I think by now most of you know that I don’t bake often despite the fact that I love sweets. I wonder I wasn’t interested in baking cookies and cakes because I never seem my mom baked. I remember she baked really good apple pies once in a while but she isn’t much of a baker.
After I came to the US, every house I lived in came with a humongous oven (no, it’s a regular size, but a lot bigger than Japanese oven that’s about the size of a microwave in the US). I started to use the oven for savory dishes, but I still don’t bake sweets that much.
Today I made these little cakes! But they are “steamed” in a frying pan! I know, I promise I’ll be making more sweets and I will “bake” more often.
A few weeks ago, my new foodie friend, Ellena from Cuisine Paradise in Singapore, asked me if I know how to make Japanese Steamed Cake (Mushi-pan). I have eaten mushi pan many times but I had never made them at home. So I researched Japanese cooking websites and gave her a recipe that looks good. However, I’ve been feeling a bit guilty that I passed a recipe without trying it myself first. So, I got a different recipe from a friend of mine and I tried making from scratch.
These Steamed Cakes turned out really great and my children enjoyed especially the chocolate ones. Ellena, I hope you will like this recipe!
Update: Do you like green tea flavor? Check out my other steamed cake, Green Tea Steamed Cake too!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (75g) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 4 cupcake liners
- 4 ramekins
- 1/2 cup (75g) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- 3 Tbsp. milk
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2-3 Tbsp. chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Cover the lid with kitchen towel. This will prevent the water formed from condensation to drop on the steamed cakes.
- Pour water into a large frying pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover the pan with the lid and slowly bring water to a boil.
- Put a cupcake liner in ramekins.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and baking powder (and cocoa powder for Chocolate Steamed Cake).
- Whisk them about 20 times. This is a shortcut for sifting.
- In a small bowl, combine egg, milk, sugar, and vegetable oil and whisk them all together.
- Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until smooth.
- Add additional ingredients (corn & cheese, or chocolate chips) and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the cupcake liners.
- Place the glass ramekins in the boiling water and cover to cook 8 minutes. They're done when a skewer comes out clean without wet batter.
- Turn off the heat and remove the ramekins from the pan and let t hem cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy!
Hi, I'm Nami. Thanks for stopping by Just One Cookbook. You can read little bit more about me 
{ 155 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh wow, these look lovely – I have never steamed cupcakes before! I love that this mixture only makes 4. My recipes are all for 12 which which makes it nice to share with friends. Your little ones are so cute.
Mandy
Thank you Mandy! I’ve had steamed cake for all my life (mostly when I was still in Japan) but never cooked even once…..shame on me… and 4 cakes are done in less than 20 mins. I’m really happy that I know how to make this especially kids loved it and it’s not so sweet like real cupcakes… Thanks for coming to my site Mandy!
What a cute and fun recipe! I love it!
Hi Kimberley! Cute + fun + QUICK!
You have two very cute assistants in kitchen!
You know, baking is one of the ways to become very very popular, here’s why. When you bake a cake, or cookies or whatever, you usually end with quite a bit, so: 1. you invite friends over, 2. you bring a small basket to your neighbors, 3. I always supply breakfast for my colleagues at work, and me tell you everyone will love you for it! In such cases I have to be quick to actually grab a larger piece for myself 
These cakes turned out beautifully, you have no excuse to not bake further 
Hi Gourmantine! Oohhhh I can be a popular girl!
What if… my baking doesn’t turn out nice… I mean it’s possible with my no skills. LOL. I hope people don’t think I’m poisoning them! I’m not officially baker yet as I “steamed”….Lol… But thank you really for encouraging me. You will see me baking this year! At least a few times! 
Wowow~~~ Nami yours look great!!!! Upon venting thru your recipe I knew “OIL” is missing from the recipe that i have hehe…but no worries they turn out great too just that it is not as soft as what I want it to be like those chiffon cake texture. But no matter wat, thanks for sharing this great post of with me and the rest who is intereted too
I will try your chocolate chips recipe this weekend or mb tmr as I am sure my boy will love it :p droolllll now. Thanks pal.
Hi Ellena! Oh! I think oil seems quite important ingredient to make it more moist and elastic/sticky (?)….we call it {Mocchiri} but I don’t know how to explain the texture in English. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it this time! If not, I’m going to continue searching for you!
Steamed cake sound healthy and good. and your two assistants in kitchen are adorable..glad you share their photo with us.
Hi Sonia! Thank you for your kind words! My little assistants really like cooking lately (esp. my daughter)….I hope I can keep encouraging them. They were so proud to make them by themselves. I’m really happy.
You have adorable kids Nami…
I have never heard of a steamed cake before..but the ones with cheese and corn are my kind of cake!
As for your question about baking, I usually bake when I have people coming over and if they like it I usually give them what is left (take away) so I hardly get a piece.
Another plan is to give baked goodies as gifts..people would really appreciate it..
Hi Sawsan! Thank you.
They look a little sloppy right after nap. 
I thought this is great for kids… not so much sugar and no butter and all. Very healthy treat. Thanks for letting me know the tip! You are already a good baker that everyone must be so happy to get as a gift/leftover! I guess I need to find someone who eats anything when I start to bake. I’m too shamed to give away my trials. LOL!
You may not bake often but you have 2 very eager and beautiful kitchen helpers
Hi C & MSP! Thank you.
Oh maybe they will start baking for ME!
I have never heard of steamed cakes before but they certainly look delicious! Nice job! Your little ones are so cute
I love the process of baking and the happiness it brings to everyone who bites in to every little creation. I usually end up giving half of it to my parents or in-laws because we aren’t big into sweets around here. Unless it’s those Mango Blueberry Muffins, then it’s hands off!!!
Hi Dee! Thank you! Yeah the process of baking is definitely more fun for the kids than the process of cooking dinner. You are not into sweets although you make such delicious desserts?! Oh ya your Mango Blueberry Muffins recipe is in my top of To Bake List!
You know that I love this recipe..wonderful! And your two sous chefs are adorable!!! I would joined them with those chocolate one’s, if I was only closer:)))
Thank you Sandra! I know…I wish we are “next-door” neighbors so I can try your food! LOL.
First of all Congratulations to your little helpers … they are ever so cute and I am sure were a great help in all this. Next I have just learnt something new, I never knew that you could actually make a steamed cake … and without any butter too. I am going to give these a try.
Hi Chris! Thank you for your kind words.
True, you reminded me that we don’t need butter for this cake! It’s very healthy cake and I feel great about giving these to my kids (and myself who need to watch out weight. 
Hehee ).
These delicious looking steamed cakes make it official Nami, you ARE a baker!
Hi Tiffany! Hehehee… Not yet… SOON! Maybe this year….but no promise. LOL.
I LOVE the picture with your children in it! How cute and focused they are
Baking is one of my passions! I do it for the people I love. My favorite part? The dough!!
Hi Allie! Thank you.
I debated for a while if I should share kids picture on my blog…and I just did that. Haha. I wish baking is my passion. You are very nice person for baking for others (and I totally see you really mean that). You enjoy making dough, not eating that right? Just kidding. =P
Hi Nami! Ooh I love Mushi Pan, the corn and cheese one sounds interesting- yummy salty sweet combo. Your little helpers are too cute. Now that you have mastered Mushi Pan, want to help me master Japanese Sponge Cake? I have failed 2.5 times with it.
You love Mushi Pan? I should have asked you a recipe! Lindsey, I’m like years behind you in baking… Japanese sponge cake is REALLY hard, especially if you are particular about making a perfect one. I have to say Japanese sponge cake is way better than American sponge cake… sorry my American friends. =P Sorry Lindsey I can’t be a good help since that’s way too advanced baking for me…
Nami! It’s so great to see a tradition dessert on your blog! These look oh so good and I hope there are more treats to come! =)
Hi Peggy! Hahaha… don’t get too excited… I have to lose 10 lbs and baking desserts doesn’t encourage me to lose weight… LOL.
Dropped in from Sandra’s site. You have such a beautiful space here with so many variety of recipes. Glad to follow
Hi Kankana! Thank you for taking your time to come to my site! I’m going to check yours too!
I have not eaten steamed cakes in a while. The corn and cheese ones sound really interesting, almost like corn bread.
Hi Biren! Oh I’d love to see how you cook Steamed Cake!
Well alrighty then, Nami bakes!!! I’m proud of you girl and you have two of the cutest assistants. One sweet recipe down and lots more to come.
Hi Sandra! Heeeeee >_< Please don't say that yet. LOL. Well, for this particular recipe, I "steamed" okay? Let us hope sweet recipes will come…sooon….maybe…. LOL.
I feel a bit silly, but I didn’t know you could make pastry on a pan filled with water! I love the idea. (This is probably because my interest in the Japanese cuisine hasn’t extended yet to the sweet dishes
They look beautiful and delicious (your little helpers too 
! I would never guess you don’t have a habit of making sweets!
I understand your problem very well. I love baking and had to work out several tricks. First, I try to bake what my husband adores and I don’t like too much (not that difficult actually). Secondly, if something is very tempting (unfortunately there are some cakes I love as much as he does), I make another dessert, healthier, lighter etc. so that I can have a tiny bit of the very rich cake and a very big part of the light one. I also bake sometimes two versions: one lighter (for me) and one normal. For example the strawberry mousse I have been making for weeks stops me from grabbing a very rich cake I baked for my husband…
If I didn’t do all those tricks I couldn’t fit into the kitchen door
Hi Sissi! LOL… You are very funny (about not fitting into the door)! Thanks for sharing all the good tricks! So you do need some kind of tricks and you developed them nicely that works for you and your husband! It was a great tip actually. Also, you can use a regular steamer (like Chinese steamer) but this method works just fine too. Thanks for visiting my site!
I totally understand about being unable to stop once you start – what I usually do is bake small batches only. I sometimes use 1/4 of an egg! And I also freeze cookie dough. It freezes really well but cookie dough is delicious, even if frozen. So I prefer making small batches!
Hello Three-Cookies! Thank you for visiting my site.
Making small batches is actually a very clever way. Haha! 1/4 of an egg seems difficult! What about 1/4 of egg white or egg yolk… LOL. I think if you make a cookbook of small batches, it’ll be very popular! We can always make it double in case we need a big portion. 
Namiさん、こんにちは。
きゃっ、ふわふわしっとりおいしそう♪ 一生懸命お手伝いするお子ちゃまたちのお姿に思わず頬がゆるんでしまいました＾＾。
そうですよね～、ケーキ屋さんとかパティシエさんとか、どうやってスイーツの誘惑に打ち勝ってるんだろう・・・。今ちょうど日本のドラマで「リバウンド」っていうのやってておもしろいですよ☆
“despite the fact” そうそうコレコレ！この熟語が思い出せなくってね、ずっとモヤモヤしてたの。Namiさんどうもありがとう～！
のりこさ～ん♪子供たち、お昼寝から起きてきて突然「作るよ～」ってなったから、髪の毛もボサボサだしすごいでしょ？って私も実はそんな格好だったりするんだけど（笑）。日本のドラマ観てない・・・もう何年も。いいなあ、日本のテレビ観れて。私は英語得意じゃないくせに、なぜかアメリカのドラマしか観てないの。そういえば、のりこさん、英語とても上手で、外国人の英語っぽくないと読んでて思いました。やっぱり日本人少ない所にいると（←勝手に想像）、英語の生活になって上達するのかな・・・。
delicious looking cake
Thank you for visiting my site Torview!
oh wow I would say the same about my mom! She wasn’t much of a baker, usually on a rainy day it’d be cake mix from the box or my favorite steamed cake! I forgot all about these and love the easy method you have to make these
Thank you!!!
Hi Jess! I think if my mom was baking when I was growing up, I probably have tasted more homemade sweets and seen how she would make it. Without those experiences I just enjoy whatever we bought from stores and that was okay to me. Now I have kids, and I sort of wish that they grow up differently. But I must need to change so that kids will enjoy baking with me. By the way, I’m glad you like my method!
A – Your helpers are adorable (as always)
B – “STEAMED” cake? I must admit I raised my eyebrows, but after reading about it and reading through the directions, I think I’m going to give it a try. This looks like a fantastic cake!
C – I am really happy to have my American size oven, but I wonder if there’s a significant correlation between American size people and their American size oven verses Japanese size people and Japanese size ovens? Hum….
A pleasure to read as always. Thank you!
Mi Mikaela! A) Thank you! B) Yeah steamed cake is very popular in Asia, at least it is so for Japanese and Chinese. C) HAHAHA. If you go to Japan, you will be surprised how small portion we eat there. I got used to the big portion here, whenever I go home, let’s say pasta dish seems like 1/2 or 1/4 of what I eat… and that’s it. I can’t get full! And of course the price can be like double (depends but for the portion, definitely yes). See, I gained weight so much since I came here… :-S
Thanks for your fun comment!
Wow! I have always thought these would be so hard to make! Thank you so much both for the recipe and for the very clear step by step instructions with pictures. It makes it so much easier to follow. Your little ones look so cute whisking!!! hehehe I can’t wait for my little one to grow a little more so she can help too. For now I only have 1 little helper… hehehe
Hi Manu! Me too, I didn’t know 4 steamed cakes can be made in less than 20 minutes. I thought this can be a great breakfast… Well with the 2 kids together, they tend to fight who is doing what, especially my second one always wants to copy her brother. But it was a lot easier to take step-by-step pictures with the helpers.
Nami-these adorable little cakes look so much fun and easy way to make them. I never steamed cakes before…all new to me. No wonder you didn’t really need an oven in Japan, when you could make goodies like these on top of the stove.
Your little helpers, are soooo cute:DDD
Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for your kind words!
We use a lot of cooking over stove, but I need to learn more oven bake recipe so I can do multitasking while I’m cooking dinner or sweets.
Oh, those look so tender and yummy. I love it when people step out of their comfort zone! Bravo. Your little helpers are darling too!
Hi Terris! Thank you!! I’m “slowly” getting out of my comfort zone….
Don’t forget to use Azuki!!!!!! I would love to taste ; ) Ok, so my first job when I was a college student in Japan was working at a pastry shop. I thought it would be a job in haven, well I was wrong…. If you live in this sweet environment, you lose apptite for sweets. I mean you smell like cakes after working, so you don’t feel like eating any sweets…
Hi Mika-san! I know. I really wanted to eat red bean ones, but I wasn’t sure of opening the whole can of sweetened red bean…but will try with red bean for sure! Maybe it’s a great discipline for me to work for a bakery/pastry shop!
I love Japanese steamed cakes hehe they are quite popular in Malaysia as well…how nice to have those cute helpers!
Hi Jen! Thank you!
I think it’s more popular in Asia than here in the US. After I started to follow a couple of Malaysian bloggers, I learned that you can find a lot of Japanese stuff in Malaysia (maybe depends on where in Malaysia). It’s nice!
ooo thanks for sharing these! Those little treats look very tempting indeed!! I came here via ellana’s mention of you. will be back!
Hi Daphne! Thank you for taking your time to visit my site! I must thank Ellena… she’s so nice. I’m on my way to your site now. How exciting to get to know new foodie friend.
These are gorgeous, you’ll a natural baker
Oh and believe me, it’s always a problem after I’ve baked – what do I do with it! Usually I get my friends to come round and we eat it, so it’s all gone before I’m left alone with too much cake, which would be dangerous!
Hi Xinmei! I would love to be the one who’s getting all the treats from you…then I won’t need to bake forever! Somehow I don’t know anyone who bakes and shares with me… I’m sure everyone around you is so happy!
This is very new to me and I love learning new things, especially when they look this good!
Hi Maris! Yeah I noticed that Japanese steamed cake is more popular in Asian countries. I learn new things (a lot of baking of course) from everyone too! Thank you so much for your visit!
First of all Nami, your two children are adorable
)!!! I am not much of a baker either and the best I can do is baking choc chip cookies, when I bake cakes there is always this 50% chance failure because I don’t like following recipes 
. And wow, corn and cheese as fillings, this really sounds interesting, thank you for sharing this, Nami 
Hi CG! Thank you.
Haha me too. I can bake cho chip cookies. 
You don’t like following recipes? I am so worried not following enough. I’m like making sure one by one if I have right amount of ingredients when I bake… I just don’t know how it will turn out if I make a slightest mistake… Cooking is fixable (in some way) but definitely not baking. SO HARD!
Nami, I’ve had steamed cakes before but never steamed cupcakes… Yours looks really good! I’m especially drawn to the ones with corn and cheese, and of course, to this two little ones wearing red! Your kids are adorable
.
Hi Maya! Thank you.
It’s so easy to make when it’s small like cupcakes. And you steam on stove, so it’s really really fast to cook! I hope you will give it a try. 
You know Nami, we have a similar recipe in Indian cuisine where we make steamed cakes with chickpea flour.If I get it right
,will post sometime! Thanks for all the kind words on my blog.You are really sweet.I love the texture of your steamed cakes.Aww..how cute are your little peanuts..I mean your kids 
Hi Tanvi! Oh yes, I’d love to see steamed cake with chickpea flour! After I became really good friend with my Indian neighbor, she totally opened my new interest toward Indian cuisine (spice/cooking). So I truly enjoy visiting your website Tanvi! And thanks – maybe my little peanuts will appear on my website more often. We’ll see.
Yum!!! I think I found my new favorite cakes
love them!!! And your little helpers are always so adorable 
Thank you Suzana! Seamed cake is unique right? It’s very easy to make and no butter! Haha.
Kisses to your very cute colour coordinated little helpers <3. We eat steamed cakes in the Philippines, too. Originally made from rice flour but the modern ones are made with flour. Cheese and corn! Love that!
Hi Adora! Hahaha thank you! My son loves red color and my daughter likes any shade of red/pink.
I realized steamed cake only (<– maybe) exist in Asia??? Making with rice flour sounds nice too. 
Hi nami! this cake is very Cute + fun + QUICK + New for me:))))). lovely i’ll try it.
Hi Daksha! I hope you will like it.
Hi,
I just made these with matcha and they turned out great! Thanks for the recipe and your wonderful blog! Now I can get all my favourite Japanese home cooking without bugging my mother!
Wendy
Hi Wendy! Thank you so much for visiting my website and wow you already made these steamed cakes! You made me really happy.
I hope I can cook and share Japanese food that your mom cooks for you. 
I just had another thought – I think I’ll make these again with anko (red bean paste) in the middle! What do you think? Will it work? Must try it and find out!
Heehee.. you are true Japanese!
You made with Matcha and now with Anko! Yes, I was actually thinking of making with Anko, but my kids don’t eat beans and the can is huge… Add Anko in the batter, and decorate the top with some Anko too! It’ll taste good. I loooove anko….
I never thought that steam could bake cakes… Very interesting and easy to make. I will bookmark this recipe for a future reference. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi Eftychia! Unlike your decorative cake, this is very quick and easy cake.
Thank you for stopping by!
Oh, my gosh, your sweet helpers have won my heart! Just adorable!
I have never heard of these lovely gems, but I know they must be moist and delicious! So versatile, too…you probably could guess that I’d go for the chocolate ones first
Hi Liz! Thank you.
I’m sure most of bakers would go chocolate one first. Hehee. 
This is the recipe I have been searching for. Thanks for sharing. Your little helpers look so adorable and professional!!
Hi Food-4tots! Thank you for visiting my site! I’m glad you finally found this recipe and I hope the outcome is something you were really looking for.
These are so cute and so easy! Love this! I am passing along several awards to you that you can get here: http://theculturaldish.blogspot.com/2011/05/easy-lemon-drop-cookies.html
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thank you Elyse!
And thank you so much for passing me the awards!
These cakes look fabulous! Great idea. Your kids are so cute too!!
Hi Kara! Thank you for your kind comments.
Ive never made or had steamed cake. These look so great!! A must try!
Hi Beth! It’s very common in Asia but not here or other places, I guess. It’s ready in 20 minutes. Isn’t that great?
I used to have something similar when I was in Shin-Yokohoma for a while.. But they were stuffed with red beans… !! It was a favorite… !! I have never tasted a tasty and nutritional steam cake like that before and after….!!!
Hi Emreen! Shin-Yokohama! That’s my neighborhood! Well, 10 mins away by subway from there. =) I love red bean and all Japanese do…LOL. This one is easy to make, and I’ve been wanting to make red bean one, but little too busy lately… =P Thank you for stopping by my blog!
Hi Nami. I’m sorry I missed this post. I love how the cake is steamed in the glass ramekins. that’s a wonderful idea!
Hi Amy! I’m glad you like this. I don’t bake cake, but I can steam mini cakes in a frying pan.
Very fast, easy, and yummy!
Nami, thanks for the recipe!
it’s so easy and yummy…all my friends love it so much…
it’s soooo moist and soft..thanks!
Hi Steffie! Yay! I’m so happy you and your friends liked it.
Thank you for letting me know!
We also have steamed cupcakes in the Philippines using rice flour. I tried it once but the recipe it didn’t come out as I expected. Maybe I can try yours. It looks delicious!
I made this today and LOVED the texture! Like soft little pillows! I’m used to little sweeter things tho
so was wondering if it would be ok to increase the sugar to say 4 tbsp?
Would that affect the texture you think?
Please give it a try and let me know. I personally think you can adjust sugar amount to your liking. 2 Tbsp was perfect for us.
Thanks for trying this recipe Rose!
I made this for World Nutella Day yesterday! Swirled a tablespoon of nutella into the batter and it was plenty sweet
Here is my post
http://magpiesrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/02/nutella-swirl-steamed-cupcakes-in-15.html
Thanks again for such a super recipe! Will be trying more variations soon!
Sounds wonderful – I love Nutella too! I should give it a try. Checking out your post now.
Oh, I’m so glad I found this! I was looking up bolu kukus mekar recipes but couldn’t find (a non-chocolate) one I wanted to try in English and came across this.
I love that this yields 4 only. Makes it so easy to try; earlier this week I made a batch of cookies that yielded about 4 dozen and I made my boyfriend take some to work because there were so many!
Gah, I love corn + cheese combinations, I’m going to try this soon! : )
Hi Mayene! I’m glad you found my blog.
It’s nice to meet you. I hope you will enjoy this recipe. This is a very convenient recipe as you can add any ingredients (I’ve tried sweet potatoes, Nutella, etc) and cook very fast! Enjoy cooking!
hi,
i don have glass ramkins. i have the normal white baking dish type of ramkins.
are they ok to use for this steamed cakes?
Hi Debbie! It doesn’t have to be glass, as long as it’s oven/micorwave-safe dishes.
Thanks thanks….
Hi Nami,
Thanks for sharing this Japanese Steamed Cake recipe. It looks super easy to make. I’m going to have to try it. =) BTW, your two little assistants are super cute.
I made these and they turned out to be quite stiff and hard. D: Not at all fluffy.. What happened??
Hi Pauline! Hmmm not sure why. It’s steamed so it gets fluffy and spongy but not hard at all. Maybe overcooked? I make these often and I don’t have any problem. As I mentioned in my FAQs’ page, it’s really hard for me to figure out what went wrong because I wasn’t there when you were coking. But from your description, it sounds like overcooked.
hi Nami,
i came accross ur blog from the cooking hut. love this all japaness food recipe as me n my husband is a big fan of japanese food. thanks for the beautifull blog.
i have question regarding all purpose flour. is the packaging really says all purpose flour or is that means plain flour? im from sydney, so im not sure if here have it.
thanks again!
Hi vivilia!
According to Google result, it seems like you call it “plain flour” for all-purpose flour. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Hey
I’m 15 years old and i burnt down my oven lol and I LOVVVE baking. I was so sad when it did because I was going to bake cupcakes for my friend next week at school. Then I went on google and found these! Im wondering though, does it taste like a normal cupcake, or is it different texture?? In Philippines where i used to live, we had something like these but they weren’t cupcakes. It was called puto lol. But thanks for sharing!
Hi Miki! It’s a little bit different texture from cupcakes. If Puto is steamed then probably similar. More airy I think. I hope you give it a try!
Hi!
I just made these and I am amazed at how simple and quick they are to make. I love steam cakes because they’re so light! Mine came out drier than I expected and I was wondering if it’s meant to be that way or something went wrong? I’m chinese so maybe our version of steam cakes are slightly different? :s Thanks for sharing though, I’ll definitely make more of ‘em in the future!
Hi Clarissa! Thank you for trying this recipe. It shouldn’t be too dry. I wonder if they were overcooked. I have tried Chinese version once or so, but I don’t quite remember how it was compared to Japanese kind… sorry I am not helping you much. These were pretty moist inside. I hope you can adapt and enjoy this recipe!
I’ve made this several times already. I can’t believe how easy it is to make a batch of this steamed cake. And super quick too! I tried to bake it. It took twice as long, but it’s equally tasty.Thanks so much for sharing the recipe
Aww thanks for trying this recipe! I’m glad to hear you enjoy it!
Hi Nami!
I tried making the chocolate cake version and it turned out alright
However, I always thought that japanese cake was fluffier and lighter and mine turned out more like a muffin texture. Was it because there were too much liquid?
Hi Silei! Thanks for your feedback! Hmmm I’m not sure these weren’t as fluffy as you expected. I hope you can adapt this recipe to your liking!
hi – these are called PUTO in the Philippines, they are steamed in molds and sometimes it comes in different colors and flavors as well, the only thing that differs is that this one has a muffin liner…though i tried using a muffin liner, but the outcome always sticks to the liner, can you help me with this?…because i find placing the cakes in liners are neater and easier to eat
Hi Kathy! Hmm, to be honest with you, I have no idea why yours stick to the liners. My liners are not special ones, and they are just typical liners. I use the glass ramekins to hold the liners. I have made many times but the steamed cake comes out pretty clean from the liners. I’d love to help you, but I don’t have any clue… sorry about that.
Hi Nami!
Your recipe and little steams cakes look so tempting and its just great for ppl like who dont have an oven but still wish to attempt at making cakes. =)
Did you whisk all your mixture using a manual whisk and what do you mean when you said that whisking the flour and baking powder in Step 4 is a shortcut for sifting?
Regards,
Ash
Hi Ash! You can sift with a sifter too, but to save extra step, I (manual) whisk for a little bit (I said 20 times) to make sure flour and baking powder has no lumps before adding liquid ingredients. Hope this helps.
i just tried this and love it! I’m already plotting how to adapt this for my daughter’s lunchboxes. Do you think I could make a savory version of this with whole wheat flour, some kind of green veggies puree and cutting out the sugar?
Hi Situ! I’m glad to hear you liked this recipe! I have not tried with wheat flour but I’m sure you can adapt. Savory steam cake sounds good. It’s very versatile. I like adding chopped veggies (sweet potatoes and pumpkins) in it.
Hi, Nami! I want to make more than four steam cakes, is it safe to double or triple the recipe? I’m dying to make the cheese and corn combi!
Hi Gracey! Yes, you can double/triple the recipe.
Hope you will enjoy them!
I did enjoy them, Nami! I tripled the recipe and they turned out great! It yielded 16 oh so fluffy corn & cheese muffins. My kids loved them so much! This recipe is definitely a keeper. Thank you so much for sharing
Hello Gracey! Yes! So happy it went successfully! My kids love these too! I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed them.
Thank you for letting me know!
Nami-san! domo arigatoo for the so easy peasy steamed cupcake recipe! I didn’t have any cupcake liners so I poured the batter straight into the ramekins….they turned out super and oishiiii of course…..thanks once more for sharing the recipe : )
Hi mamahachi-san! Arigato for your feedback! Great to hear that you didn’t need liners and still turned out great. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed them.
Arigato~~!
hello Ms. Nami. I saw your cakes, and i would love to try them all. I tried to be a “baker” as a hobby but financial difficulties came so now i would like to try baking as a source of an extra income. if you could help me, i need a recipe for a japanese cake. A very simple japanese cake recipe.
i hope you will find some time for my request.
thank you very much
Hi Innz! I bake occasionally and am still learning, so as you see in my Dessert page, you won’t see too many cakes. Please take a look at the page. What is Japanese cake you are referring too? I only have Japanese Cheesecake at this point (although we don’t call it so in Japan…).
Hi,
Do we really need to put the cup cake into the boiling water? Can i just steam like normal how we steam fish, on top of the water instead on into the water?
Hi Shek! You can use a steamer or the same method as you steam fish, too! A lot of people don’t have a steamer, so this is one way they can cook without a steamer and it’s one of common methods in Japan, too.
hai,just tried the steam cup cake..was good with hot tea..!!my hubby like it..thanks for all of ur idea..i really like the easy way you present you receipes..gonna try one by one..good luck,Arigato..!!
Thank you and I’m happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed this recipe! Arigato for following my blog!
What are these “You’ll fall in love with these cookies” above? The link goes to a page with no cookie even resembling these. PLEASE put a name and a valid link in for these. (the pink with red center ones with the notation “You’ll fall in love with these cookies.”)
Hi J’marinde! I think you click one of the link exchange program photos at the very end of my post… These links help exchanging readers. I’m sorry for the bad experience but at the same time new readers come from some other sites through this program. I’m truly sorry about that.
Thanks so much for the recipe.^^ Your kids are so cute!>.^< the deserts there look delicious!
Thanks! I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Hi Nami,
Thanks for the recipe! I just made it for my kids because my youngest wanted to eat cupcakes! I love it, it’s so easy and quick! I’ve made Chinese steamed cake before, but it’s more steps and required to take out my electric hand mixer, so I got lazy making it! lol…I want to try to make green tea steamed cake, do you have that recipe?
Hi Maggie! So happy to hear you liked this recipe. We do too! I’ll consider making green tea steamed cake and share next year. Thanks for your suggestion!
Thankyou for this recipe nami! I absolutely LOVE steamed buns and cakes but they are so hard to find here in australia! This recipe is so easy and fun to experiment with that I’ve already made four different kinds: chocolate, banana, green tea and corn. But I use my rice cooker to make them, the steaming tray holds four silicon cupcake moulds just right
Hi Noora! I love all of the version you have made! And cook in rice cooker sounds excellent! I think my rice cooker comes with steamer option too but I haven’t paid attention to that option yet. Thanks for the idea! I’m really happy that you liked the recipe and thank you for your feedback!
Hi Nami! I featured these cakes on my site today! They are delicious!
Thank you Kate! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Could I do these in my rice cooker steamer basket using silicone muffin cups?
Hi Kathleen! Yes you can use a regular steamer too, so your rice cooker steamer will definitely work just fine.
Hi Nami, I have been a visitor to your blog for some time. I had made these cup cakes some time ago and blogged abt them (with credits given to you of course!). I just realized that I never left a comment here thanking you
So, Thanks a lot for this wonderful recipe that has made quite a number of our guests at home happy 
Hi Priya! Thank you for letting me know as I didn’t get the link pingback via WP… I wasn’t aware of your post. I’m glad to hear you and your guests enjoyed the steamed cakes!
Nami san,
I really would like to try your recipe
But I have few things to ask.
Is it okay if I substitute the flour to self raising flour,
and only use the egg white?
Hi Cathy! I’ve seen some steamed cake recipes with egg white only so it should work fine! And yes, you can use self raising flour.
Hope you enjoy!
Hello Nami, thank you very much for sharing your wonderful recipe. It was my very first attempt today & the steamed cakes turned out lovely. I didn’t put any sugar, instead I used natural sweetener. It was really nice, but I know most people would think my cakes needed sugar!
Just one thing, how can I stop any water going in the ramekins? My cupcakes got wet on the bottom & when I take then out, I see about 1cm of water inside.
Thanks you Nami!
Hi Michi! Yay! So happy to hear your steamed cake turned out well.
I personally don’t like very sweet cake/cupcakes, so I understand! It can be a nice side dish to main meal too (without much sugar).
Water goes in? I think you probably put a little too much water in the pan. Depending on the shape of pan, ramekins, water amount should be adjusted. If you are done cooking, and there are so much water in the pan, you don’t need to put that much water in the beginning. It’s just for steaming, so next time cut down on water.
Hope that helps!
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