There’s something about a simple, homemade banana cake that feels like a hug in dessert form. The Banana Cake Kukus, with its soft, steamed texture, brings a delicate sweetness that’s just right for those quieter afternoons. It’s not flashy, but it’s quietly satisfying in a way that makes you want to pause and take a deep breath.
I remember the first time I tried steaming this cake instead of baking it. The kitchen filled with a faint banana aroma, mingling with the subtle warmth of vanilla. I was a little distracted by the humming of the steamer and the ticking clock—somewhere between the 30 and 40-minute mark, I started wondering if I should peek or just trust the process. Spoiler: trust wins here. The cake emerged tender and moist, with a sponge-like fluffiness that’s hard to get from an oven. It’s the kind of texture that makes you want to slice another piece even as you’re finishing the first.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s moist and fluffy without needing an oven, which means cooler kitchen days and less fuss.
- The natural sweetness of ripe bananas means you don’t have to go overboard on sugar — it’s balanced and just right.
- Steaming takes a bit more patience than baking, but it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- This cake works well as a snack or a gentle dessert, fitting into multiple moments of your day.
Even if you’re not usually a fan of steamed desserts, this one has a way of surprising you with its lightness and depth of flavor. It’s not overly sweet and doesn’t rely on heavy frosting or toppings—sometimes less really is more.
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Banana Cake Kukus (Steamed Banana Cake)
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A moist and fluffy Indonesian steamed banana cake made with ripe bananas, perfect as a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
200 grams all-purpose flour
150 grams granulated sugar
2 large eggs
100 ml vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil and greasing a 20 cm round cake pan with vegetable oil.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy.
Add the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Place the cake pan into the steamer and cover the lid with a clean kitchen towel to prevent water droplets from falling onto the cake.
Steam the cake over medium heat for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Carefully remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve the banana cake kukus as a delightful snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a simple round cake pan that fits my steamer, and it’s nice to grease it well so the cake slides out easily. Serving this with just a cup of tea lets the banana’s flavor shine through, but I’ve also tried a dollop of coconut cream on the side for a little extra richness. Tossing in some chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon into the batter might work too, though I haven’t tested those myself fully. If you want a slightly denser cake, you could play with adding a bit less baking powder, but honestly, the airy texture is part of the charm here.
FAQ:
Can I bake this cake instead of steaming? You could, but the texture will be different—baking leads to a drier, firmer crumb compared to the moist softness from steaming.
How ripe should the bananas be? Very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. That’s when the sweetness and flavor are at their peak.
Can I store leftover cake? Yes, it keeps well for a couple of days at room temperature if wrapped well, or longer in the fridge.
Take a moment to make this Banana Cake Kukus your next cozy kitchen project. It’s a simple way to slow down and enjoy something quietly sweet.