinese New Year Cake.
How can I get a crispy crust on Chinese New Year Cake?
To create a crispy crust, slice Chinese New Year Cake and pan-fry it on medium heat with a little oil. This gives Chinese New Year Cake a unique combination of textures with a crispy exterior and chewy inside.
What makes Chinese New Year Cake a symbol of good luck?
Chinese New Year Cake symbolizes growth and progression, as “Nian Gao” sounds like “year high” in Chinese. Eating Chinese New Year Cake is believed to bring good fortune and help people “rise higher” each year.
Try More New Year Desserts Recipes:
Chinese New Year Cake Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 152
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Chinese New Year Cake (Nian Gao)
Description
Chinese New Year Cakes, also known as Nian Gao, made from glutinous rice flour and sugar serves 6 and takes about 1 hour to prepare this traditional cake is a festive favorite symbolizing good fortune!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar. Gradually add water, stirring until you get a smooth batter.
- Grease a heat-proof cake pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the greased pan.
- Add red dates or sesame seeds on top for decoration if desired.
- Place the pan in a steamer and steam over medium heat for about 45 minutes or until set.
- The cake should appear translucent and firm when done. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Glutinous Rice Flour: For best results, ensure the flour is fresh and finely ground for a smooth texture.
Watch the Water Level: Don’t add too much water; the batter should be thick but pourable for a firm, chewy cake.
Steam Over Medium Heat: Avoid high heat as it can cause the cake to harden or crack.
Check for Doneness: The cake is ready when it becomes translucent and can hold its shape.
Decorate for Good Luck: Traditional toppings like red dates or nuts symbolize prosperity and are a lovely touch for New Year celebrations.
