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Thai Steamed Pumpkin Cake

A nostalgic and delightful dessert with a soft texture and fragrant coconut notes, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Southeast Asian, Thai
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 15.2 ounces pumpkin (peeled and cut into chunks) Fresh pumpkin is ideal, but canned pumpkin works too.
  • 8.8 ounces rice flour Thai rice flour is recommended for authenticity.
  • 7.05 ounces tapioca flour This helps give the cake chewiness.
  • 8.8 ounces granulated sugar Adjust based on your sweetness preference.
  • 2 cups coconut milk Make it creamy with full-fat coconut milk.
  • 1/2 cup shredded fresh coconut Opt for unsweetened for balance.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Steam the Pumpkin: Fill half a large saucepan with water and bring it to a hard boil. Once boiling, add a steamer basket on top and carefully place the pumpkin in it. Cover with a lid and let it steam for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
  2. Prepare the Cake Molds: While the pumpkin is steaming, place your cake molds in the same steamer without turning off the heat.
  3. Mash the Pumpkin: Once steamed, remove the pumpkin and mash it in a large bowl until smooth.
  4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca flour, and sugar. Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour in the coconut milk and whisk until well combined.
  6. Create the Batter: Pour the flour mixture into the mashed pumpkin bowl. Whisk until smooth and uniform.
  7. Fill the Molds: Carefully spoon the batter into the molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
  8. Add Coconut Topping: Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly on top of the batter in each mold.
  9. Steam the Cakes: Close the lid of the steamer and steam for another 15-20 minutes. Check the water level as needed.
  10. Cool & Enjoy: Let the cakes cool before removing them from the molds. Best enjoyed warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for a week. Freezes beautifully for up to a month.