There’s a certain joy that comes from creating something special in your kitchen, and today, I’m inviting you to experience the magic of Chinese Prosperity Cake, or Fa Gao. The first time I made this delightfully fluffy treat, I was instantly captivated by the charming way it rises in the steamer, resembling little clouds of happiness. This cake isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it boasts a unique sweetness thanks to the interplay of brown sugar and jujubes, lending it both flavor and character.
Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake embraces the spirit of good fortune and prosperity. If you’ve ever felt bogged down by the relentless fast-food routine, I assure you this recipe will be a delightful change. With simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create a dessert that not only tastes good but feels good to make!
Why will you love this Chinese Prosperity Cake?
Fluffy Texture: This cake steams to perfection, creating a light and airy consistency that melts in your mouth.
Unique Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and jujubes gives it a delightful sweetness that you won’t find in typical desserts.
Cultural Significance: Celebrate prosperity and luck with a dish that’s rich in tradition, making it perfect for festive occasions.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this impressive dessert in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Serve this cake at your next gathering, and watch it disappear—everyone will love its unique charm!
For more delightful treats to impress your guests, don’t forget to check out my collection of easy Asian desserts.
Chinese Prosperity Cake Ingredients
• Discover the delightful components that create this scrumptious treat!
For the Batter
- Brown Sugar – 50 g (1/3 cup) – This adds a rich caramel flavor that enhances the sweetness.
- Water – 1/2 cup (120 ml) – It helps to dissolve the sugars and hydrate the flour for a perfect batter.
- White Sugar – 1 tablespoon – Balances the taste with a touch of extra sweetness.
- All-purpose Flour – 160 g (1 cup) – The foundation for this cake, giving it structure.
- Instant Yeast – 4 g (1 teaspoon) – Essential for leavening, making your Chinese Prosperity Cake rise beautifully.
- Egg – 1 – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cake.
For the Jujubes
- Jujubes – 16 pitted – Fresh and sweet, they contribute a lovely texture and flavor; 10 halved, and 6 chopped for a delightful burst in each bite.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a dessert that not only looks impressive but tastes heavenly!
How to Make Chinese Prosperity Cake
-
Prepare Sugar Water: Add the brown sugar, white sugar, and water into a small bowl. Microwave it for 30 seconds to warm up. Stir until completely dissolved. Allow to cool while prepping the other ingredients.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour into a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle in the instant yeast and stir to mix well—this ensures a fluffy cake!
-
Make the Batter: Once the sugar water cools to skin temperature, pour it into the flour mixture. Add the egg and mix gently until a smooth batter forms. Don’t over mix! Pass the batter through a colander into a large bowl, pressing out any lumps. Stir in the chopped jujubes.
-
Prepare for Steaming: Grease a 6” cake pan with a thin layer of oil. Pour in the batter and shake the pan gently to level it. Decorate the top with halved jujubes, then let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
-
Steam the Cake: Fill a pot with 2” (5 cm) of water and heat until boiling. Place the cake pan on the steamer rack and cover. Steam for 30 minutes over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes (do not uncover).
-
Cool and Serve: Carefully transfer the cake pan to a rack to cool slightly. Once manageable, turn it upside down to release the cake. Slice into wedges as it cools to room temperature and serve warm.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chinese Prosperity Cake
Room Temperature: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Fridge: For extended freshness, place the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it can last for up to a week.
Freezer: Wrap the sliced pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can freeze them for up to 2 months—perfect for enjoying later!
Reheating: To serve, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight and steam it for 5-10 minutes to restore its fluffy texture before indulging in this delightful Chinese Prosperity Cake.
Expert Tips for Chinese Prosperity Cake
-
Check Yeast Freshness: Always verify your instant yeast is fresh to ensure proper rising. Old yeast could yield a dense cake instead of the fluffy texture we desire.
-
Gentle Mixing: When combining ingredients, stir just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, sacrificing that delightful lightness crucial for a good Chinese Prosperity Cake.
-
Temperature Matters: Ensure your sugar water is at skin temperature before mixing. Too hot or too cold can affect yeast activation and the overall rise of your cake.
-
Steaming Technique: Make sure to cover the steaming pot properly. This keeps the moisture in, resulting in that beautifully porous texture we all love.
-
Cool Gradually: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before flipping it. This helps prevent cracks and keeps it intact for a stunning presentation.
What to Serve with Chinese Prosperity Cake?
Creating a warm and inviting meal is all about the perfect pairings, and this delightful cake deserves an equally charming complement.
- Jasmine Tea: Its light floral notes gently enhance the cake’s sweetness while being a soothing beverage for any occasion.
- Coconut Sticky Rice: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of this dish create a wonderful contrast to the fluffy cake.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and a hint of acidity, balancing the cake’s rich flavors beautifully.
- Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites add a delightful textural contrast, making for a well-rounded meal experience.
- Sesame Balls: These can be a fun, dessert-style pairing, adding an additional layer of sweetness and crunch that complements the cake.
- Lychee Sorbet: A refreshing dessert that cleanses the palate between bites, providing a cool finish to a flavorful meal.
- Sparkling Water: Served with a twist of lime, this bubbly drink adds a light effervescence that pairs delightfully with the cake’s texture.
- Chinese Almond Cookies: An excellent accompaniment, these cookies offer a crunchy, nutty flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the meal.
- Mango Pudding: Its velvety and creamy consistency makes it a beloved dessert that harmonizes with the lightness of the Chinese Prosperity Cake.
Make Ahead Options
These Chinese Prosperity Cakes are perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions! You can prepare the sugar water mixture and batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply complete steps 1 through 3 of the recipe and store the batter in the refrigerator, covered tightly to maintain its moisture and prevent crusting. When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, let the batter come to room temperature, then pour it into the greased pan, arrange the jujubes, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Finish by steaming as directed, ensuring every bite is just as delicious and fluffy as if it were made fresh that day!
Chinese Prosperity Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this delightful cake your own with these fun twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Fruit-Filled: Add fresh or dried fruits like raisins or chopped apples to give each bite a burst of flavor and extra sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake beautifully.
- Matcha Twist: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to the batter for a vibrant green color and a subtle earthy flavor that’s simply divine.
- Coconut Delight: Incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical touch, giving your cake a nice texture and a fragrant aroma.
- Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract for a warm, rich flavor that adds depth to your Chinese Prosperity Cake.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the egg with a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce to cater to dairy-free guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat.
- Savory Variant: Mix in some finely chopped scallions and a hint of sesame oil for a unique savory cake that’s perfect for a more adventurous palate.
Don’t hesitate to experiment and create a version that speaks to your taste buds!
Chinese Prosperity Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of jujubes should I use for the cake?
Absolutely! Fresh jujubes are the best choice for this recipe. Look for plump, dark red jujubes that have smooth skin and no dark spots. If fresh ones are unavailable, you can use dried jujubes, but they should be soaked in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate before chopping and adding them to the batter.
How should I store leftover Chinese Prosperity Cake?
Very good question! Allow the cake to cool completely and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to a week. Just remember to keep it sealed to retain moisture!
Can I freeze Chinese Prosperity Cake?
Definitely! To freeze, slice the cake into wedges and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and steam for 5-10 minutes to revive its fluffy texture.
What if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check the freshness of your instant yeast before using it. If you suspect an issue, proof the yeast first by mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar—if it bubbles after 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go! Additionally, make sure your sugar water is at skin temperature; too hot can kill the yeast.
Can my pet have a piece of Chinese Prosperity Cake?
While it may be tempting to share, it’s best to avoid giving this cake to pets. The sugars and processed ingredients can be harmful to them. Always stick to pet-safe treats, and save this delightful Chinese Prosperity Cake for yourself and your family!
Does this recipe contain any allergens?
Yes, this cake contains common allergens such as wheat (from all-purpose flour) and eggs. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend and using an egg replacer suitable for your dietary needs. Always check labels for cross-contamination, especially for gluten sensitivities.
Delicious Chinese Prosperity Cake: Elevate Your Baking Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Sugar Water: Add the brown sugar, white sugar, and water into a small bowl. Microwave it for 30 seconds to warm up. Stir until completely dissolved. Allow to cool while prepping the other ingredients.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour into a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle in the instant yeast and stir to mix well—this ensures a fluffy cake!
- Make the Batter: Once the sugar water cools to skin temperature, pour it into the flour mixture. Add the egg and mix gently until a smooth batter forms. Don't over mix! Pass the batter through a colander into a large bowl, pressing out any lumps. Stir in the chopped jujubes.
- Prepare for Steaming: Grease a 6” cake pan with a thin layer of oil. Pour in the batter and shake the pan gently to level it. Decorate the top with halved jujubes, then let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Steam the Cake: Fill a pot with 2” (5 cm) of water and heat until boiling. Place the cake pan on the steamer rack and cover. Steam for 30 minutes over medium-high heat. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes (do not uncover).
- Cool and Serve: Carefully transfer the cake pan to a rack to cool slightly. Once manageable, turn it upside down to release the cake. Slice into wedges as it cools to room temperature and serve warm.