19 Chinese Date Cake Recipe Taste The Magic Today!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
The Chinese Date Cake, also known as "Zao Bing", is a traditional Chinese dessert that is typically served during the winter season. Made with sticky rice flour and Chinese red dates, this cake is not only delicious but also has many health benefits. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and ingredients of this delectable treat, as well as provide a step-by-step recipe for you to try at home.
The combination of sweet dates and crunchy nuts make these Chinese chews a delightful dessert. The dates provide a natural sweetness while the nuts add a satisfying texture. These chews are perfect for a quick snack or as a sweet ending to a meal.
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Date Cake
Main Ingredients: Water, Raisins, Dates, Baking Soda, Butter, White
This simple yet delicious date cake is a classic dessert in many Chinese households. The dates add a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cake, making it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly treat.
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Banana-Date Cake
Main Ingredients: Oat Flour, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt
For a twist on the traditional date cake, try adding mashed bananas to the batter. The bananas add a subtle sweetness and moistness to the cake, making it even more irresistible. Top it off with a sprinkle of chopped dates for a beautiful presentation.
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Date Honey Nut Cake
Main Ingredients: Dates, Cake Flour, Baking Powder, Cinnamon, Salt
This date honey nut cake is a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors. The dates provide a natural sweetness while the nuts add a satisfying crunch. Drizzle some honey over the top for a touch of extra sweetness.
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Chinese Sticky Rice Cake with Coconut Milk, Steamed...
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Rice Flour, Sugar, Water, Coconut
This traditional Chinese dessert is made with sticky rice and coconut milk, creating a creamy and delicious treat. The addition of dates adds a hint of sweetness and chewiness to the cake. Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort food.
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Chinese Long Beans and Cashews in Smoky Date “Not...
Main Ingredients: Chinese Long Beans, Organic Coconut Oil, Red Chile
This savory dish combines long beans and cashews with a smoky date sauce. The dates provide a natural sweetness to balance out the smoky flavor, making it a unique and delicious side dish. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Chinese Charoset
Main Ingredients: Dates, Apples, Pine Nuts, Soy Sauce, Honey, Orange
This Chinese version of the traditional Jewish charoset is a sweet and tangy mixture of apples, dates, and nuts. The dates add a natural sweetness while the apples provide a refreshing crunch. Use it as a dip for matzo or enjoy it on its own.
This hearty soup is packed with chicken, mushrooms, and dates, making it a nutritious and delicious meal. The dates add a subtle sweetness to the broth while the mushrooms provide a meaty texture. Serve it with some crusty bread for a comforting meal.
This Chinese yam soup is a traditional dish that is believed to have many health benefits. The sweet and starchy yam is combined with dates and other herbs for a flavorful and nourishing soup. Enjoy it as a starter or as a light lunch.
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Chinese Chicken Soup with Herbs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Chicken Broth, Water, Soup Mix, Chinese
This Chinese chicken soup is a nourishing and delicious dish that is perfect for a cold day. The dates and herbs add a unique flavor and aroma to the soup, while the chicken and vegetables make it a complete meal. Serve it with some rice for a hearty and comforting meal.
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Clear Soup Chinese Hot Pot
Main Ingredients: Chicken Carcass, Pork Bones, Ginger, Scallions, Goji
This Chinese hot pot is a fun and interactive meal that is perfect for gatherings with friends and family. The clear broth is flavored with dates and other herbs, and diners can cook their own meats and vegetables in the pot. It's a delicious and memorable dining experience.
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Chinese Ginger Tea with Red Dates
Main Ingredients: Water, Ginger, Dates, Sugar
This Chinese ginger tea is a soothing and comforting drink that is perfect for cold days. The addition of red dates adds a touch of sweetness and a subtle fruity flavor to the tea. Sip on this tea for a warm and relaxing experience.
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Chinese Double Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry
Main Ingredients: Cashews, Red Onion, Garlic, Broccoli, Dates, Plum
This flavorful stir-fry combines garlic and dates for a unique and delicious sauce. The sweet and slightly sticky sauce pairs perfectly with the crunchy broccoli, making it a tasty and healthy side dish. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Chinese Watercress Soup (Sai Yong Choy Tong)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Watercress, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
This traditional Chinese soup is made with watercress, dates, and other herbs for a nourishing and flavorful dish. The watercress adds a refreshing crunch while the dates provide a subtle sweetness. Enjoy it as a starter or as a light meal.
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Apple and Date Cake
Main Ingredients: Granny Smith Apples, Baking Soda, Dates, Boiling Water
This apple and date cake is a simple and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of apples and dates creates a sweet and satisfying flavor, and the cake is easy to make with pantry staples. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a tasty treat.
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SPICED GINGER DATE CAKE (GLUTEN-FREE)
Main Ingredients: Dates, Almond Meal, Honey, Eggs, Vanilla, Ginger
This gluten-free date cake is filled with warming spices and a touch of ginger for a delicious and comforting dessert. The dates add a natural sweetness while the spices add depth and flavor. Serve it topped with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
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Medjool Date Cake
Main Ingredients: Heavy Whipping Cream, Coconut Sugar, Soft Brown Sugar
This Medjool date cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions. The Medjool dates add a unique and intense sweetness, making it a standout dessert. Serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Banana Date Cake Bars
Main Ingredients: Mashed Banana, Unsweetened Applesauce, Egg, Pure
These banana date cake bars are a sweet and satisfying snack that is perfect for on-the-go. The bananas add a natural sweetness and moisture to the bars while the dates add a chewy texture. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast or a midday pick-me-up.
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Sugarfree Lowfat Date Cake
Main Ingredients: Dates, Eggs, Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Ground
This sugar-free and low-fat date cake is a guilt-free dessert that is perfect for those watching their sugar and fat intake. The dates provide a natural sweetness while the low-fat ingredients make it a healthier option. Enjoy a slice without any guilt.
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Walnut and Date Cake
Main Ingredients: Self Raising Flour, Butter, Sugar, Chopped Walnuts
This walnut and date cake is a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch while the dates add a natural sweetness. This cake is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
History of Chinese Date Cake
Chinese Date Cake has a long history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It was originally created as a sweet treat for the imperial family and was made with ingredients such as honey, nuts, and dried fruits. Over time, the recipe evolved and became a popular dessert among the common people.
During the winter season, when fresh fruits were scarce, the Chinese red dates were used in this cake as a substitute for sugar. These dates are known for their sweetness and are considered a superfood in Chinese culture. They are high in antioxidants and contain essential vitamins and minerals, making them a perfect addition to this dessert.
Ingredients and Preparation
The main ingredients for Chinese Date Cake are sticky rice flour, Chinese red dates, and sugar. The sticky rice flour is mixed with hot water to form a dough, which is then rolled out and filled with a paste made from Chinese red dates and sugar. The dough is then folded and steamed until it becomes soft and chewy.
To enhance the flavor and texture of the cake, other ingredients such as sesame seeds, nuts, and dried fruits can also be added. Some variations of the recipe also call for the use of glutinous rice, giving the cake a sticky and chewy texture.
Health Benefits
Not only is Chinese Date Cake a delicious dessert, but it also has many health benefits. Chinese red dates are known for their medicinal properties and are used in traditional Chinese medicine to nourish the blood and improve overall health. They are also believed to be beneficial for digestion, boost energy levels, and improve skin health.
The use of sticky rice flour in this cake also adds to its health benefits. Sticky rice is high in fiber and has a low glycemic index, making it a healthier alternative to other types of flour. It is also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
In conclusion, the Chinese Date Cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a nutritious one. Its rich history and health benefits make it a popular choice among the Chinese community. So why not try making this traditional treat at home and experience its unique flavor and texture for yourself?
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