Best Easy Ma Lai Gao Recipe

Fluffy ma lai gao steamed sponge cake with rich, caramelized flavor is a dim sum classic. A family dessert with soft, bouncy texture.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 215 kcal
#vegetarian #dim sum #sponge cake #Chinese dessert
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • cake flour 1.5 cups
  • eggs 3 pieces
  • evaporated milk 0.5 cups
  • unsalted butter 1.5 tbsp
  • brown sugar 0.75 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • baking powder 2 tsp
  • baking soda 0.5 tsp
  • vanilla extract 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 60%
Protein 5 g 9%
Fat 6 g 31%
Serving size 90g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and brown sugar until creamy and pale, ensuring even aeration for a light texture.

  2. 2

    Sift cake flour, baking powder, and baking soda onto the wet mixture for thorough blending and to prevent lumps.

  3. 3

    Gently fold in evaporated milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, keeping the batter smooth; avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.

  4. 4

    Let the batter rest for 20 minutes at room temperature, allowing baking powder to activate and maximum fluffiness to develop.

  5. 5

    Pour batter into a parchment-lined steamer pan. Steam over medium-high heat for 40–45 minutes; do not lift lid during steaming to preserve moisture and rise.

  6. 6

    Once cooked, turn off heat, let Ma Lai Gao sit in closed steamer for 5 minutes, then carefully remove and cool before slicing to maintain its bouncy texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Ma Lai Gao recipe?
Cake flour is the core ingredient here, providing the delicate and airy structure characteristic of Ma Lai Gao. Combined with eggs and brown sugar, it gives the sponge cake its classic fluffiness and rich caramelized flavor.
Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest difference in flavor?
The vanilla extract subtly elevates the aroma and rounds out the caramel notes from brown sugar, while baking powder and baking soda together ensure the cake rises beautifully without tasting overly 'baking-soda-like'.
Q. How do you prevent Ma Lai Gao from becoming dense or flat?
Proper technique requires whisking eggs and sugar until pale, sifting flour thoroughly, and most importantly, not opening the steamer during cooking. Resting the batter before steaming also helps activate leavening agents for maximum bounce and softness.
Q. What are the nutrition values per serving for this Ma Lai Gao?
Each 90g serving contains 215 kcal, with carbohydrates at 32g (60%), protein at 5g (9%), and fat at 6g (31%). It's a dessert best enjoyed in moderation, and suitable for vegetarian diets.
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