Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and using in the recipe.
DESSERT
Cambodian Steamed Banana Cake with Coconut and Sesame Seeds
This delightful Cambodian steamed banana cake, known as Num Chek, is a naturally sweet and tender dessert. It features ripe bananas, rich coconut milk, and a hint of vanilla, all topped with toasted sesame seeds for a pleasant nutty crunch.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
Lightly grease a 6-inch round heatproof dish or cake pan with vegetable oil. Set aside.
02
In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, rice flour, coconut milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well with a whisk or spatula until the batter is smooth and no lumps of flour remain.
03
Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the batter.
04
Prepare a steamer by filling the bottom pot with water and bringing it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, carefully place the dish with the banana cake batter into the steamer basket.
05
Cover the steamer tightly and steam the cake for 25-30 minutes over medium-high heat, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be firm to the touch.
06
Carefully remove the steamed banana cake from the steamer and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set properly.
About This Recipe
This delightful Cambodian steamed banana cake, known as Num Chek, is a naturally sweet and tender dessert. It features ripe bananas, rich coconut milk, and a hint of vanilla, all topped with toasted sesame seeds for a pleasant nutty crunch.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
Ensure your bananas are very ripe (with brown spots) for the best sweetness and flavor. Do not overmix the batter; mix just until combined. Cooling the cake completely is crucial for a clean slice and proper texture.
Easy Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the batter. If you don't have rice flour, glutinous rice flour can be used for a chewier texture, but adjust liquid slightly if needed. Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for a deeper caramel note.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cambodian Steamed Banana Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds if desired, or enjoy at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this banana cake as a light dessert after a meal. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of unsweetened black tea or coffee. For an extra treat, serve it with a dollop of coconut cream or a sprinkle of shredded coconut. It also makes a delightful snack any time of day.
Common Mistakes
1. Using under-ripe bananas: This will result in a less sweet and flavorful cake. Always use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. 2. Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the rice flour, leading to a tougher cake. Mix only until just combined. 3. Not cooling completely: Slicing the cake while warm can cause it to crumble or stick to the knife. Allow it to cool fully for clean slices. 4. Insufficient steaming time: If the cake is still wet in the center, it needs more time. Ensure a toothpick comes out clean. 5. Not greasing the pan: This will make it difficult to remove the cake cleanly from the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of rice flour should I use?
Use regular white rice flour, not glutinous rice flour, unless you prefer a chewier texture.
Can I add other fruits?
While traditional, you could experiment with a small amount of finely diced mango or jackfruit mixed into the batter for a different flavor profile.
How do I know if my steamer is hot enough?
The water in the bottom pot should be at a rolling boil before you place the cake in to steam.
Can I bake this cake instead of steaming?
This recipe is specifically designed for steaming, which gives it its unique moist and tender texture. Baking would result in a very different, likely drier, cake.
MORE TO KNOW
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that keeps this banana cake incredibly moist and tender, unlike baked cakes which can sometimes dry out. The key to a perfectly steamed cake is ensuring your steamer is properly sealed to trap the steam, allowing the cake to cook evenly. If you don't have a traditional steamer, you can create a makeshift one by placing a heatproof trivet or small metal rack in a large pot with about an inch of water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the bottom of your cake dish. The sesame seeds add not only a nutty flavor but also a lovely textural contrast to the soft cake.
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