There’s something undeniably soothing about the smell of bananas warming up, especially when they’re slowly steamed into a cake. This Banana Cake Kukus is exactly that kind of treat—moist, tender, and just sweet enough to satisfy without overwhelming. It’s the kind of snack that makes you pause whatever you’re doing, even if just for a few minutes, to enjoy something simple but deeply comforting.
One rainy afternoon, I decided to try making this cake. I wasn’t exactly sure how the steaming would turn out since I usually bake, but as the kitchen filled with that warm, sweet aroma, I found myself glancing at the steamer more times than necessary. The cake was a little uneven on top—probably my fault for lifting the lid too soon—but it was fluffy and soft, with just the right hint of banana and vanilla. It didn’t look perfect, but it tasted like a little hug in cake form, and honestly, that’s what counts.
- Steaming instead of baking creates a uniquely moist and airy texture that’s different from typical banana bread.
- The sweetness is gentle; it’s not cloying, making it a great companion for tea or coffee—though I usually eat it solo.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated frosting or decorations, just pure, honest flavor.
- Because it’s steamed, the cake stays soft even a day later, though I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best experience.
If you’re worried about the steaming process or don’t have special equipment, don’t fret. A regular pot with a rack or any setup that lets you steam will do just fine. And while this cake is lovely on its own, it pairs nicely with a light drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to get a little fancy.
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Banana Cake Kukus (Steamed Banana Cake)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A moist and fluffy Indonesian-style 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 over medium heat.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir until well 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 ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cake fluffy.
Grease a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Place the cake pan into the steamer and cover with a clean kitchen towel to prevent water droplets from falling onto the cake.
Steam the cake over medium heat for 40 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 it 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: 40 minutes
In the kitchen, you don’t need anything fancy—just your usual mixing bowls and a steamer setup. I usually use a simple round pan that fits nicely into my steamer basket, and the cake always comes out just right. If you want to experiment, you could try swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat or adding a pinch of cinnamon, though I haven’t tested those myself enough to say for sure how it affects the texture.
This cake works wonderfully as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or as a dessert after dinner when you want something sweet but not too heavy. Sometimes I even toast a slice lightly in a pan for a minute to add a bit of a crust—it’s not traditional, but it’s a nice change.
FAQ
Can I use overripe bananas? Yes, overripe bananas are actually ideal here since they’re sweeter and mash easily, which helps keep the cake moist.
Do I have to steam it? Steaming is what gives this cake its signature texture, so baking it won’t quite yield the same result, but you could try if you’re curious.
How long does it keep? The cake is best enjoyed within a couple of days at room temperature, but you can refrigerate it for longer and reheat gently.
Ready to try something a little different in your kitchen? Give this Banana Cake Kukus a go and enjoy a moment of quiet sweetness.