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Vietnamese Steamed Banana Cake

Vietnamese Steamed Banana Cake: A Soft Vegan Tropical Treat

Experience the delightful flavors of Vietnamese Steamed Banana Cake, a soft, gluten-free, and vegan treat bursting with natural sweetness from pisang awak bananas.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 3 pieces Pisang Awak Bananas Essential for authenticity, no substitutions recommended.
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be used for a different flavor.
  • 1 cup Tapioca Starch (Tapioca Flour) Choose high-quality, fine starch for best results.
  • 1 cup Rice Flour Should be finely milled; avoid glutinous rice flour substitutions.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder Optional but great for a fuller taste.
  • 3/4 cup Water Achieves the ideal batter consistency.
For the Coconut Sauce
  • 1 can Canned Coconut Milk Quality affects flavor; Aroy-D is preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Thickens the coconut sauce.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds Optional garnish to elevate the dish.

Equipment

  • Steamer
  • loaf pan
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the bananas by peeling and slicing them thinly, then marinate with light brown sugar for 10-20 minutes.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: combine tapioca starch, rice flour, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
  3. Add water gradually to create a smooth batter, adjusting for consistency.
  4. Fold the marinated bananas into the batter, reserving some for decoration.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and arrange reserved banana slices on top.
  6. Steam the cake for 25-30 minutes until the center is cooked and edges pull away from the sides.
  7. Cool slightly before slicing and serve warm with coconut sauce and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 50mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Quality of ingredients is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in the cake. Always use pisang awak bananas and finely milled flours.

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