Steaming Sweetness: Banana Cake Perfection

Steamed banana cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for those without an oven. It is a popular cooking and baking method in Asia, where steaming is used to create a moist heat that cooks the cake. This technique results in a soft, fluffy, and moist cake with a chewy texture. The cake is easy to make and can be steamed in a square baking tin, foil cups, or banana leaves. The key to a tasty banana cake is to use very ripe or overripe bananas, as they provide a natural sweetness and strong flavour.

Choosing the right bananas

When it comes to choosing the right bananas for your steamed banana cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ripe or overripe bananas are generally recommended for this type of cake. The riper the banana, the more flavour and natural sweetness it will impart to the cake. Look for bananas with spots on the skin, or even slightly soft and mushy fruit. If you are using plantains, which have a starchier texture, make sure they are ripe but not too soft – the skin should have some black spots but not be completely black.

You will also need to decide on the type of banana you want to use. Cavendish bananas are a common choice, but any type of banana will work. In Indonesia, pisang raja bananas are often used for steamed banana cakes. If you are using plantains and are unable to find them in your local market, regular bananas or any other type of banana can be substituted.

The amount of bananas you will need will depend on the size of your cake and the recipe you are following. Most recipes call for around 2-4 ripe bananas, mashed, which typically equates to about 200-300 grams or 1-1.5 cups of mashed banana.

When preparing your bananas, you will need to mash them with a fork. Some recipes suggest soaking the mashed bananas in the batter to improve the texture of the cake, while others recommend simply mixing the mashed bananas with the other wet ingredients.

By choosing the right bananas and preparing them correctly, you will be well on your way to creating a delicious and fluffy steamed banana cake.

Preparing the steamer

To prepare the steamer, first fill it with water and place it on the stove. The amount of water you need depends on the size of your steamer and the steaming time. For example, if you're steaming the cake for 25 minutes, make sure there's enough water in the steamer for that duration. Bring the water to a boil.

If you're using a wok or a large pot for steaming, balance the cake pan on a steamer tray, trivet, or empty can in the centre of the pan. If using a large steamer basket, fill it with 1-1.5 inches of water, or just below the bottom of the basket.

To prevent water condensation from dripping onto the cake, wrap the lid of the steamer with a cloth. Alternatively, wipe down the lid every 10 minutes.

Mixing the batter

Firstly, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl and set aside. If you're making a Thai Steamed Banana Cake, you'll need to use tapioca flour and rice flour instead of plain flour. You can also add cinnamon for extra flavour.

Next, melt the butter in a pot and set it aside to cool. Mash the bananas with a fork in a separate bowl and set aside. You can use very ripe mashed plantains instead of bananas for a starchy, chewy texture.

Now it's time to prepare the eggs. Make sure they are at room temperature before you start. Break the eggs into a large bowl and beat them vigorously with an electric mixer at high speed until they are light and lemon-coloured, and have tripled in volume. This should take around 5 minutes. You can also whisk the eggs by hand in warm water until stiff, but this will take longer.

Add the sugar to the eggs and beat for another 3 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved. You can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavour.

Add the mashed bananas, yogurt or milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, beating well after each addition.

Finally, slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix the batter. It's okay if the batter is a little lumpy.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a steamed banana cake vary depending on the recipe and the equipment used. Here is a detailed guide:

Cooking Time:

Most recipes recommend steaming the banana cake for around 45 to 50 minutes. However, the cooking time can range from 20 to 50 minutes, depending on the size and type of pan used, as well as the recipe followed. For example, a denser Thai Steamed Banana Cake recipe suggests a shorter steaming time of 20 to 25 minutes.

It is important to note that the cake is cooked through and not wet. One recipe suggests checking the cake after 15 minutes if using smaller pans or moulds, as the steam time will vary. Another recipe recommends steaming for 25 minutes without opening the steamer, as opening it before 30 minutes may cause the cake to collapse.

Cooking Temperature:

The optimal temperature for steaming a banana cake is high heat or medium heat. However, it is crucial to maintain a consistent water temperature throughout the steaming process. One recipe suggests checking the water level after 30 minutes and adding more boiling water if necessary.

Additionally, it is recommended to bring the water in the steamer to a rapid boil and then reduce the heat to low before placing the cake in the steamer. This ensures that the cake cooks evenly and prevents over-steaming, which can cause the cake to swell and then deflate when cooled.

Tips for Optimal Results:

To ensure the best results, it is advised to prepare the steamer 10 minutes in advance and ensure the water is boiling before placing the cake inside. Additionally, wrapping the lid of the steamer with a cloth or kitchen towel can help absorb moisture and prevent water condensation from dripping onto the cake.

It is also important to note that the cake pan should be greased and coated to prevent sticking. The recommended pan size for a steamed banana cake is an 8-inch round cake pan, a 6-inch square baking pan, or individual aluminium foil cups.

Serving suggestions

Steamed banana cake is a delicious and fluffy dessert that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your cake and impress your guests:

• Keep it classic: Steamed banana cake is delightful on its own, so you can simply cut it into slices and serve it as-is. This cake is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Warm with a drizzle: For a comforting dessert, serve the cake warm with a generous drizzle of the creamy coconut sauce and a sprinkling of crushed roasted peanuts, as suggested by RunawayRice. The warmth of the cake will melt the sauce, creating a delightful, indulgent experience.
• A la mode: For an extra-special treat, add a scoop of your favourite ice cream on top of a warm slice of cake. The cold, creamy ice cream will create a delicious contrast with the warm, fluffy cake. Try vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing, or go for a bolder flavour like salted caramel or rum raisin.
• Fruity and fresh: For a lighter option, serve the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and some sliced fresh bananas and a sprinkling of ground cinnamon. This combination will highlight the banana flavour of the cake while adding a refreshing twist.
• Decadent sauce: If you're feeling indulgent, create a rich chocolate sauce to pour over your cake. Simply melt some dark or milk chocolate with a little cream, and a touch of butter and vanilla extract. Drizzle this over your cake for an extra-decadent treat.
• A sprinkle of fun: Add a little crunch to your cake by sprinkling some chopped nuts or toasted desiccated coconut on top. This will add a lovely texture contrast and a boost of flavour.

Frequently asked questions