Ma lai gao, also known as Cantonese sponge cake, is a type of dim sum commonly served in tea houses. It is typically golden, round or square, and has a fluffy, thick texture. The cake is soft, elastic, and has a dense, smooth interior.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 1 hourhour
Cook Time 35 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Calories 497kcal
Ingredients
30gramswhite sugar
80gramsbrown sugar
400gramshot water
4gramsyeast
230gramsall-purpose flour
175gramstapioca starch
3gramsbaking powder
15gramscorn oil
Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Water:
Dissolve 30 grams of white sugar and 80 grams of brown sugar in 400 grams of hot water.
Allow the brown sugar water to cool until it's no longer hot to the touch.
Activate the Yeast:
Once cooled, add 4 grams of yeast to the sweet water. Mix well.
Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine 230 grams of all-purpose flour and 175 grams of tapioca starch.
Stir well to dissolve any lumps. The batter should be flowing.
First Rise:
Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the batter rise until it doubles in size.
Once the batter has risen, stir it to release any trapped air.
Add 3 grams of baking powder and 15 grams of corn oil. Mix well.
Prepare for Steaming:
Brush a steaming dish with oil.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish, allowing it to rise a second time until it is about 80-90% full.
Steam the Cake:
Steam the batter for about 35 minutes, then turn off the heat. Allow the Ma lai gao to rest for 3 minutes before opening the lid.
Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the mold.
Cut and Serve:
Once cooled, cut the Ma lai gao into small pieces. Use a bit of force to get clean cuts and achieve a smoother surface.