Here’s a classic Steamed Sponge with Custard recipe—a soft, fluffy sponge paired with a silky, creamy custard 🍮✨. Steaming gives it an extra-light texture compared to baking.
Ingredients
For the Sponge:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp milk (optional, for a softer batter)
For the Custard:
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Make the Custard
- In a saucepan, heat milk until just warm (not boiling).
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
- Gradually pour warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to the pan, cook over low heat, stirring until it thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Sponge
- Grease a heatproof bowl or cake tin that fits inside your steamer.
- Beat eggs and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Fold in flour gently, in batches, to maintain airiness. Add milk if desired.
- Pour batter over the custard in the bowl (custard goes on the bottom or can be layered after steaming).
3. Steam the Cake
- Fill a steamer or large pot with a few inches of water. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Place the cake bowl on a trivet or heatproof plate in the steamer. Cover tightly with a lid (wrap lid with cloth to prevent water dripping onto cake).
- Steam for 20–25 minutes, until sponge is set and springs back when lightly pressed.
4. Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Can top with fruit, caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Ensure water is simmering gently—too much steam can make sponge soggy.
- Beat eggs and sugar well; this is what makes the sponge fluffy.
- For an extra smooth custard layer, strain the custard before pouring it into the bowl.
I can also give a quick one-bowl version that layers custard after steaming the sponge—so you don’t need to worry about custard sinking during steaming. This version is easier for beginners. Do you want me to show that?