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Basket cake is a traditional dish that is synonymous with Chinese New Year celebrations. Its chewy texture with distinctive sweet taste makes many people like it. However, quite a few people think that making basket cakes is difficult and requires special techniques.

In fact, if you know the right ingredients and the correct steaming process, you can make your own basket cake at home. With simple ingredients and structured steps, the results can be as soft and delicious as store-bought ones. This article will discuss in full how to make basket cakes so that the results are supple, not hard, and long lasting.

Ingredients for How to Make Basket Cakes

Before starting the manufacturing process, you need to prepare the appropriate quantities of ingredients. The choice of ingredients really determines the final texture of the basket cake, especially the type of flour and quality of sugar.

Here are the main ingredients that need to be prepared:

• 500 grams of sticky rice flour
• 400 grams of granulated sugar or fine brown sugar
• 500 ml water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Banana leaves or heat-resistant plastic for the base of the mold

Glutinous rice flour is the main key in making basket cakes because it produces a distinctive chewy texture. Meanwhile, sugar gives the cake a sweet taste and golden brown color. Make sure you use fresh sticky rice flour so it doesn’t smell musty.

How to Make Basket Cakes using the Steamed Technique

Once the ingredients are ready, the next step is the mixing and steaming process. The right steaming technique will determine the level of doneness and elasticity of the cake.

First, dissolve the sugar with water until it is completely dissolved. You can heat it briefly so the sugar melts quickly, then cool it before mixing it with the flour. Mix the sticky rice flour and salt in a large container, then pour in the sugar solution little by little while stirring until the mixture is smooth without lumps.

Second, prepare a mold that has been covered with banana leaves or heat-resistant plastic. Pour the mixture into the mold until it is almost full, but leave a little space because the mixture will expand when steamed.

Third, steam the mixture for approximately 4-6 hours over medium heat. This process is quite long, but it is very important in making basket cakes so that the texture is perfectly cooked right down to the middle. Make sure the steaming water doesn’t run out, and add hot water if needed.

Tips for making basket cakes chewy and not hard

For maximum results, there are several important things that need to be considered. Many people fail because they ignore small details in the steaming and storage process.

Use medium and stable heat during the steaming process. If the fire is too big, the outside will cook quickly, but the inside will still be soft. On the other hand, if the fire is too small, the texture will be less dense.

Apart from that, don’t open the lid of the steamer too often because hot steam will come out and disrupt the cooking process. Let the cake cook completely before removing it.

Once cooked, leave the cake at room temperature until completely cool. The correct way to make basket cakes also includes a cooling process because the texture will become more chewy after leaving it overnight.

How to Store Basket Cakes So They Last Longer

Proper storage will make basket cakes last for weeks. Many people don’t realize that temperature and humidity greatly affect the durability of cakes.

Once cool, store the cake in a tightly closed container. You can store it at room temperature for several days. For longer storage, put it in the refrigerator so the texture remains stable.

If you want to consume it again, steam it briefly for 10-15 minutes so that the texture becomes soft again. This method is effective in maintaining the taste quality and elasticity of the basket cake.

Variations on How to Make More Modern Basket Cakes

Apart from the classic recipe, you can also try variations to make it look more interesting. This innovation is suitable for those of you who want to sell or present cakes with a different appearance.

You can add sesame seeds on top of the mixture before steaming for a more fragrant aroma. There are also those who mix in a little coconut milk to make the taste more savory.

Some people even make mini versions with small prints to make them more practical when serving. The method for making this modern version of basket cake still uses the same basics, only differs in additional ingredients and shapes.

Conclusion

How to make basket cakes is actually not as complicated as you might imagine. The main key lies in the selection of ingredients, an even mixing process, and a long steaming time. With the right technique, you can produce basket cakes that are chewy, sweet and long-lasting.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to steam basket cakes?
   The steaming process usually takes 4-6 hours for it to cook completely to the middle.
2. Why is my basket cake hard?
   Usually because the steaming time is not long enough or the fire is too high so the texture is uneven.
3. Can I use brown sugar?
   Can. Brown sugar will provide a darker color and a more distinctive sweet taste.
4. How to make basket cakes last longer?
   Store in a closed container and place in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
5. Can you make basket cake without banana leaves?
   Can. You can use heat-resistant plastic or silicone molds as an alternative.

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