Chinese Pineapple Steamed Sponge Cake
A light, fluffy steamed sponge cake infused with pineapple flavor, featuring tender pineapple slices at the base, perfect for tropical dessert lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple; reserve 1/4 cup syrup.
- Pat pineapple slices dry with paper towel.
- Line the bottom of an 8-inch spring-form pan with wax paper and arrange pineapple slices on the bottom.
- Beat egg yolks with reserved syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Slowly mix in sifted flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold half of the egg whites into the batter with a wire whisk.
- Fold in the remaining egg whites until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.
- Cover with foil, forming a dome shape to allow the cake to rise.
- Bring water to a boil in a wok.
- Set the cake on a steamer rack in the wok.
- Cover and steam for 35 minutes or until done.
- Turn the cake upside down and let cool.
- Remove waxed paper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, ensure that the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks. If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest or using coconut milk instead of syrup for soaking the pineapple. You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different sweetness level. This recipe can also be adapted to showcase other fruits if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Chinese Wedding Cake or fresh fruit salads. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a cup of green tea, enhancing the lightness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply steam for a few minutes or microwave on low power for about 20-30 seconds. This method helps retain the cake's moisture while warming it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Pineapple Steamed Sponge Cake contains roughly 502 calories, with 6g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to cook it slightly to soften it. This will help it meld better with the cake. Also, reserve the juice from the fresh pineapple for the batter to enhance flavor.
What can I do if I don't have a steamer?
If you don't have a steamer, you can create one by placing a heatproof plate upside down in a large pot. Add water until it reaches just below the plate, then set the cake pan on top and cover the pot with a lid.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving or reheat it gently, ensuring it remains moist and fluffy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).