traditional chinese steamed cake (fa gao)

Ingredients

• Servings: 1
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup superfine sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Ready Time: 2 hrs 45 mins


• sprinkle the yeast over 1/2 cup of warm water in a small bowl. the water should be no more than 100 degrees f (40 degrees c). let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam.
• beat egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk together in a large bowl, until smooth. sift cake flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt together in a small bowl, then stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture, mixing until just combined. stir in the yeast mixture until smooth. cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees f (27 to 35 degrees c) until doubled in volume, 1 to 2 hours. pour mixture into a 9 inch round pan lined with parchment paper. sprinkle with raisins.
• place a steamer insert into a saucepan, and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. cover, and bring the water to a boil over high heat. add the cake, recover, and steam until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.