Steam Oven Recipe: Steamed Kaya Cake with Salted Egg Crumble
Steam Oven Recipe: Steamed Kaya Cake with Salted Egg Crumble
Imagine a fluffy, pandan-infused kaya cake, its delicate sweetness perfectly balanced by the savoury richness of finely chopped salted eggs sprinkled generously on top. This Steamed Kaya Cake with Salted Egg Crumble is a delightful textural and flavour adventure. The steam oven ensures the cake remains incredibly moist and tender, while the salty bursts from the egg yolk create an addictive contrast against the fragrant kaya custard. It's a surprisingly harmonious pairing that will leave you wanting another bite.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Kaya Cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) thick coconut milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pandan juice (blend fresh pandan leaves with water and strain, or use store-bought extract)
- 1/2 cup (70g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Salted Egg Crumble:
- 2 cooked salted egg yolks, finely chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and slightly pale.
- Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and pandan juice until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.1 The batter should be smooth.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease an 8-inch square or round cake pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
3. Steam the Cake:
- Preheat your steam oven to 100°C (212°F) or the steam setting.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Place the dish in the steam oven.
- Steam for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. The cake should be slightly springy to the touch.
4. Prepare the Salted Egg Crumble:
- While the cake is steaming, finely chop the cooked salted egg yolks. Set aside.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Once the cake is cooked, carefully remove it from the steam oven.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. If using parchment paper, lift it out using the overhang.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped salted egg yolk evenly over the top of the warm kaya cake.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Pandan Juice: Using fresh pandan juice will give the most authentic flavour and vibrant green colour. If using extract, start with a small amount and add more to your liking.
- Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer and more flavourful cake.
- Sifting Flour: Sifting the flour ensures a light and airy texture.
- Don't Over-mix: Over-mixing the batter can develop gluten, resulting in a tougher cake.
- Steaming Time: Steaming times may vary slightly depending on your steam oven and the size of your baking dish. Check for doneness with a skewer.
- Salted Egg Preparation: Ensure the salted egg yolks are fully cooked before chopping. You can steam or boil them.
- Serving: Serve the cake warm for the best flavour and texture contrast with the salted egg.
- Storage: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.2
Enjoy this unique and delicious Steamed Kaya Cake with Salted Egg Crumble! The unexpected harmony of sweet kaya and savoury salted egg is a delightful treat.