Description
Steamed Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake (Bánh Bò Hấp) is a traditional Vietnamese dessert known for its distinct honeycomb-like texture, light sweetness, and subtle coconut flavor. This steamed cake is gluten-free and made primarily from rice flour, tapioca starch, and coconut milk.
Ingredients
- 200g rice flour
- 100g tapioca starch
- 200ml coconut milk
- 150g sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 120ml warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve, then add the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, and salt.
- Gradually add coconut milk to the flour mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth batter.
- Add the yeast mixture and vanilla extract to the batter. Mix well to combine.
- Cover the bowl and let the batter rest in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours until bubbly and slightly risen.
- Prepare your steamer and bring water to a boil. Lightly grease small heatproof bowls or muffin molds.
- Once the batter is ready, gently stir it and pour it into the prepared molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Steam over high heat for 10–15 minutes or until the cakes are cooked through and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from steamer and allow to cool slightly before removing from molds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the water for the yeast is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Do not overmix the batter after proofing to retain the airy texture.
- Steaming over high heat is essential for proper rising and honeycomb texture.
- You can add pandan extract for a green color and aromatic flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small cake
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
