Sugar-Free Red Date Cake: A Healthy Chinese New Year Treat

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a delightful twist on tradition: our decadent 4-Layer Red Date Cake! This isn't your grandma's dense, overly sweet dessert. We've crafted a lighter, healthier version, bursting with the natural sweetness of red dates and a delightful texture that's both moist and satisfying. Each layer offers a unique experience, from the subtly spiced base to the creamy, date-infused topping, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Forget artificial sweeteners and heavy creams; this recipe prioritizes wholesome ingredients and simple techniques, making it accessible even for novice bakers.

This stunning 4-layer cake is not only visually impressive, but also incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. The combination of soft, chewy dates and aromatic spices creates a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes that perfectly complement the festive occasion. Ready to embark on this delicious baking journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this show-stopping cake together!

Tools Needed

• Pressure cooker
• Scissors
• Blender
• Mixing bowls
• Sieve
• Cake pan
• Toothpick
• Chopsticks
• Tin foil

Ingredients

• Red Dates
• Water: 500ml + 300ml
• Water Chestnut Flour: 125g (1/2 box) or 3/4 cup
• Tapioca Starch: 30g (3 tsp + 1 tsp)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Red Date Puree

• Wash and dry red dates. Halve them and remove the pits using scissors. [40.28]
• Add red dates and 500ml of water to the pressure cooker. Close the lid, set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release when done. [63.8]
• Let the mixture cool, then blend until smooth. Sieve for a smoother texture. [88.84]

Step 2. Make and Sieve the Cake Batter

• In a separate bowl, mix 300ml of water, water chestnut flour, and tapioca starch. Gradually add the red date puree and mix well. Sieve again for a smoother batter. [135.12]

Step 3. Steam the Cake in Layers

• Grease a cake pan with cooking oil. Pour 1/4 of the batter into the pan. [184.36]
• Steam in the pressure cooker (1 inch water in the bottom, pan on a steaming rack, covered with tin foil) on high for 5 minutes. Quick release. Repeat steps 5 & 6 three more times for four layers. [198.56]

Step 4. Cool, Demold, and Serve

• Check for doneness with a toothpick. Once cooled, run a knife around the edges and gently remove the cake. [261.56]
• Cut into desired shapes. [279.199]

Read more: Easy Chinese Steamed Yam Cake Recipe (Orh Kueh/芋头糕)

Tips

• If you don't have a pressure cooker, use a conventional steamer. Steam each layer for 20 minutes instead of 5. [245.68]
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge. Re-steam and cool completely before serving to prevent mushiness. [345.24]

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Fat: 1g
• Carbs: 145g
• Protein: 2g

FAQs

1. Can I use dried dates instead of fresh ones?

Yes! Dried dates work well, but you may need to adjust the amount depending on their sweetness and moisture content. Start with less and add more as needed.

2. How long can I store the sugar-free red date cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This sugar-free red date cake offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional Chinese New Year desserts. Impress your family and friends with its stunning presentation and delightful flavor, all while enjoying a guilt-free indulgence. Happy baking, and Happy Chinese New Year!