Steaming Sweetness: Banana Cake Perfection In A Steamer

Steaming is a popular cooking method in Asia, and it's a great way to make a soft, fluffy, and moist banana cake without an oven. This guide will teach you how to make a delicious banana cake using a steamer, with tips and tricks to ensure your cake turns out perfectly. You'll learn about the best type of bananas to use, how to prepare the batter, and the ideal steaming time and temperature for a soft and chewy cake.

How to prepare the steamer and cake pan

First, prepare your steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil. You will need enough water to last for the duration of the steaming process, which is typically around 25 to 50 minutes.

Next, prepare your cake pan by greasing it with softened butter, oil, or baking spray. Be sure to coat the pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also dust the pan with flour and tap out any excess.

If using a wok or pot for steaming, you can balance the cake pan on a steamer tray, trivet, or empty tuna can in the center of the pan. Alternatively, you can place the cake pan directly into a steamer basket.

For a denser cake, you can use individual foil cups or traditional banana leaves instead of a cake pan. Line the base of the cake pan or foil cups with baking paper if desired.

Before placing the cake batter in the pan, wrap the lid of the steamer with a cloth to prevent water condensation from dripping onto the cake during steaming.

How to make the batter

To make the batter for a banana cake in a steamer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Bananas (any kind, but ripe or overripe is best)
• Sugar (white or brown)
• Eggs
• Oil or butter
• Flour (all-purpose or tapioca)
• Baking powder or baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: vanilla extract, cinnamon, or coconut cream

First, mash the bananas with a fork and set them aside. The riper the bananas, the better the flavour. Next, whisk together the sugar and eggs until they are thick and pale yellow. Add in the oil or butter and mix well. You can also add vanilla extract at this stage if you wish.

Now, add the mashed bananas to the mixture and combine. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder or baking soda, and salt. Gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as there are no more dry pockets of flour. The batter may be lumpy, and that is okay.

Your batter is now ready to be poured into your greased cake pan and steamed!

How long to steam the cake

The length of time you steam your banana cake will depend on the size of your cake pan. If you are using a 6-cup bundt pan, 8-inch round cake pan, or 8 x 8-inch square pan, you should steam your cake for 50 minutes. If you are using a 10-inch tube pan, you should steam your cake for 45-50 minutes.

For a 6-cup bundt pan, 8-inch round cake pan, or 8 x 8-inch square pan, prepare your steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a simmer. Wrap the lid with a cloth to prevent water condensation from dripping onto the cake during steaming. Place the pan inside the steamer and steam over medium heat for 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the cake comes out clean with just a few crumbs. If the tester comes out wet, steam for another 5 minutes and check again.

For a 10-inch tube pan, prepare your steamer by filling it with water and heating it until boiling. Place the cake pan in a steamer tray over the boiling water or balance it on a trivet or an empty tuna can in the center of the pan. Cover and steam over high heat for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch. Check the water level after 30 minutes and add more boiling water if necessary.

How to store the cake

How to Store the Banana Cake

Allow the banana cake to cool down completely before storing it. This is important because if you wrap the cake while it's still warm, the heat will get trapped, creating moisture on the outside of the cake, and leading to a soggy texture.

Once the cake has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container or tin. This will allow the cake to retain its moisture and prevent it from becoming dry. If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, store it at room temperature. Banana cake can be kept at room temperature for up to four days. However, keep in mind that due to the high moisture content, mould can develop if the cake is left out for too long. Therefore, it is recommended to check the cake regularly and move it to the fridge after a few days if not consumed.

If you want to extend the shelf life of your banana cake, store it in the refrigerator. To prevent the cake from drying out in the fridge, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container. This will help retain the cake's moisture. With this method, the banana cake can last for over a week. When you're ready to eat a slice, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds or quickly toast it to restore its original soft and warm texture.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the banana cake. First, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, and then add another layer of aluminium foil. Finally, place the wrapped cake in a freezer-friendly container or bag. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to three to four months. When you're ready to enjoy the cake, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the steamer for a few minutes to soften.

What to serve the cake with

A banana cake is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways and can be paired with a range of drinks and toppings. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your steamed banana cake:

Drinks

As suggested by one source, banana cake is a perfect breakfast option or can accompany your afternoon coffee or tea break.

Toppings

If you want to add a topping to your banana cake, a popular choice is cream cheese frosting. This can be made with full-fat brick cream cheese, unsalted butter, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla. For a silky and smooth texture, use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment to beat the ingredients together. You could also try brown butter cream cheese frosting, or, for something different, traditional vanilla buttercream, salted caramel frosting, or white chocolate buttercream.

Alternatively, you could try a toffee sauce. To make this, combine butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Whisk the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then gently boil, whisking occasionally, until it reaches a syrup-like consistency.

Sides

Banana cake can be served with a variety of sides, depending on the occasion. For a simple option, a slice of banana cake with a cup of tea makes for a perfect Sunday afternoon. Alternatively, for a more indulgent treat, enjoy it with a dusting of cinnamon or a side of ice cream. If you're serving banana cake at a children's party or bake sale, you could offer fairy cakes or cupcakes with a banana flavour.

Frequently asked questions