If you’re searching for a treat that’s pillowy-soft, gently sweet, and a true crowd-pleaser for all ages, look no further than these Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes. With a gorgeous fluffiness from rice flour and coconut milk, accented by the light crunch of toasted coconut on top, this treat is a celebration of subtle coconut flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re familiar with Asian steamed cakes or this is your first time, you’ll find joy in both the simplicity and charm these cakes bring. Let’s dive in and create a delightful batch that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and guaranteed to make any occasion feel a bit more special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays its own important role in the success of these cakes. For the best flavor and texture, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality essentials—you’ll be amazed at what such a humble list can achieve!
- Rice flour: Gives the Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes that classic, gently chewy and airy texture; make sure to use fine rice flour for smooth results.
- Sugar: Delivers gentle sweetness that enhances the coconut and keeps the cakes delicately flavored without being overpowering.
- Baking powder: Provides the crucial lift, resulting in fluffy, light cakes with a delightful bounce.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens every bite—don’t skip it!
- Coconut milk: Enriches the batter for a creamy, aromatic base; choose full-fat for the best texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting undertone that makes the aroma irresistible as the cakes steam.
- Shredded coconut (optional): Gives a lovely finishing touch—sprinkle on before serving for a pop of flavor and gentle crunch!
How to Make Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Start by finding a large, comfortable mixing bowl—you’ll want plenty of room for whisking! Combine the rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give everything a quick, thorough whisk to break up any clumps and ensure all dry ingredients are distributed evenly. Then, slowly pour in the coconut milk and vanilla extract, whisking as you go to create a smooth, lump-free batter. The mix should be creamy and pourable, with a soft, coconutty fragrance hinting at the treat to come.
Step 2: Grease and Fill Molds
Next up, prep your steaming vessels. Lightly grease your choice of small heatproof bowls, muffin molds, or silicone cupcake liners—this ensures your Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes-slide out easily once cooked. Pour in the batter, filling each cup to about two-thirds capacity to give them space to fluff up beautifully as they steam.
Step 3: Steam to Perfection
Before arranging your molds, line your steamer basket with parchment paper or banana leaves for extra aroma and easy cleanup. Carefully place the filled cups in the basket with a bit of space between each one for steam to circulate. Cover, and steam over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean, and the tops look springy and pale.
Step 4: Cool and Unmold
Once steamed, let the cakes cool for a few minutes so they’re easier to handle—trust me, the scent at this stage is hard to resist! Gently pop them out of their molds, taking care not to deflate their airy texture. Set them on a plate, ready for their finishing touch.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the tops with a generous handful of shredded coconut for a fresh, authentic look and extra flavor. You can also get creative here—try a dusting of toasted coconut or even a drizzle of coconut syrup for that extra special touch.
How to Serve Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes
Garnishes
The simplest (and loveliest) way to finish your Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes is with a generous sprinkle of fresh or toasted shredded coconut—it adds a beautiful touch of texture and highlights the cake’s subtle sweetness. Feeling fancy? Add a few edible flowers or a pinch of colored sugar for festive flair, especially if serving for a celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair your cakes alongside tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a refreshing twist, or serve with a small cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. These cakes also make a delightful contrast to savory snacks if you’re creating an afternoon spread—think alongside salted roasted peanuts or even with a tangy fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, display the cakes in colorful cupcake wrappers or pop them on a tiered dessert stand for a fanciful look. Kids love them when you make a rainbow batch by adding a few drops of natural food coloring or pandan extract to the batter. You can even cut the cakes into fun shapes with cookie cutters for holiday gatherings or lunchboxes—the options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If, by some miracle, you have any Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Their fluffy texture holds up wonderfully, but don’t be surprised if they vanish well before then!
Freezing
These cakes freeze surprisingly well. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month—just be sure to thaw before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To recapture their signature pillowy softness, reheat the cakes by gently steaming them for a few minutes or microwaving with a damp paper towel draped over the top (about 15–20 seconds per cake). This simple step revives their just-steamed texture—simply delicious!
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of rice flour?
Rice flour is what gives Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes their signature tender and slightly chewy texture. While substituting with regular flour will work in a pinch, the cakes will turn out denser and lack that authentic feel. For best results, stick with rice flour!
Can I make these without coconut milk?
Coconut milk is key for both the flavor and the moist, pillowy texture of these cakes. If you can’t use coconut milk, try substituting with another plant-based milk and add a little extra vanilla, but do keep in mind the flavor will change.
Are Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! When made with traditional rice flour and coconut milk, these cakes are naturally gluten-free and totally plant-based. Just double-check labels on your ingredients to ensure everything is certified if you’re serving to someone with allergies.
How do I prevent the cakes from sticking to the molds?
Lightly greasing your molds (with oil or nonstick spray) is the best way to keep your rice cakes from sticking. Silicone molds also make removal particularly easy. For extra insurance, lining the bottom with a little parchment paper can help if using traditional tins.
Can I add flavors or colors to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to swirl in some pandan extract, ube, or natural food coloring for vibrant variety. You can also fold in citrus zest, tiny bits of fruit, or even chocolate chips for a new twist on Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes—get creative and have fun!
Final Thoughts
Baking up a warm batch of Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes is an invitation to share comfort and joy at any time of day. Their light, coconut-kissed flavor and irresistibly fluffy bite make them an instant favorite for kids and grownups alike. So gather your ingredients, steam up a batch, and delight in every soft, sweet mouthful—you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear!
Print
Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 small cakes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes are a delightful Asian-inspired dessert or snack made with rice flour, coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness, perfect for those following a gluten-free and vegan diet.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour in the coconut milk and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
- Prepare Molds: Lightly grease small heatproof bowls, muffin molds, or silicone cups.
- Fill Molds: Divide the batter evenly among the molds, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Steam: Arrange the filled molds in a steamer basket lined with parchment or banana leaves. Steam over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before removing from molds. Sprinkle with shredded coconut if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a colorful version, divide the batter and add natural food coloring or pandan extract.
- These cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice cake
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
