She Strengthens

Usher in Good Fortune with Traditional Chinese New Year Cake

As the Lunar New Year approaches, families gather to share in traditional dishes that bring good luck and prosperity. One beloved treat is the sweet and chewy Chinese New Year cake, also known as “nian gao” or “higher year” in Mandarin. This delightful dessert is flavored with almond extract and Chinese brown sugar, promising a sweet start to the new year.

A Family Recipe with a Twist

Grandma Ruby’s recipe has been passed down through generations, and we’re excited to share it with you. After a few days, the cake hardens, but don’t worry! Simply dip leftover slices in beaten egg and pan-fry them in vegetable oil to revive the soft, chewy center and crispy exterior.

Essential Ingredients

To make this traditional cake, you’ll need a few special ingredients:

• Chinese brown sugar, made from unrefined cane sugar and available in Asian markets
• Sweet rice flour, also known as glutinous rice flour or mochiko, which is gluten-free and produced from sticky rice grains
• Dried Chinese red dates, also known as jujubes, which add natural sweetness and flavor

Steam to Perfection

If you don’t have a large bamboo steamer, don’t worry! Create your own steamer using aluminum foil and a large frying pan. Simply place the cake pan on top of the foil coils and steam for 3 hours, checking every hour and replenishing the water as needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine water and Chinese brown sugar in a medium saucepan, heating until the sugar dissolves. Let cool until warm to the touch.
2. Fill a 14-inch wok with 1 1/2 inches of water and place a 12-inch bamboo steamer inside. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil and set aside.
4. In a stand mixer, combine rice flour and sugar-water mixture, beating until smooth. Add oil and almond extract, beating until just incorporated.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and steam until firm to the touch, about 3 hours.
6. Garnish with dried Chinese red dates and toasted sesame seeds while still warm. Let cool on a rack to room temperature before serving.

Serve with Pride

Run a knife around the outside of the cake, then slip a thin spatula under the cake to lift it out. Serve sesame seed side up, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your family and friends. This traditional Chinese New Year cake is sure to bring good fortune and delight to all who taste it!