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  • Steamed Honey Sponge Cake

    by Maria on April 13, 2009

    Steamed Honey Sponge Cake

    Hope you all had a great Easter. I wanted to wish you Easter and was planning to post this recipe for Easter, but it didnt happen. I blame Jose for that. Recently whenever we go out, people are commenting that Jose has lost so much weight and then my turn comes and most people go like this ” you’re looking healthy now”!! What a polished way of saying you’ve put on :((. Since I was getting too much “healthy” comments, I thought I should do something about it and I even compalined to Jose that I dot want to look that healthy, but my wish happened literally :(.

    It all started with a kich kich in throat just like the vicks ad. Then it became worse day by day and finally one day when I got up in the morning, I lost my voice :(. Still I havent got my voice, hopefully I will get it soon. Lesson learnt, be careful about what you wish for!

    Anyways I dont want to miss out wishing you on Vishu also. I know cake & vishu is not a good combo …but something is better than nothing, right :) ?

    Wish you all a happy Vishu and my parents are celebrating their wedding anniversary tomorrow, happy anniversary to them, may god bless them!! I hope I will get my voice back to wish them tomorrow!

    Now coming to the the cake recipe, this is a simple cake. If you’re a regular visitor here, you should be knowing my love for plain cakes by now :). But that’s not the main reason why I made this. I get mails/comments from readers, especially those who dont have ovens, for microwave cake recipes or pressure cooker cake recipes etc; I did try a few microwave recipes, but I was not very happy with the texture. I know, I know… so many people have posted beautiful microwave cake recipes. I really dont know where I went wrong, but somehow I was not happy with it. Thats when I saw this cake recipe in a cookery show called “the chef and his better half” on NDTVgoodtimes. Though I was very skeptical about the outcome I decided to give it a try and it came out really well. I think I liked it more on the next day. It has very good texture, its moist and spongy! So all those people who are dying to bake a cake, but dont have a oven, please go ahead and try this.

    Here is the recipe:

    1. All purpose flour (maida) – 150 gms
      Custard powder – 1 tbsp
      Bicarbonate of soda – 1 tsp
      Baking powder – 1 tsp
    2. Butter – 50gm, softened
    3. Light brown sugar – 150 gm
    4. Oil – 1/3 cup
    5. Honey – 1 tbsp
      Vanilla essence – 1 tsp
    6. Eggs – 3

    Combine together the number 1 ingredients and sift it. Keep it aside. Add brown sugar to softened butter and combine well using a whisk.  Add oil and whisk. Make sure its mixed well. Add honey and vanilla essence and whisk again. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Make sure that you get a lump free batter.

    Add the sifted flour mixture, little by little, to the egg mixture. Whisk well after each addition. Pour the prepared batter to a well greased steaming dish. Cover the dish with aluminium foil. Place the dish in a steamer/appachembu filled with water. Steam for 35 – 45 mins (refer notes). Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 – 15 mins and remove from pan. Serve with vanilla ice cream and drizzled honey.

    Notes: I steamed it in low – medium flame. After the first 25 minutes, check the water level and add more water, if required. The cake should be done in 35 – 40 mins, ideally. So check it at around that time. I made the cake in a 6 inch round aluminium tin. You can store the cake at room temperature upto 3 days and can be stored in the refrigerator upto 5 days. If kept in refrigerator, microwave it for 10-15 seconds before serving.

    Btw, if you are planning to make payasam for Vishu, please check out the following:

    semiya-payasam parippu-payasam4 pal-payasam

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    About Maria Jose Martin

    MariasMenu is a popular food blog written by Maria Jose with its no nonsense simple, tasty and delicious recipes – all tried and tested by readers, family and friends alike. Read more about Maria and her venture.

    • http://fourseasonsoflove.blogspot.com/ Sakshi

      Wow a cake that can be steamed.unbelievable!! That shows how ignorant I am about baking and all. But your pic is tempting me so much to tie the apron and try this one out. Gosh you said you lost your voice…my my how badly my husband would be wishing for something like that to happen to me…Hope you get well soon and yeah even though this is my first time here will be back

    • http://thepassionatecookinme.blogspot.com/ Ann

      Maria,get well soon…
      The steamed cake looks too yummy to resist…oops..would love to have a piece..
      happy vishu to you as well..(hope you celebrated easter as well)

    • http://vishnucooks.blogspot.com Priya Sriram

      Wow Maria!! Sponge cake with honey looks soooo irresistable! Awesome click! :D

    • Prathibha

      Hi Maria,

      Even I made a plain sponge cake today.. that too in microwave.. it came out well.. I dont have problems with the texture like you mentioned. I dont use the oven anymore, as I get the same kind of cakes in less time :) In a microwave, a cake can be baked on low within 12-15min, with a nice texture.

    • Prathibha

      I used vahchef’s recipe for sponge cake, he bakes it in oven but I made it in MW :) and even without eggs, it comes out well. I think you should adjust the temp. Try cooking it in low. I have heard ppl saying cooking a cake in high is good, but it rarely has a nice texture. So i prefer cooking it on low for 12-15min and its usually done by that time.

    • http://www.tangerineskitchen.blogspot.com rachel

      Get well wishes coming your way. Happy Easter and Vishu.

    • http://www.varshaspaceblog.blogspot.com varsha

      So..Easter asichu policho??Wow..look at that cake..looks like a honey comb..yumm..n sad that u lost voice my dear..Get well soon ..k??
      My wishes also to your parents..If you still dont have the sound to wish them,mebe you can try the “aba..jaba..” style..(refer Dileep in Punjabi house..:D)

    • http://ammuscanvas.blogspot.com/ ammu

      cake looks yummy!! suddenly am having a craving for home made soft cakes like these..come this side mariaa!!!!

    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashasusan/ Asha

      Aah.. the power of words! Hope you recover soon.
      The cake looks so tempting, and I have only baked cakes, I need to try this. Absolutely lovely photograph and presentation too.
      Thank you!

    • Jess

      ithu kollaam.. njaanum pareekshikkaam. photo kollaam ketto..

      aadyam malayaalaththil type cheythath display aayilla.

    • http://riascollection.blogspot.com ria

      Maria, I really loved the look of this cake! Looks very very moist! Seems like we were in the same boat… I was down with food poisoning! :( kodhi mooothu oru motta puffs thinnatha!! ahhh.. enna cheyyana ;D

      Hope u get ur voice back soon!! I knw exactly how u must be feeling now cos I have lost mine many a time :D

      Belated happy wedding anniversary wishes to your parents!!!

      Hugs!

    • tinu

      hi maria…what happend to ur coz anitta….she has not updated her blog for a long time..

    • http://vishnucooks.blogspot.com Priya Sriram

      Hi Maria, I have shared an award with you in my blog.. Pls accept it :)

    • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

      hi Sakshi – thanks for dropping in and thanks for your wishes. Even my hubby was happy about my voice loss (for all the peace & calm he had at home ;) ) but after two days he too got cold. Anyways, please try out the cake and hope to see you back again.

      Hi Ann – thanks a lot for your wishes dear. Yes, we had a good easter with our friends. Hope you too had a good easter & vishu celebrations.

      Priya dear – thank you and also thanks a ton for passing me the award :)

      Hi Prathibha – thanks for dropping in and sharing the info about baking in MW. I’ve baked it in high, so I thnk that might be the problem. The texture is ok for the first two hours after baking in MW, after that moistness is gone. Anyways, I will try to use your tip, next time I bake in MW :)

      Thanks Rachel and hope you had a great easter & vishu.

      Varsha dear – thanks da for your wishes and I’ve conveyed your wishes to my parents too :). Kurachu divasamayittu aba jaba style aanu :).

      Ammu dear – thanks di and am always ready to come , send me the ticket ;)

      Asha – thanks a lot for your wishes and please do try the cake, am sure you will like it.

      Jess – thanks for dropping in and for your sweet words. Parrekshichu nokku, ennittu ennodu parayanne :)

      Thaks Ria dear and hope you too are feeling better now. Enikkum chelappo pattunathannu kothi moothu kore kazhikkum, pinne pani kittum :)

      Tinu – I thnk she is busy with some personal matters.

    • http://Google.com Suchi

      Hi Maria,

      Take care of your health and Get well soon.I would like to know do you have a recipe for EGGLESS cake.As my family doesn’t eat eggs.Everyone are pure vegetarian.

      Thanks alot and take care.

      Regards,
      Suchi

    • Nisha

      Hi Maria,

      The cake looks yummy..
      Got a doubt. So i thought I would clear that first before trying this cake..
      What type of custard powder did you use?
      Is it Polson Vanilla?

      Thanks,
      Nisha

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Nisha

        I used plain vanilla custard powder, but I dont remember the brand :(

        Please do try it and let me know.

        Cheers
        Maria

    • Sumi

      Hi Maria,

      I guess I have graduated from just reading your blog to trying out your recipes. :)

      I bake cakes and often fancy ones with layering and frosting, but I have to admit that this simple recipe beats all of them. I made it for Adi’s ‘official’ birthday and packed it for him. Half an hour later, I got a SMS declaring that he could feel ‘my love melt in his mouth’ while eating it. ;) Thanks a lot for the wonderful recipes dear! :)

      Love,
      Sumi

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Sumi

        wow!! thats so romantic :) and hey sorry for the delayed reply :(

        Belated happy b’day to Adi. Hope he had a great day!!

        I also fancy baking layered cakes with frosting n all, but somehow am tuck with the plain cakes :) and I enjoy plain cakes more.

    • Aswathy

      I have a few queries:
      1. Can you tell me the flour & light brown sugar qty in cups? i don know how to weigh 150 gms (silly me) :)
      2. Can you give me an easy substitute for light brown sugar?
      3. Is there any other common term for bicarbonate of soda? (sales girl couldnt help me find it)

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Aswathy

        150 gms of flour = 1 cup & 150 gms of brown sugar is 3/4 cup (approx).

        You can substitute 1 cup of light brown sugar with the following:

        1 cup (215 grams) raw sugar

        1 cup (200 grams) white granulated sugar

        1 cup (200 grams) white granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsulfured light molasses

        For light brown sugar – substitute 1/2 cup (110 grams) dark brown sugar plus 1/2 cup (100 grams) white granulated sugar

        Bicarbonate of soda is also known as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate.

        Hope this helps…

        Source: Joy of Baking.

    • roni

      Hi Maria,
      some of d dishes i ve tried at home with my mom n aunty………awesome………..:D……….thnx from my mom, aunty n my cuisines………….:)

      we ve a query……….do u ve any Good Ice-cream recipes………my auntz kids r craze abt ice-creamz………..:P…………..n am a bit poor in Ice-cream preparation……..;)………

      now u r holdin d “helm” of our cookin…….:)
      thnx maria………..:)ve a great time ahead………
      adios………..:)

    • Aswathy

      Maria, Baking powder and Baking soda are different?

    • Aswathy

      Maria, i noticed your comment a bit late. I made the cake and it looked superb. Infact, no one could wait till it cool.. maybe cos of their ‘aakrantham’, the cake tasted sour at places. :-)

      seriously, my conclusion is, sifting was not proper and maybe, baking soda added was on high side.

      anyway, the cake looked superb and i feel confident that i can bake it better next time. thanks! :-)

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Aswathy

        Thanks for trying it, hope you get it perfect next time :)

        All the best!!

        Cheers
        Maria

    • Sherin

      Hi Maria,
      I just happened to take a glance at ur website a few weeks ago.
      I liked the recipes especially Veg Stew.
      Regarding this recipe I just wanted to ask whether with all these ingredients in this proportion ,is it possible to bake this cake in a normal oven?
      My next trial after this cake is goin to be the omlette.I just loved that recipe…
      Regards
      sherin

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Sherin

        Thanks for dropping in :)

        About baking this cake in the oven, I haven’t tried it yet. But I think it should be ok. May be you can try baking it at 180 C for around 20-30 mins. If you try it in oven, please let me know how it comes out.

        Hope you will like the omelet too :)

        Cheers
        Maria

    • Nimmu

      Hi Maria,

      You recipes are amazing i have tried lot of your recipes and have come out really well.Just wanted to ask you for the custard powder you have mentioned can be of any flavour like (strawberry) or it has to be vanila.Instead of aluminium tin can i use nonstick cake tin for steaming.

      Regards,
      Nimmu

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Nimmu

        Thanks dear :)

        I used vanilla flavored custard powder for this cake but I think any flavor will do, the flavor of the cake will vary accordingly. If you prefer vanilla flavor, then its better to use vanilla custard powder itself.

        Regarding using non stick pan, I think its ok to use it for steaming.

        Please let me know how it comes out, if you try this cake.

        Happy baking :)

        Cheers
        Maria

    • reepna

      Dear Maria,

      What is tis light brown sugar?And wer do you get it?

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Reepna

        Please check out the following link about brown sugar:

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_sugar

        Its available in all supermarkets. Even if you dont get brown sugar, you can make this cake with the normal white sugar, the colour of the cake might be a little different though.

        Cheers
        Maria

    • Teenu

      hii maria..
      i havent bakes any cakes before..:)..so my doubts may be stupid.please bear okay..:)

      my husbands’ bday is coming up.would like to bake a cake.v dont have a cake mixer or whisk..which would be better to buy?
      or i saw dis cake mixes in market,would that be good?in dat case i just need to add them?

      also softened butter means?
      thanks in advance

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Teenu,

        Advance b’day wishes to your husband!! Hope you both have a great day!

        Regarding baking the cake…I suggest you go for an electric mixer if you are planning to do baking regularly. Its very useful.

        Also if you haven’t baked yet, you can try baking initially with a ready made cake mix. It will help you to get an idea about your oven temperature and time required & all. Once you get that correct, you can bake a cake from scratch :)

        The cake mixes usually gives a moist cake. But a cake made by you from scratch is something different :)

        Softened butter is the butter kept at room temp. If the recipe calls for softened butter, keep the required amount of butter @ room temp for half an hour – 1 hour before baking. It helps in creaming the butter easily.

        Hope I haven’t confused you more and hey your doubts are not stupid dear :)

        Happy baking…

        Cheers
        Maria

    • Mariam

      I tried this honey sponge cake. Total flop. the sides were brown, the cake still liquid even after 1 1/2 hours.
      Dont know what could have gone wrong

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Mariam,

        Sorry, am not very sure why it went wrong :(. Did you steam it or baked?

        Regards
        Maria

    • Preethi

      Hi,

      Thanks for your recepies.. tried your jaggery cake it came out ok..

      had a doubt on this one.. can the cake be steamed in a cooker without weight?

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Preethi,

        You are welcome and thanks for trying out the cinnamon jaggery cake.

        Yes, you can steam this using pressure cooker without weight. Since I haven’t tried it that way, am not very sure about the timing.

        Cheers
        Maria

    • http://nishyacreations.blogspot.com Nishya

      Hello Maria,
      I was so sad before that I could not bake, since my microwave doesn’t have the convection mode. Your steamed cake gave me the idea that cake can be made in this way also.. Anyway this is a revolution in my cooking :)

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Nishya,

        How are you?

        I’m really glad that this helps you. Please do try it, its a really soft cake. I hope you will like it :)

        Cheers
        Maria

    • Neethu

      Hi..Maria..
      im new to this delicious world..:) i jus luv ur wonderful recipes..:) i tried many..myself nd ma hubby is very happy to taste new varieties of urs..thanks a lott..:) nd pls do add more recipies tht v al r waiting for u!!! :)

      luv nd cheers..Neethu..:)

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Neethu,

        Thanks a lot dear. I’m so glad you like the recipes here. Please keep trying the recipes and share your feedback too. Thanks for the comment also :)

        All the best!!

        Cheers
        Maria

    • priyanka thomas

      hey,
      m planning 2 make this weekend. can u just tell me 1 thng. hre m nt getting brown sugar. so m going 2 use normal sugar. i get castor sugar too. ll dat help. if nt can u tell me qty of both can b same?

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Priyanka,

        You can use the same qty as mentioned in the recipe for normal sugar also.

        Cheers
        Maria

    • priyanka thomas

      hey 1 mre thng.. is it necessary 2 use aluminum tin. can i use normal steel tin.

    • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

      Hi,

      I normally use aluminium tin, but I guess its okay to use steel tin also. Make sure you grease it with butter well.

      Hope the cake comes out well :)

      Cheers
      Maria

    • Vanessa

      Hi Maria

      What is the measure ment for 1/3rd cup and 1/8th cup. Please reply. my email id is vanessaq@sebi.gov.in

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Vanessa,

        1/3 cup comes between 1/4 & 1/2 cup. For 1/8 cup, take half of 1/4 cup. Hope this helps…

        Cheers
        Maria

    • priyanka thomas

      hey Maria,
      i tried this… bt it took 2 hrs 2 cook.. n dat too center portion was so liquidy… dont no wat happened… bt de cake tasted yummy… rly luved it… thanku.. btw.. i dint hav whisk either..so i used mixie ;).. can it b cos of dat?

      • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

        Hi Priyanka,

        How are you?

        I’m not sure why it took so long to cook. Did you use a small size tin for steaming? The steaming time can vary depending on the size of the tin & also the heat. Did you use very low flame? I dont think using mixie can be the problem.

        Hope it comes out fully cooked next time. Anyways its nice to know that you liked the taste.

        Wish you and your family a very happy & blessed new year!

        Cheers
        Maria

        • priyanka thomas

          Hey thanks 4 de reply..n ya..i used 2 small tin…..big tin reqd? i kept the flame btw low 2 medium.
          tc,
          Silpa

          • http://www.mariasmenu.com Maria

            Hi Silpa

            If you used 2 small size tin, its ok. I was wondering if you used a small size tin for the above qty, it will take long time to cook.

            Anyways I do hope that it comes out well next time…

            All the best!

            Cheers
            Maria

    • najma syed

      oh this cake loooks so good…gonna try this weekend…hey could u pls tell me wats bittersweet chocolate?is it dark chocolate…
      hope u will clear my doubt…. anyways keep up the good job…and plsssss try to post more steamed cake recipes…its so helpful for people like me…thanx

      • http://mariasmenu.com Maria Jose

        Thanks Najma. You can use the semi sweet chocolate chips bor bitter sweet chocolate, you can use chocolate with 50 % of cocoa for this. Hope your cake comes out well.

        I’ll keep in mind your suggestion for more steamed cake recipes :)

        Cheers
        Maria

    • Sumy Mathew

      Hi Maria,

      Is there any substitute for custurd powder?

      Regards,
      Sumy

      • http://mariasmenu.com Maria Jose

        Hi Sumy,

        I havent used any substitutes as such. But google tells me you can use equal qty of cornflour  & may be a tsp of vanilla essence as a substitute for custard powder. Hope it works!

        Cheers
        Maria

    • Priyahari139

      Hi Maria,
      Can you share a healthy eggless steamed cake recipe with yeast?
      The term healthy refers to natural ingredients honey,jaggery(no butter) etc
      I love to make cakes.But couldn’t make rich cakes because of health reasons.
      Please help.

      • http://mariasmenu.com Maria Jose

        Hi Priya,

        I havent tried any cakes with yeast yet. However I’ve posted a healthy cake recipe. You can see it here:
        http://www.mariasmenu.com/desserts/eggless-cinnamon-cake

        You can also steam it instead of baking. Hope this one helps… Also check out the healthy baking category in the blog. Hope you find something interesting.

        Cheers
        Maria

      • http://mariasmenu.com Maria Jose

        Hi Priya,

        I havent tried any cakes with yeast yet. However I’ve posted a healthy cake recipe. You can see it here:
        http://www.mariasmenu.com/desserts/eggless-cinnamon-cake

        You can also steam it instead of baking. Hope this one helps… Also check out the healthy baking category in the blog. Hope you find something interesting.

        Cheers
        Maria

    • http://mariasmenu.com Maria Jose

      Hi Megalaraju,

      Thanks for trying this recipe. I’m glad that it came out well for you. I havent tried baking in pressure cooker yet, so I’m not sure about brownies baked in pressure cooker.

      Cheers
      Maria

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