Thai Steamed Banana Cake (Kanom Kluay)
In Thai, the word "Kluay " means banana—but it also means easy. That’s why Kanom Kluay, a soft and gently sweet Thai steamed banana cake, is often served during Thai New Year as a reminder to take life a little easier. This simple dessert carries a quiet wish for calm, ease, and a smooth year ahead.
Equipment
- 1 steamer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 13 x 13 pan (or 20 silicone molds, or 20 small bowls, or banana leaves)
Ingredients
- 800 grams banana 5 regular bananas , ( or 4 for the batter and 1 sliced up to put on the top
- 2 TBSP sugar
- 2 cups rice flour
- 5 TBSP tapioca flour
- 250 mL coconut milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut (or 1 can)
Instructions
- Prepare the bananas: Peel the bananas. In a large mixing bowl, roughly mash 4 bananas (about 640 grams) with a fork, leaving some small chunks for texture. Slice the remaining banana and set it aside for topping (Optionally).
- Mix the batter : Add the sugar, rice flour, tapioca flour, coconut milk, and shredded coconut to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture resembles a thick banana bread batter.
- Prepare the steamer : Fill a pot or steamer with water to about ⅓ full and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a steady steam.
- Prepare the molds : Lightly brush silicone molds or small pans with oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can steam silicone molds for about 5 minutes to warm them up before adding the batter.
- Fill the molds : Pour the batter into the molds, keeping the thickness around ½ inch for even cooking. Place a slice of banana on top of each mold if desired.
- Steam the cakes : Place the molds in the steamer and steam for 25 -30 minutes, or until the cakes are set and firm. You can also insert a tooth pick into the cake. If the tooth pick comes out clean, it is done. If the cake is thicker than half inch and tooth pick doesn't come clean after 50 minutes but it is set, it's also done.
- Cool before removing : Remove the molds from the steamer and allow the cakes to cool completely before taking them out of the molds to help them hold their shape.
- Alternative cooking method : You can also cook the batter in a waffle maker to make naturally gluten-free banana waffles with a lightly crisp exterior and soft interior.
Notes
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Note 2 : If you fill the batter into a bigger mold and making it thicker, more time will be needed so steam.