Steamed Water Chestnut Cake

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Cakes cupcakes Easy

A translucent, bouncy golden cake of water chestnut starch and sugar with small crunchy pieces of water chestnut. It is eaten steamed or cut and pan-fried until the edges caramelize. Makes 12 slices in about 2 hr.

Prep 20 min

Cook 40 min

Cooling 1 hr

Total 2 hr

Yield 12 slices

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

Adjust yield

slices

1 cup (120 g)water chestnut starch
1 cup (240 ml)cold water, for the starch
2 cups (480 ml)water, for the syrup
⅔ cup (150 g)rock sugar or light brown sugar
1 cup (120 g)canned water chestnuts, finely diced, drained
2 tsp (10 ml)neutral oil, for the pan

Fresh ingredient guides

ChestnutsHow to pick, season & nutrition · 59 kcal per 30 g

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Instructions

Oil an 8-inch (20 cm) round or 8x4-inch pan, and set up a steamer with boiling water.
Whisk the starch with the cold water until smooth. It will settle, so whisk again right before using.
Simmer the 480 ml water with the sugar until fully dissolved. Stir in the diced water chestnuts.
Pour the hot syrup in a slow stream into the starch slurry while whisking constantly. The mixture should turn cloudy and slightly thick.
Pour into the pan, cover the pan with foil and steam over high heat for 35 to 40 minutes until translucent and firm in the center.
Cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then cut into slices. To serve crisp, pan-fry slices in a little oil over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden.

Tips

Water chestnut starch is specific; potato or corn starch will give a different, less bouncy texture.
Pour the syrup in gradually so the starch does not clump.
Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Good with jasmine tea.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make steamed water chestnut cake?

Plan on 20 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, plus 1 hour to chill. The recipe makes 12 slices.

How should I store steamed water chestnut cake?

Refrigerate covered up to 5 days. Re-steam or pan-fry before serving.

Can I make steamed water chestnut cake ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Water chestnut cake (ma tai gou) is a Cantonese steamed cake served at dim sum and during Lunar New Year. Serve it with jasmine tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

48 Calories / serving

0.0g Fat

12.2g Carbs

0.0g Protein

12.1g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~576 cal · 0g fat · 146g carbs · 0g protein · 145g sugar

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