Looking for a delicious and easy way to celebrate the new year? Look no further than this mouth-watering new year cake recipe! This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with a homemade treat that is both festive and tasty. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you'll have a delicious cake that is sure to be the hit of any New Year's Eve party. So, get your apron on and let's get baking!
The Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and most importantly, food. One of the most popular dishes during this festive occasion is the Chinese New Year Cake, also known as "Nian Gao." This sweet and sticky rice cake is a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. Here are 20 delicious and unique ways to incorporate this traditional dish into your Chinese New Year feast.
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How to make Chinese New Year Cake - Nin Gao
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Rice Flour, Brown Sugar, Hot
If you've never made Chinese New Year Cake before, don't worry. It may seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple to make. The key is in the ingredients and the method of cooking. Here's a basic recipe for Nin Gao that you can customize with different flavors and toppings.
While the traditional way of cooking Chinese New Year Cake is steaming, you can also bake it for a slightly different texture. The baking method also allows for the addition of different flavors and toppings, making it a versatile dish for your Chinese New Year celebrations.
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Asian Pear New Year Cake
Main Ingredients: Asian Pears, Oranges, White Sugar, All Purpose Flour
For a twist on the traditional Nian Gao, try incorporating Asian pears into the recipe. The sweetness of the pears adds a delicious flavor to the cake, and the chunks of fruit give it a nice texture. It's the perfect fusion of traditional and modern flavors.
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Chinese New Year Cake Pressure Cooker
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Coconut Milk, Oil, Glutinous Rice Flour
If you're short on time, you can use a pressure cooker to make your Chinese New Year Cake. This method cuts down on the cooking time significantly, but still produces a moist and delicious cake. Plus, you can add in your favorite toppings and flavors to customize it to your liking.
In Chinese culture, the word "Nian" means "year," and "Gao" means "cake." So, Chinese New Year Cake is essentially a "year cake." It's believed that eating this cake during the Chinese New Year brings good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year. So, don't miss out on this delicious opportunity for good fortune.
This version of Chinese New Year Cake is made with glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and water. It's a simple and classic recipe that is sure to please your taste buds. You can also add in some dried fruits or nuts for added flavor and texture.
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Baked Chinese New Year Cake (Nian Gao)
Main Ingredients: Sweet Rice Flour, Vegetable Oil, Unsalted Butter, Eggs
For a more modern twist on the traditional steamed Chinese New Year Cake, try baking it in the oven. You can still achieve the same sticky and sweet texture, but with a slightly different taste. Plus, you can add in your favorite fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips for a unique and delicious cake.
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Chinese New Year Cake (sweet sticky rice) | 年糕 Niángāo
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Brown Sugar, Oil, Filtered Water
The main ingredient in Chinese New Year Cake is sticky rice, which is also known as glutinous rice. This type of rice is different from regular rice because it contains more starch, making it stickier and perfect for making this delicious cake. It's also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
In addition to being a tasty treat, Chinese New Year Cake also has a symbolic meaning. The sticky texture of the cake represents family unity and sticking together, while the sweetness symbolizes a sweet and prosperous new year. It's a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings good luck and blessings for the upcoming year.
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Carrot Cake
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda, Canela, Salt, Carrots, Oil
If you're looking to switch things up and incorporate some non-traditional flavors into your Chinese New Year feast, try making a carrot cake. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, and the addition of carrots adds a nice texture and sweetness. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables.
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Perfect Carrot Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Vegetable Oil
While the traditional Chinese New Year Cake is made with sticky rice and sugar, this version is made with shredded carrots, flour, and other delicious ingredients like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a perfectly moist and flavorful cake that will be a hit with your family and friends.
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Red Velvet Cake
Main Ingredients: Swans Down Cake Flour, Sugar, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Red is a lucky color in Chinese culture, and what better way to incorporate it into your Chinese New Year feast than with a red velvet cake? This rich and decadent cake is not only visually stunning but also delicious. You can also top it off with some edible gold flakes for an extra touch of luck and prosperity.
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Tres Leche Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter Cake Mix, Unsalted Butter, Water, Large Eggs
Tres Leche Cake is a popular dessert in Latin American countries, and it's also a great addition to your Chinese New Year celebration. This cake is soaked in three types of milk (hence the name "Tres Leche") and is incredibly moist and flavorful. You can also add some Chinese-inspired toppings, such as lychees or red bean paste, for a fusion of flavors.
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Moist White Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda, Baking Powder
If you prefer a lighter and less sweet cake, try making a moist white cake for your Chinese New Year feast. This cake is made with egg whites, flour, and other simple ingredients, resulting in a fluffy and moist texture. You can also add some fruit or whipped cream for a refreshing and delicious twist.
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Moist Banana Cake
Main Ingredients: Bananas, Lemon Juice, All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda
If you have some overripe bananas lying around, don't throw them away. Use them to make a moist and delicious banana cake for your Chinese New Year celebration. The sweetness of the bananas adds a nice flavor to the cake, and the texture is incredibly moist and dense.
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Honey Bun Cake
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Brown Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Oil
This cake may not be traditional for Chinese New Year, but it's definitely a crowd-pleaser. The combination of cinnamon and honey gives it a unique and addictive flavor, and the cake itself is soft and moist. It's the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Vanilla, Egg, Flour, Baking Powder
If you're a coffee lover, this cake is for you. The combination of cinnamon and coffee flavors is irresistible, and the crumb topping adds a nice texture. Plus, it's a great option for breakfast or brunch during your Chinese New Year celebrations.
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Banana Cake
Main Ingredients: Mashed Bananas, Lemon Juice, Milk, Flour, Baking Soda
If you're feeling adventurous, try making a banana cake with a twist. This recipe incorporates Chinese five-spice powder, which adds a unique and delicious flavor to the cake. It's a great way to add some Chinese-inspired flavors to your Chinese New Year feast.
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Easy Blackberry Jelly – Anytime of Year!
Main Ingredients: Fresh Blackberries, Water, Juice, Sugar, Pectin, Butter
This easy blackberry jelly is a great addition to any Chinese New Year celebration. It's made with fresh blackberries, sugar, and pectin, and can be served with Chinese New Year Cake or any other dessert. Plus, you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the year.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients - flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until well combined.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan and placing on a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting:
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk
Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add in the milk one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Frost the cooled cake with the frosting and decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and festive new year cake with your friends and family!
With this easy and delicious new year cake recipe, you can celebrate the start of the new year in style. Impress your guests with a homemade treat that is sure to be the talk of the party. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and have a happy new year!