Best Easy Cantonese New Year Pudding Recipe

Sweet Cantonese New Year pudding with rich brown sugar flavor symbolizes a sweet year ahead. A traditional family dessert with sticky, comforting texture.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#traditional chinese dessert #new year pudding carbs #sticky nian gao comparison #vegetarian #lunar festival dessert
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • glutinous rice flour 2 cups
  • water 1.5 cups
  • Chinese brown sugar slab 7 oz
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
  • white sugar 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 45 g 86%
Protein 2 g 4%
Fat 2.5 g 10%
Serving size 90g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Lightly grease a round 8-inch heatproof cake pan with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine Chinese brown sugar slab, white sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugars dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Place glutinous rice flour in a large mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in the warm sugar syrup, stirring constantly until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

  4. 4

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the batter and mix thoroughly for a satiny texture.

  5. 5

    Strain the batter into the prepared pan to remove any lumps. Tap the pan gently to eliminate air bubbles.

  6. 6

    Prepare a steamer over high heat. When steaming water is at a full boil, reduce to medium-high, place the pan in the steamer, and cover with foil to prevent water droplets.

  7. 7

    Steam for 60–70 minutes, checking water level occasionally. The pudding is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  8. 8

    Turn off the heat and let the pudding cool to room temperature inside the steamer, about 1 hour, to prevent collapse. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient is glutinous rice flour, which gives Cantonese New Year Pudding its signature sticky, chewy texture and allows the sweet brown sugar flavor to fully infuse the dessert. Without glutinous rice flour, the tradition and character of this pudding would be lost.
Q. How do I avoid overcooking or undercooking during steaming?
Maintain the steamer water at a consistent medium-high simmer rather than a rapid boil, and check doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. Under-steaming leaves a gummy center; overcooking may dry out the texture, so aim for 60–70 minutes and let it cool gradually in the steamer.
Q. What steps ensure the pudding is smooth and lump-free?
For the smoothest pudding, gradually whisk the warm syrup into the glutinous rice flour, stir constantly to prevent clumps, and strain the batter before steaming. Tapping the pan to release excess air bubbles also helps achieve a uniform, comforting texture.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in a serving?
Each 90g serving provides about 210 kcal, with carbohydrates making up 45g (86% of calories). This sticky pudding leans heavily on carbs, true to its festive dessert nature.
Q. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, every component—glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, white sugar, and vegetable oil—fits a vegetarian diet. There are no animal-based ingredients or additives in this celebration treat.
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