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Steamed Sponge Cake (Soy Zing Dan Gow)





Yields
Makes 8 or 9 servings

This steamed sponge cake is a classic Chinese dessert that's delicious served plain or topped with candied kumquats or a citrus compote. 

Steamed Sponge Cake (Soy Zing Dan Gow)




James Carrier
 4 large eggs
 1 large egg white
 3/4 cup sugar
 1 teaspoon vanilla
 1 cup sifted cake flour
 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Step 1
1

Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan (with 2- to 3-in.-tall sides) with cooking parchment cut to fit. If pan has a removable rim, wrap outside with foil to prevent water from seeping in.

Step 2
2

In a large bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat whole eggs, egg white, and sugar until thick and pale yellow, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla. In a small bowl, mix flour and baking powder until blended. With a whisk, fold flour mixture into egg mixture until evenly blended. Scrape batter into pan. Tap pan lightly on work surface to remove air pockets.

Step 3
3

Set a round rack (cake rack, basket steamer, removable rim from a cake pan, or empty 2-in.-tall cans with both ends cut out) in a 12- to 14-inch steamer, 14-inch wok, or 12-inch frying pan (with at least 2-in.-tall sides; steamer should be wide enough to hold cake pan without sides touching). Pour water into steamer to about 1/2 inch below top of rack. Cover steamer and bring water to a boil over high heat.

Step 4
4

Place cake on rack and cover steamer (if cover doesn't fit over cake, tent steamer with a large piece of foil, sealing it around the edges so steam can't escape); reduce heat to medium and steam until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. If necessary, add more boiling water to maintain level. Remove cover quickly and carefully so condensed steam doesn't drip onto cake. Remove cake from steamer.

Step 5
5

Run a knife between cake and pan rim to loosen sides. Invert onto a rack, remove pan and parchment, and invert again onto another rack. Let cake cool at least 10 minutes. With a serrated knife, cut cake into diamonds or wedges. Serve warm or cool.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 140Calories from Fat 15
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.3g4%

Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
Cholesterol 94mg32%
Sodium 61mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 25g9%

Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
Protein 4g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.