Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that manages to be light, tender, and joyfully nostalgic all at once, look no further than these Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes. Each bite is gently sweet, delightfully fluffy, and has that unmistakable comforting chew that only steamed rice flour treats can deliver. This gluten-free and vegan favorite dazzles with simple ingredients and playful, colorful appeal, making it perfect for sharing at celebrations or enjoying as a sweet snack any day of the week. Whether you’ve always loved them or you’re making them for the first time, these rice cakes are bound to become a new obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes is that every ingredient serves a purpose, from achieving a cloud-like texture to adding a subtle note of vanilla. Nothing is fussy or hard to find—just pantry staples that come together for pure magic.
- Rice flour: The star of the show, brings soft, tender texture and keeps the cakes gluten-free.
- Tapioca starch: Adds the signature chewy, springy bite you’ll crave in every piece.
- Granulated sugar: Delivers just the right level of sweetness to make these treats irresistible without overpowering them.
- Baking powder: Creates those lovely air bubbles and helps the cakes rise beautifully as they steam.
- Water: Hydrates the flour and starch while ensuring a lusciously smooth, pourable batter.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a whisper of warmth and fragrance that elevates the mild flavor profile.
- Salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance every other ingredient.
- Food coloring (optional): Transform each cake into a cheerful, festive bite. Use natural dyes for added fun and color without artificial ingredients.
- Vegetable oil: Greasing the molds prevents sticking so every cake releases perfectly, with no fuss.
How to Make Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well to evenly distribute the leavening and avoid any pesky clumps. This simple mixture sets the stage for the fluffy, tender bite that makes Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes so special.
Step 2: Add Liquids for the Perfect Batter
Slowly pour in the water and vanilla extract, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Aim for a smooth, pourable batter with no streaks or dry pockets. If you want to brighten things up, now’s the time to divide the batter and swirl in food coloring for multi-hued delights.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill Molds
Lightly brush your silicone molds or small cupcake cups with a bit of vegetable oil. This extra step ensures the rice cakes slide out easily after steaming, preserving their delicate shape. Fill each mold about three-quarters full, allowing room for that fabulous rise.
Step 4: Steam to Fluffy Perfection
Set up your steamer and bring the water to a gentle boil. Reduce to a steady simmer before placing the filled molds inside. Drape a clean kitchen towel under the lid to catch any condensation—this clever trick keeps excess water from ruining the irresistibly soft tops of your Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes as they steam for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean and they’re puffed and springy.
Step 5: Cool and Unmold
Once your cakes have finished steaming, let them sit for a few minutes to cool down just enough to handle. Gently pop them from their molds and get ready for that exciting first bite! Serve warm for the most comforting texture or enjoy at room temperature for a tender, satisfying treat.
How to Serve Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes
Garnishes
Enhance the gentle sweetness of Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes with a sprinkling of toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra special touch, add a drizzle of coconut cream or scatter on some fresh fruit for color and contrast. These little touches take your rice cakes from delightful to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair these cakes with hot jasmine tea, a refreshing iced matcha, or your favorite fruit-infused beverage. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh tropical fruit, allowing the mild, delicate flavors of the cakes to shine next to the bold sweetness of mango, pineapple, or kiwi.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, arrange your color-tinted cakes in a circular pattern or stack them tall for a stunning centerpiece. Try serving them in individual parchment wrappers or mini cupcake liners for easy sharing. You can even mix and match colors for dazzling trays at family gatherings or picnics!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they’ll stay soft and tasty for up to five days.
Freezing
Want to keep some rice cakes on hand for sudden cravings? Freeze the cakes individually wrapped in plastic or in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to a month—with minimal loss of texture!
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-steamed texture, simply reheat leftover cakes by steaming them for a few minutes or microwaving with a damp paper towel. They warm through beautifully and become just as delicious as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour instead of rice flour?
Rice flour is essential for the signature chewy texture of Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes. While you can experiment with glutinous rice flour for a different bite, other flours just won’t yield the same fluffy and springy result.
Is it possible to make these cakes sugar-free?
You can try substituting granulated sugar with your favorite sugar alternative or natural sweetener, but keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture and flavor. Taste as you go to ensure the sweetness suits your preference!
What if I don’t have silicone molds?
No worries! You can use metal cupcake tins, ramekins, or even heatproof cups lined with parchment. Just be sure to grease them well so the cakes release cleanly after steaming.
Can I add fruit or other flavors to the batter?
Absolutely! Finely chopped fruit, matcha powder, or even pandan extract blend wonderfully into the batter. Just be mindful of moisture additions, and don’t overload the batter to keep your cakes light and fluffy.
Why did my rice cakes turn out dense or flat?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the baking powder isn’t fresh. Always whisk your dry ingredients well, add liquids gradually, and use a gentle touch to keep that airy texture. Also, make sure your steamer isn’t too hot, as rapid boiling can toughen the cakes.
Final Thoughts
Making Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes isn’t just about crafting a tasty dessert—it’s about sharing a moment of sweet nostalgia and joy. Whether vibrant and colorful or simply tender and white, these little cakes have an undeniable charm. Give them a try and let their soft, chewy warmth work its magic—you might just find yourself making them again and again!
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Delicious Steamed Rice Cakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 small cakes 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
These delicious steamed rice cakes are a delightful Asian-inspired dessert that are gluten-free and vegan. They are light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- food coloring (optional)
- vegetable oil for greasing molds
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the water and vanilla extract while stirring continuously until you get a smooth, pourable batter.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, divide the batter and add food coloring to make colorful rice cakes.
- Grease Molds: Lightly grease small silicone molds or cupcake cups with oil.
- Fill Molds: Fill each mold about 3/4 full with batter.
- Steam: Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Place the molds in the steamer, cover, and steam for 12–15 minutes or until the cakes are cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cakes cool for a few minutes before removing from the molds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These rice cakes are gluten-free and can be naturally colored using fruit or vegetable powders.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat by steaming or microwaving briefly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small cake
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
