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You are here: Home / Chinese Snacks / Soft & Silky Chinese Milk Cake (Only 4 Ingredients!)

Soft & Silky Chinese Milk Cake (Only 4 Ingredients!)

June 4, 2025 by Nana Leave a Comment

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I’ve always loved simple, creamy desserts that melt in your mouth, and this Chinese Milk Cake is one of the easiest yet most satisfying treats I’ve ever made. It’s smooth, chewy, and so comforting when served cold.

Soft and Silky Chinese Milk Cake

This was my very first time making Chinese milk cake, and I honestly didn’t expect it to turn out so perfectly.

The texture was silky and smooth, the flavor was rich and milky, and when served cold, it was incredibly refreshing—like a creamy milk pudding with a gentle bite. I was genuinely impressed by how delicious it was!

What surprised me even more was how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a basic non-stick pan is enough.

The ingredients are all pantry staples too: just cornstarch, sugar, egg yolks, and milk. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful dessert that tastes like it came from a high-end dessert shop.

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing treat, this recipe is definitely worth a try.Chinese Milk Cake (1)Chinese Milk Cake (3)Chinese Milk Cake (2)

Why you‘ll love this recipe

  • Only 4 main ingredients, all easy to find
  • No oven or special tools needed
  • Light, creamy texture with a satisfying bite
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Can be dressed up with different toppings for variety

Ingredients:

  • 400 ml whole milk
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 40 g cornstarch
  • 30 g sugar (can reduce slightly if you prefer less sweetness)

Optional toppings (as needed):

  • soybean flour
  • milk powder
  • desiccated coconut

Instructions:

Mix the ingredients – smooth texture is key
In a non-stick saucepan:

In a non-stick saucepan, add 2 egg yolks, 30 g of sugar, and 40 g of cornstarch. Pour in 400 ml whole milk

Use a whisk or spatula to stir well until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.Mix the ingredientsUse a whisk or spatula to stir well

Cook the mixture – stir constantly over low heat

Turn on low heat and cook while stirring continuously with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, scraping from the bottom to prevent burning.

After about 3 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken and form small bubbles.

Keep stirring gently until the mixture becomes thick and silky.

Mine usually takes around 5 minutes in total. Once thickened and glossy, remove from heat.Cook the mixture1Cook the mixture2

Shape – easier to cut when cool

Immediately pour the mixture into a square mold or lunchbox while still hot.

Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the mold gently to remove bubbles.

Let it cool completely at room temperature.pour the mixture into a square mold

Cut and decorate

Once firm, invert the milk cake onto a clean board and cut into 3 cm × 3 cm cubes.

Dust with soybean flour, milk powder, or desiccated coconut as desired.Dust with soybean flour

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I replace cornstarch with another thickener?
A: Cornstarch works best for this silky texture, but you could try potato starch or tapioca starch. Results may vary slightly.

Q: How long can I store this milk cake?
A: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days.

Q: Can I make this without egg yolks?
A: The egg yolks add richness and color. You can try skipping them, but the texture may be lighter and less custardy.

Chinese Milk Cake (3)
Print Pin

4-Ingredient No-Bake Milk Cubes

This Chinese Milk Cake is a silky, no-bake dessert made with just four ingredients. It is creamy, smooth, and super easy to make.
Course Snack
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Servings 4
Calories 96kcal

Ingredients

400 ml whole milk

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 40 g cornstarch
  • 30 g sugar can reduce slightly if you prefer less sweetness

Optional toppings (as needed):

  • soybean flour
  • milk powder
  • desiccated coconut

Instructions

Mix the ingredients – smooth texture is key

  • In a non-stick saucepan:
  • In a non-stick saucepan, add 2 egg yolks, 30 g of sugar, and 40 g of cornstarch. Pour in 400 ml whole milk
  • Use a whisk or spatula to stir well until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.

Cook the mixture – stir constantly over low heat

  • Turn on low heat and cook while stirring continuously with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, scraping from the bottom to prevent burning.
  • After about 3 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken and form small bubbles.
  • Keep stirring gently until the mixture becomes thick and silky.
  • Mine usually takes around 5 minutes in total. Once thickened and glossy, remove from heat.

Shape – easier to cut when cool

  • Immediately pour the mixture into a square mold or lunchbox while still hot.
  • Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the mold gently to remove bubbles.
  • Let it cool completely at room temperature.

Cut and decorate

  • Once firm, invert the milk cake onto a clean board and cut into 3 cm × 3 cm cubes.
  • Dust with soybean flour, milk powder, or desiccated coconut as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Filed Under: Chinese Snacks

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My name is Nana, and I am the person behind this blog and the creator of the recipe videos. I was born in Zhejiang Province, China, and I am a mother of two. I love life and enjoy good food, which is why I started this journey of sharing delicious recipes that you can easily make at home.

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