Karukan (Kagoshima Steamed Yam Cake)

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Cakes cupcakes Medium

Karukan is a springy, airy steamed cake that is mildly sweet and slightly chewy. The grated yam provides the lift and the soft, moist bite. Makes 16 slices in about 1 hr 5 min.

Prep 20 min

Cook 30 min

Cooling 15 min

Total 1 hr 5 min

Yield 16 slices

Diet Dairy free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

slices

1 ⅔ cups (200 g)fine non-glutinous rice flour (joshinko)
¾ cup (150 g)sugar
¾ tsp (3 g)baking powder
4 oz (120 g)grated nagaimo (Chinese yam), peeled, finely grated
⅔ cup (150 ml)water
2 (66 g)egg whites, whisked to soft peaks

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Instructions

Line a 15 cm (6 inch) square pan with parchment.
Sift the rice flour with the sugar and baking powder.
Mix the grated yam with the water until smooth.
Stir the yam mixture into the flour mixture until no lumps remain.
Gently fold in the whisked egg whites in two additions, keeping the batter airy.
Pour into the pan and tap gently to release large bubbles.
Steam over high heat for 30 minutes with a towel wrapped around the lid, until a skewer comes out clean.
Cool 15 minutes in the pan before slicing.

Tips

Grate the yam just before mixing; it oxidizes quickly.
Wrap the steamer lid in a towel so condensation does not drip on the cake.
Do not open the lid during the first 20 minutes.
Good with green tea.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make karukan (kagoshima steamed yam cake)?

Plan on 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, plus 15 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 16 slices.

How should I store karukan (kagoshima steamed yam cake)?

Best the day it is made. Keep covered at room temperature up to 1 day; refrigerating makes it firm.

Can I make karukan (kagoshima steamed yam cake) ahead?

It is at its best the day it is made; prepare it a few hours before serving.

Karukan is a light, spongy white steamed cake from Kagoshima made from rice flour, grated yam and sugar. Serve it with green tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 16 servings this recipe makes.

89 Calories / serving

0.2g Fat

20.6g Carbs

1.4g Protein

9.5g Sugar

Whole recipe (16 servings): ~1424 cal · 3g fat · 330g carbs · 22g protein · 152g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.