Walnut Glutinous Rice Cake is a delightful fusion of soft, chewy glutinous rice dough, sweet potato filling, and crunchy caramelized walnuts. This delicious treat combines the comforting flavors of subtly sweetened sweet potatoes, aromatic red bean paste, and the nutty richness of walnuts. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast between the pillowy rice cake exterior and the crunchy, caramelized walnut interior. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent snack, this recipe brings together traditional ingredients in a unique and flavorful way. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every mouthful!
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๐ฐ Sticky, Chewy & Delightful: Walnut Glutinous Rice Cake Recipe! ๐
Craving something sweet, satisfying, and with a wonderfully unique texture? Look no further! This Walnut Glutinous Rice Cake (often known as Nuomi Gao in some variations) is an absolute dream for those who love chewy desserts with a nutty crunch. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a special occasion.
The combination of tender, sticky rice flour and the earthy crunch of walnuts creates a harmonious balance that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to impress your taste buds! โจ
What You’ll Need: Ingredients & Equipment ๐๐ฉโ๐ณ
Before we dive into the magic, let’s gather our essentials. Most of these ingredients are readily available in Asian markets or even large supermarkets.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous Rice Flour (Sweet Rice Flour): 2 cups (approximately 250g) ๐ – This is the star! Don’t substitute with regular rice flour.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (or adjust to your sweetness preference) ๐ฌ
- Water: 1 cup ๐ง
- Milk (whole or 2%): 1/2 cup ๐ฅ
- Cooking Oil (neutral flavor like canola or vegetable oil): 2 tablespoons (plus extra for greasing) ๐ป
- Walnuts: 1 cup, roughly chopped ๐ฐ
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a slightly lighter texture) ๐ฅ
- Pinch of Salt: To balance the flavors ๐ง
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish, optional): 1-2 tablespoons ๐ฑ
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan: Or a similar-sized heatproof dish. A round pan works too! ๐
- Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients ๐ฅฃ
- Whisk: To ensure everything is well-mixed ๐ช
- Spatula: For scraping and spreading ๐งค
- Parchment paper: To line the pan for easy removal ๐
- Steamer setup: A large pot with a steamer rack, or a dedicated electric steamer. You’ll need a lid that fits! ๐ฒ
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key! ๐
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Instructions ๐งโ๐ณ
This recipe primarily uses steaming, which gives the cake its signature soft and chewy texture.
Step 1: Prepare Your Walnuts ๐ฐ
- Preheat your oven to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC).
- Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet.
- Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! This step really enhances their flavor. ๐ฅ
- Let them cool completely. Reserve a small amount (about 2 tablespoons) for garnish if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan ๐
- Grease your 8×8-inch baking pan with a little cooking oil.
- Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will act as “handles” to lift the cake out easily after steaming.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients ๐ฅฃ
- In your large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, granulated sugar, baking powder (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk them together thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients ๐ง๐ฅ๐ป
- Pour in the water, milk, and 2 tablespoons of cooking oil into the dry ingredient mixture.
- Whisk everything until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. It should be relatively thick but pourable, similar to pancake batter.
- If you find any stubborn lumps, don’t hesitate to use a spatula or even your hands (clean, of course!) to smooth them out.
Step 5: Fold in the Walnuts ๐ฐ
- Add most of your toasted walnuts to the batter (reserving some for garnish if you wish).
- Gently fold them in with your spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Pour into the Prepared Pan ๐
- Pour the batter into your lined baking pan.
- Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure the top is even.
- If you reserved walnuts for garnish, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the batter now, along with any optional sesame seeds.
Step 7: Steam the Cake! ๐ฒ๐ฅ
- Set up your steamer: fill a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Place the baking pan carefully onto the steamer rack inside the pot.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. If your lid doesn’t seal well, you can wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cake.
- Steam the glutinous rice cake for 45-60 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on your steamer and the thickness of the cake.
- How to check for doneness: The cake should look translucent and firm. A skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. โจ
Step 8: Cool & Serve! ๐ฌ๏ธ๐ช
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pan from the steamer.
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for it to firm up and become easier to handle.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan.
- Place it on a cutting board and slice it into squares or diamonds using a sharp, lightly oiled knife.
- Garnish with any remaining toasted walnuts or sesame seeds.
Enjoy Your Chewy Delight! ๐ฅณ
This Walnut Glutinous Rice Cake is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It has a delightful chewiness that’s truly addictive. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can gently reheat slices in a microwave or a steamer for a few seconds to restore their softness.
Tip: If you love a slightly crispy edge, you can lightly pan-fry slices of the cooled cake in a little oil! ๐ณ
We hope you enjoy making this traditional and utterly delicious treat! Don’t forget to share your creations with us! ๐ธ
Here’s a visual of what the finished Walnut Glutinous Rice Cake might look like: