I first encountered this Javanese cake at a friend’s gathering, and the vibrant colors immediately caught my eye. Known as “Kue Bolu Kukus,” it’s a steamed cake that hails from Indonesia, making it a delightful option for gatherings or a casual dessert at home. The base flavors are simple, but the addition of food coloring transforms it into a visual treat. I appreciate how quick the preparation is, and using a steamer means it’s less likely to dry out, unlike baked cakes. The kids love picking their favorite colors, and honestly, who can resist those layered swirls? I’ve made this several times, learning the importance of alternating colors for a fun presentation while also keeping an eye on the steaming time to avoid any soggy bites.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 can lemon-lime soda (like 7-Up)
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoons green food coloring
- 2 teaspoons purple food coloring
Instructions
- Whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until well combined.
- Add the flour, milk powder, baking powder, and lemon-lime soda, then beat again until the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate the cream of tartar, mixing until you have a smooth, batter-like consistency.
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Mix green food coloring into one bowl, and purple coloring into another, leaving the third as is.
- Line cupcake tins with liners and fill each cup with alternating layers of green, purple, and plain batter.
- Place the filled cupcake tins in a steamer over boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes, until thoroughly steamed.
- Remove from the steamer and allow to cool before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The kids enjoy the fun colors, which makes it a hit at parties.
- The texture remains moist from steaming, avoiding the common pitfalls of baking.
- It’s easy to scale up for larger gatherings without complicating the recipe.
Chef’s Tips for Perfection
- Ensure your steamer is preheated before adding the batter to help it cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the steaming time; too long can make the cake dense.
- Feel free to experiment with different colors or flavors to make it your own.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. It also freezes well; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, keeping the texture intact.
Nutritional Notes
This cake has approximately 220 calories per serving, making it a lighter sweet treat compared to traditional baked options.
