Brown Sugar Fa Gao, also known as Chinese Prosperity Cake, is a beloved treat that’s soft, fluffy, and even more delicious than bread. This traditional Chinese cake, often enjoyed during festive occasions for its symbolic meaning of prosperity and good luck, is surprisingly simple to make.
What is Fa Gao?
Fa Gao, also known as Chinese Prosperity Cake or Fortune Cake, is a traditional Chinese steamed cake that holds great cultural significance. The name “Fa Gao” (发糕) translates to “prosperity cake,” with “fa” meaning “to rise” or “to prosper,” which symbolizes growth, wealth, and good fortune.
These cakes are often enjoyed during festivals, especially the Lunar New Year, and are also used as offerings in religious rituals.
Fa Gao is made from simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and leavening agents, which create a light and airy texture. The cake is typically steamed, allowing it to rise and split at the top, forming a “smile” or “blossom” that signifies good luck. The addition of brown sugar in this version gives it a rich, caramel-like flavor, making it a delightful treat that’s both tasty and meaningful.
Ingredients:
- 40g brown sugar
- 150ml hot water (around 80°C)
- 1 egg
- 2g yeast
- 200g flour
- Chopped red dates
Instructions:
- Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: Dissolve 40g of brown sugar in 150ml of hot water (around 80°C) in a bowl. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool to below 35°C.
- Mix the Batter: Add 1 egg, 2g of yeast, and 200g of flour to the cooled brown sugar mixture. Stir until you have a batter with some resistance. Cover with plastic wrap and let it ferment in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes.
- Deflate the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, stir it thoroughly with chopsticks to release the air.
- Prepare the Molds: Grease the molds and pour in the batter, filling them only up to about 80% full. Lightly tap the molds to distribute the batter evenly. Sprinkle chopped red dates on top.
- Steam the Cake: Add cold water to the pot and place the fa gao in a bamboo steamer. Start timing once the water boils and steam for 20 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before removing.
Brown Sugar Fa Gao (Chinese Prosperity Cake)
Brown Sugar Fa Gao, also known as Chinese Prosperity Cake, is a beloved treat that’s soft, fluffy, and even more delicious than bread. This traditional Chinese cake, often enjoyed during festive occasions for its symbolic meaning of prosperity and good luck, is surprisingly simple to make.Servings 4Calories 237kcalIngredients
- 40 g brown sugar
- 150 ml hot water around 80°C
- 1 egg
- 2 g yeast
- 200 g flour
- Chopped red dates
Instructions
- Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: Dissolve 40g of brown sugar in 150ml of hot water (around 80°C) in a bowl. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool to below 35°C.
- Mix the Batter: Add 1 egg, 2g of yeast, and 200g of flour to the cooled brown sugar mixture. Stir until you have a batter with some resistance. Cover with plastic wrap and let it ferment in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes.
- Deflate the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, stir it thoroughly with chopsticks to release the air.
- Prepare the Molds: Grease the molds and pour in the batter, filling them only up to about 80% full. Lightly tap the molds to distribute the batter evenly. Sprinkle chopped red dates on top.
- Steam the Cake: Add cold water to the pot and place the fa gao in a bamboo steamer. Start timing once the water boils and steam for 20 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before removing.
Nutrition
Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Vitamin C: 0.003mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 3mg
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