mala cake

How to Make Steamed Honeycomb Cake (马拉糕)

Steamed Honeycomb Cake, or Malagao, is a beloved Cantonese dim sum treat known for its fluffy, honeycomb-like texture and sweet fragrance. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g all-purpose flour

- 150g sugar (adjust to taste)

- 15g baking powder

- 2 eggs

- 120ml milk

- 80ml vegetable oil

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- A pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Whisk to combine evenly.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

3. Blend Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix to keep the cake light.

4. Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 20-30 minutes. This allows bubbles to form, crucial for the honeycomb texture.

5. Steam: Grease a heatproof dish. Pour in the batter and steam over high heat for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Serve: Let it cool slightly, then cut into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips: For extra flavor, add raisins or pandan paste. Ensure the steamer is preheated to prevent a dense texture. This cake stays soft for days when stored in an airtight container.