Every time I think of celebrations, my mind wanders to the delightful aroma of steamed muffins wafting through the kitchen—a beautiful contrast to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These Fat Goh, or Chinese Prosperity Cakes, have a unique charm that transports me back to family gatherings filled with laughter and joy. The first time I made them, I was amazed by how simple yet heartwarming they are; perfect for any occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat.
What I love about these steamed muffins is their versatility; they’re not just delicious but also offer a fun twist on traditional baked goods. With the warm spices of ginger and cardamom mingling with the sweetness of dark brown sugar, each bite is a delightful journey. Plus, the steaming process keeps them soft and moist, ensuring a satisfying texture that my whole family loves.
So, whether you’re looking for a festive dessert to impress your friends or simply want to indulge in a little homemade goodness, let’s dive into this flavorful recipe together!
Why is Fat Goh the perfect treat?
Uniquely Fluffy Texture: The steaming technique results in a light, airy muffin that melts in your mouth.
Irresistible Flavor: Infused with spices like ginger and cardamom, every bite is packed with warmth and sweetness.
Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients, even novice bakers can whip these up quickly.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for parties, they always bring smiles and compliments from friends and family.
Versatile Treat: Customize with your favorite flavors or enjoy them plain; the possibilities are endless!
Quick Cook Time: In just 15-20 minutes, you can serve these delightful muffins, making them a go-to for any occasion!
Fat Goh Ingredients
For the Muffins
• Betty Crocker white cake mix – This gives a sweet base that’s easy to work with for a delectable Fat Goh.
• All-purpose or cake flour – Use either for a light texture; cake flour yields a softer muffin.
• Glutinous rice flour – This is essential for that signature chewy texture that defines true Fat Goh.
• Ground ginger – Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Ground cardamom – This fragrant spice brings a unique flavor that elevates your steamed muffins.
• Large egg – Acts as a binding agent, helping to give structure to the muffins.
• Water – Keeps the batter moist and assists in the steaming process for fluffy results.
• Dark brown sugar – Imparts a rich sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the overall profile.
• Sunflower, coconut, or vegetable oil – Prevents the muffins from drying out and adds a lovely richness.
• Vanilla extract – A splash of this adds depth and rounds out the flavor of the Fat Goh.
Optional Toppings
• Shredded coconut – A delightful topping that complements the sweetness of the muffins.
• Chopped nuts – Adds a nice crunch and earthy flavor; try walnuts or pecans!
• Powdered sugar – A light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and makes for a pretty presentation.
With these simple ingredients, you can create delicious Fat Goh that will surely impress your family and friends!
How to Make Fat Goh
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Prepare the steamer by filling a large wok with water and placing the steaming rack inside. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the rack for even steaming.
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Combine the cake mix, all-purpose or cake flour, glutinous rice flour, ground ginger, ground cardamom, and dark brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir well until all dry ingredients are blended.
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Mix in the egg, water, oil, and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
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Line a 6-muffin pan with muffin liner cups. This makes for easy removal and adds a lovely presentation to your Fat Goh.
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Pour the batter into the muffin liner cups, filling each only about 2/3 full to allow for rising.
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Place the muffin pan on the steaming rack and cover the wok with a lid. Keeping it tightly covered ensures the muffins steam properly.
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Steam the muffins for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and style.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Fat Goh Variations
Invite your creativity into the kitchen and discover how versatile these steamed muffins can truly be!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle, warm kick to balance the sweetness.
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Fruit-Filled: Incorporate fresh blueberries or chopped bananas into the batter for a fruity surprise in every bite.
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Coconut-Lover: Replace some of the oil with coconut milk and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for extra tropical flavor.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in crushed nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to enhance the texture and add depth to the flavor.
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Herb-Infused: Play around with herbs! Fresh mint or basil can add an unexpected, refreshing twist to your Fat Goh.
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Chocolate Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a decadent, chocolatey version that’s sure to please any sweet tooth.
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Savory Option: Omit sugars and spices, adding cheese and herbs instead for a savory muffin perfect as a snack or side.
Expert Tips for Fat Goh
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Proper Steaming: Ensure the water doesn’t touch the muffin pan; this keeps the Fat Goh fluffy without becoming soggy.
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Lump-Free Batter: Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly with the dry to avoid lumps, ensuring a consistent texture in your steamed muffins.
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Don’t Overfill: Fill muffin liners only 2/3 full to allow for rising; otherwise, they may spill over and lose their lovely shape.
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Watch the Time: Steam for exactly 15-20 minutes. Oversteaming can dry them out, making them less enjoyable to eat.
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Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices or toppings—coconut or chopped nuts can enhance your Fat Goh to create a special treat!
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Storage Tip: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and delicious.
What to Serve with Fat Goh?
Imagine an enchanting afternoon, where the sweet aroma of steaming muffins mingles with comforting sides, creating a truly uplifting dining experience.
- Chili Garlic Edamame: The spicy kick from chili complements the soft sweetness of Fat Goh, making for an exciting flavor contrast.
- Honey Soy Glazed Chicken: This savory dish adds a rich, umami depth that balances the lightness of your steamed muffins beautifully.
- Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers with a tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast, cutting through the muffins’ sweetness delightfully.
- Sesame Noodles: These flavorful noodles can serve as a rich, savory side that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the Fat Goh.
- Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious option adds a vibrant color and mild earthiness that enhances the overall meal without overpowering the muffins.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: Served hot or iced, this floral tea complements the spices in Fat Goh, making for a soothing beverage pairing.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Indulge in a traditional treat that echoes the rice flour in the muffins, creating a lovely unity of flavors and textures.
- Lychee Sorbet: A refreshing and fruity dessert to cleanse the palate after enjoying the sweet Fat Goh, ensuring a delightful end to your meal.
With these thoughtfully chosen pairings, you’ll create a charming feast that celebrates the warmth and excitement of homemade food!
How to Store and Freeze Fat Goh
Room Temperature: Store leftover Fat Goh in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container. However, they may lose some moisture.
Freezer: Freeze Fat Goh individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. This preserves their delightful texture!
Reheating: For best results, steam or microwave your Fat Goh to reheat, ensuring they regain their soft, fluffy texture before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Fat Goh are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their fluffy goodness with minimal fuss on busy days! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the dry ingredients together and storing the mixture in an airtight container. Just remember to refrigerate it to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to steam, simply beat in the wet ingredients (egg, water, oil, and vanilla) and proceed with the steaming instructions. This way, you’ll have homemade treats in no time, just as delicious as if made fresh! Enjoy your time-saving advantage and the smiles these muffins will bring!
Fat Goh Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for Fat Goh?
I recommend using a combination of all-purpose or cake flour and glutinous rice flour. The glutinous rice flour is key for achieving that unique chewy texture that makes Fat Goh special!
How should I store Fat Goh?
After making your delicious Fat Goh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but do note they may lose some moisture.
Can I freeze Fat Goh?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat using a steamer or microwave to restore their fluffy texture!
What should I do if my muffins are too dry?
If your Fat Goh comes out dry, it could be due to oversteaming or not enough moisture in the batter. Ensure you’re steaming for the recommended 15-20 minutes, and consider adding a touch more water next time to keep the batter moist!
Are there any dietary considerations for Fat Goh?
Yes! If you’re making these for those with allergies, be cautious with the ingredients. The recipe contains wheat and egg. For a vegan option, you can experiment with flaxseed eggs or applesauce as replacements, but results may vary.
How can I tell when my Fat Goh are done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! Keep an eye on the time—oversteaming can dry them out, so stick to the 15-20 minute steaming range for the best results.
Irresistible Fat Goh: Steam Your Way to Prosperity Cake Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the steamer by filling a large wok with water and placing the steaming rack inside.
- Combine the cake mix, all-purpose or cake flour, glutinous rice flour, ground ginger, ground cardamom, and dark brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix in the egg, water, oil, and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Stir until the batter is smooth.
- Line a 6-muffin pan with muffin liner cups.
- Pour the batter into the muffin liner cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Place the muffin pan on the steaming rack and cover the wok with a lid.
- Steam the muffins for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for presentation.