There’s an undeniable joy that comes from steaming sweet treats, and Fa Gao, or Chinese Prosperity Cake, embodies that bliss perfectly. When I first laid eyes on these fluffy, delicate cakes, adorned with glistening jujubes, I was mesmerized by their inviting simplicity. The vibrant colors hint at the sweet surprises waiting inside, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as they steam is pure magic.
On an evening when the week felt heavy, I needed something to lift my spirits and fill my home with warmth. That’s when I stumbled upon this delightful recipe. With minimal ingredients and a touch of love, Fa Gao transformed my kitchen into a comforting haven. It’s not just about the phenomenal taste; it brings people together and sparks smiles, whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea by yourself.
Join me as we dive into the heart of this beautiful recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to share. Your journey to creating these little parcels of joy begins now!
Why is Fa Gao so special?
Deliciously unique: This beautiful cake isn’t just a treat; it’s steeped in tradition, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these charming cakes at home.
Versatile: Whether enjoyed as a snack or a dessert, Fa Gao can elevate any meal or happy occasion.
Crowd-pleaser: Their fluffy texture and sweet jujubes will have your guests asking for seconds!
Bonus: For more delightful and easy recipes, check out my collection of must-try desserts!
Fa Gao Ingredients
• Prepare to create these delightful Chinese Prosperity Cakes with the following ingredients!
For the Batter
- Brown sugar – Adds a rich sweetness and depth to the cake.
- Water – Helps in dissolving the sugars, creating a smooth batter.
- White sugar – Balances the flavors and sweetens the mix.
- All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cake, giving it that soft structure.
- Instant yeast – Helps the cake rise beautifully, making it fluffy.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
For the Jujubes
- Jujubes – A sweet addition that brings texture and a hint of fruity flavor; perfect for a Fa Gao!
How to Make Fa Gao
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Mix the brown sugar, white sugar, and water in a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir well to dissolve completely. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Sift the all-purpose flour into a medium-sized bowl. Add the instant yeast and stir to combine well, setting the foundation for your fluffy cake.
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Combine the cooled sugar water with the flour mixture and crack in the egg. Gently stir everything until just smooth; avoid over-mixing. Pass the batter through a colander to ensure an even texture, and fold in the chopped jujubes.
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Grease a 6-inch cake pan lightly with oil, then pour in the batter. Give the pan a gentle shake to smooth out the top, and arrange the halved jujubes artfully on the surface. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, around 1 hour.
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Set up a steamer by adding 2 inches of water into the pot. Cover and heat over medium-high until boiling. Place the cake pan on the steamer rack, then steam for 30 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes without removing the lid.
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Cool the cake slightly before transferring it onto a rack. Once it’s manageable, flip it out of the pan. Allow it to cool to room temperature before slicing into wedges and serving.
Optional: Drizzle with a little honey for added sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Fa Gao Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to this delightful cake that will enhance its flavor and character!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe and equally fluffy cake. Just be sure the blend has a binding agent for the best texture.
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Vegan: Replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water), yielding a similar binding effect while keeping it plant-based.
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Fruit Twist: Swap out jujubes for fresh fruits like diced apples or mashed bananas to give the cake a refreshing take and extra moisture.
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Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor; this will also introduce a pleasingly chewy texture amidst the fluffiness.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm spice that dances on your palate, complementing the sweetness perfectly.
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Nutty Gesture: Fold in some chopped walnuts or almonds to provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft cake, enhancing each bite.
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Chocolate Dreams: For a rich flavor, incorporate cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the batter—it’s a fun spin that will delight any chocolate lover!
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Zesty Revamp: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy brightness that elevates the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Fa Gao (Chinese Prosperity Cakes) are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the batter and allow it to rise up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the first three steps of the recipe and refrigerate the batter in the greased cake pan covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to steam, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while preparing your steamer. This allows the cake to regain its rise. After steaming, enjoy your Fa Gao just as delicious as if they were made fresh! This easy make-ahead method is a time-saver for busy weeknights or gatherings!
What to Serve with Fa Gao?
There’s something magical about enjoying these fluffy cakes alongside complementary dishes that make your meal truly memorable.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice harmonizes perfectly with the sweet, delicate flavor of Fa Gao, creating a delightful balance.
- Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai adds an aromatic touch that enhances the cake’s sweetness, making for a cozy pairing.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: The burst of juicy fruits brings a refreshing, vibrant contrast, keeping your palate awake and excited. Consider using tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi for a colorful twist.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who love a touch of spice, a mild sweet chili sauce complements the sweetness of the cake, creating an interesting flavor combination.
- Coconut Cream: A drizzle of rich coconut cream brings a creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s fluffy texture.
- Hot Almond Milk: This comforting drink, with its nutty flavor, adds warmth and pairs beautifully with the sweet, airy cake. A sprinkle of cinnamon takes it to another level!
- Sesame Balls: These crispy treats filled with sweet red bean paste provide a delightful textural contrast, rounding out your dessert spread.
- Boba Tea: The chewy tapioca pearls with a hint of sweetness make for a fun and playful beverage that enhances the overall experience.
- Green Tea: A classic choice, the subtle bitterness of green tea cleanses the palate, allowing you to fully appreciate each bite of Fa Gao.
- Mango Sticky Rice: For a decadent dessert, the creamy coconut rice paired with ripe mango will evoke feelings of comfort and joy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Fa Gao
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Temperature Matters: Ensure the sugar water is at skin temperature before mixing; too hot or too cold can affect the yeast activation.
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Avoid Over-mixing: Gently stir the batter to keep it light and fluffy. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture in your Fa Gao.
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Rising Time: Find a warm spot for the dough to rise, as cold environments may slow down the fermentation process, preventing proper expansion.
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Steamer Setup: Make sure the steamer has enough water and is properly heated before placing the cake pan. A consistent steam is key for an even cook.
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Cool Correctly: Let the cake rest in the pan for 5 minutes after cooking to firm up before flipping; this helps avoid breakage.
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Experiment with Flavors: Add other ingredients like coconut or zest from citrus fruits for a twist on the traditional Fa Gao recipe.
Storage Tips for Fa Gao
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Room Temperature: Store leftover Fa Gao in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the texture fluffy and moist.
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Fridge: If you want to keep Fa Gao longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat in a steamer or microwave for a soft texture.
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Freezer: You can freeze individual slices of Fa Gao, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Fa Gao, steam for 5-10 minutes or microwave until heated through. This preserves the delightful moisture and soft texture of your Chinese Prosperity Cake.
Fa Gao Recipe FAQs
What type of jujubes should I use for Fa Gao?
I recommend using fresh, soft jujubes for the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh ones, dried jujubes work too—just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes before chopping.
How do I store leftover Fa Gao properly?
You can keep leftover Fa Gao in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but make sure to reheat it in a steamer or microwave to restore its fluffy texture.
Can I freeze Fa Gao?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual slices of Fa Gao tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. To thaw, place the slices in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy, steam or microwave until warmed through to maintain that soft and delightful consistency.
What should I do if my Fa Gao doesn’t rise?
If your cake doesn’t rise properly, it could be due to expired yeast or the mixture being too cold. Make sure to use fresh instant yeast and let the batter rise in a warm spot, ideally around 75°F (24°C) to encourage proper fermentation.
Is this recipe suitable for anyone with allergies?
This Fa Gao recipe contains eggs and gluten from the all-purpose flour, so it may not be suitable for someone with egg or gluten allergies. For a gluten-free alternative, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but the texture may differ slightly. Always consult with dietary needs for all ingredients.
Can I make Fa Gao without jujubes?
Very! If jujubes aren’t available, try swapping them for another fruit like raisins or even chocolate chips for a fun twist on this Chinese Prosperity Cake. The more the merrier when it comes to flavor!
Delicious Fa Gao Recipe to Bring Prosperity to Your Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix the brown sugar, white sugar, and water in a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir well to dissolve completely. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sift the all-purpose flour into a medium-sized bowl. Add the instant yeast and stir to combine well, setting the foundation for your fluffy cake.
- Combine the cooled sugar water with the flour mixture and crack in the egg. Gently stir everything until just smooth; avoid over-mixing. Pass the batter through a colander to ensure an even texture, and fold in the chopped jujubes.
- Grease a 6-inch cake pan lightly with oil, then pour in the batter. Give the pan a gentle shake to smooth out the top, and arrange the halved jujubes artfully on the surface. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, around 1 hour.
- Set up a steamer by adding 2 inches of water into the pot. Cover and heat over medium-high until boiling. Place the cake pan on the steamer rack, then steam for 30 minutes. Afterward, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes without removing the lid.
- Cool the cake slightly before transferring it onto a rack. Once it’s manageable, flip it out of the pan. Allow it to cool to room temperature before slicing into wedges and serving.
- Optional: Drizzle with a little honey for added sweetness!