Soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet, Sweet Potato Fa Gao is a delightful twist on the traditional Chinese steamed cake. This is one of my favorite variations of Fa Gao—easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, yet full of flavor and meaning.
Why Sweet Potato Fa Gao
Sweet Potato Fa Gao is quite similar to my Pumpkin Fa Gao, but in this version, I’ve replaced the pumpkin with sweet potato.
This traditional Chinese steamed cake, made from sweet potato, flour, and yeast, carries the symbolic meaning of prosperity and good fortune. “Fa Gao” (发糕), which translates to “prosperity cake,” is often enjoyed during special occasions like Chinese New Year.
In my family, however, they’re not just reserved for holidays. My kids love them, so I make them all the time!
Customize your Sweet Potato Fa Gao to suit your taste:
Add Toppings: After filling the cups, you can add some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for extra texture and flavor. For example, try adding a few raisins or red dates, which pair wonderfully with the sweet potato.
Sweetness Adjustment: I don’t add sugar to this recipe, but if you prefer a sweeter fa gao, feel free to mix in some white granulated sugar, which won’t alter the color of the cake. If you like brown sugar, you can refer to my Brown Sugar Fa Gao recipe for a variation.
Ingredients:
- 100g steamed sweet potato
- 80g milk
- 1 egg
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 5g yeast
- Chopped, peeled red dates (optional, for topping)
- Corn oil (for greasing)
Instructions:
Prepare the Sweet Potato:
- Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potato.
- Steam the sweet potato for about 20 minutes until soft.Discard any excess water if there is any.
Make the Batter:
- Measure out 100g of steamed sweet potato and add it to a blender.
- Pour in 80g of milk and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a mixing bowl and crack in 1 egg. Stir well to combine.
- Add 100g of all-purpose flour and 1.5g of yeast to the mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
First Fermentation:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and has doubled in size.
Prepare the Steamer and Foil Cups:
- While the batter is fermenting, prepare your steamer by adding water (but do not turn on the heat yet).
- Lightly grease reusable foil cups with corn oil.
Assemble the Fa Gao:
- Once the batter has completed its first fermentation, stir it again to release the air bubbles.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag.
- Pipe the batter into the greased foil cups, filling them about 70% full.
- Sprinkle some chopped red dates on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Place the cups in the steamer. Let the filled cups rest for an additional 10 minutes for the second rise.
Steam the Fa Gao:
- Start steaming with cold water and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- After steaming, leave the Fa Gao in the steamer with the lid on for an additional 3 minutes before removing.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the Sweet Potato Fa Gao cool slightly, then remove from the foil cups.
- Enjoy the fluffy, soft, and naturally sweet Fa Gao!
Sweet Potato Fa Gao Recipe
Soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet, Sweet Potato Fa Gao is a delightful twist on the traditional Chinese steamed cake. This is one of my favorite variations of Fa Gao—easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, yet full of flavor and meaning.Print Pin RateServings: 2Calories: 289kcalIngredients
- 100 g steamed sweet potato
- 80 g milk
- 1 egg
- 100 g all-purpose flour
- 5 g yeast
- Chopped peeled red dates (optional, for topping)
- Corn oil for greasing
Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Potato:
- Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potato.
- Steam the sweet potato for about 20 minutes until soft.Discard any excess water if there is any.
Make the Batter:
- Measure out 100g of steamed sweet potato and add it to a blender.
- Pour in 80g of milk and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a mixing bowl and crack in 1 egg. Stir well to combine.
- Add 100g of all-purpose flour and 1.5g of yeast to the mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
First Fermentation:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes bubbly and has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Steamer and Foil Cups:
- While the batter is fermenting, prepare your steamer by adding water (but do not turn on the heat yet).
- Lightly grease reusable foil cups with corn oil.
Assemble the Fa Gao:
- Once the batter has completed its first fermentation, stir it again to release the air bubbles.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag.
- Pipe the batter into the greased foil cups, filling them about 70% full.
- Sprinkle some chopped red dates on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Place the cups in the steamer. Let the filled cups rest for an additional 10 minutes for the second rise.
Steam the Fa Gao:
- Start steaming with cold water and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- After steaming, leave the Fa Gao in the steamer with the lid on for an additional 3 minutes before removing.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the Sweet Potato Fa Gao cool slightly, then remove from the foil cups.
- Enjoy the fluffy, soft, and naturally sweet Fa Gao!
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Do you make this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @yumofchina.Nutrition
Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 336mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 7277IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 3mg
