Mung Bean Cake Recipe

As someone who loves trying out new recipes, I was thrilled to come across this gem. It’s a traditional Chinese dessert that’s packed with protein and low in calories. Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegan, making it a perfect choice for friends and family with dietary restrictions. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover this mouth-watering Mung Bean Cake recipe!

What is Mung Bean Cake?

Mung Bean Cake is a Chinese dessert made with mung beans, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk. The ingredients are steamed and then chilled to form a firm jelly-like texture. It can be served with shaved ice or as a filling for mooncakes.

What is mung bean cake made of?

• 300g yellow mung beans
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 200g sugar
• 1/2 tsp food powder colouring (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by soaking the yellow mung beans in cold water for at least 3 hours or overnight. Soaking helps to soften the beans and improve their texture.
2. After soaking, drain the mung beans and transfer them to a pot. Add water (about 1 inch above the beans) and bring it to a boil. Cook the beans for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if needed while cooking. Drain any excess water.
3. Transfer the cooked mung beans to a food processor or blender. Add the salt, vegetable oil, melted butter, sugar, and food powder colouring (if using). Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. The food colouring is optional but adds a vibrant yellow colour to the cake.
4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a cake pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
5. Pour the mung bean mixture into the greased cake pan and spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6. Bake the cake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
7. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips:

1. Soaking the mung beans is vital as it helps soften them, reduces the cooking time, and ensures a smooth texture in the cake.
2. You can adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste preferences. You can reduce the amount slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
3. Adding food powder colouring is optional but helps in achieving the characteristic yellow colour of the mung bean cake. You can find food powder colouring in speciality baking stores or online.
4. Make sure to grease the cake pan well to prevent the cake from sticking. You can use butter or vegetable oil for greasing.
5. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it. This helps in achieving a firmer texture and easy slicing.

What do mung beans taste like?

Mung beans have a mild, nutty flavour that’s slightly sweet. They’re also very versatile and can be added to salads, soups and stews.

What to serve with?

1. Coconut Sauce: Prepare a simple coconut sauce to drizzle over the cake. Mix 1 cup of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan to make the sauce.Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Allow it to cool before serving.
2. Fresh Fruits: Serve Mung Bean Cake with fresh fruits to add a refreshing element to the dessert. Sliced mangoes, strawberries, or kiwis complement the cake’s sweetness well. You can arrange the fruits on a platter or serve them in individual bowls.
3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is a classic accompaniment to cakes. It adds a creamy and airy texture that balances the denseness of the Mung Bean Cake. You can pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top of each slice or serve it on the side.
4. Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a scoop of your favourite ice cream alongside the Mung Bean Cake. Vanilla, coconut, or mango-flavoured ice cream work particularly well with the flavours of the cake. The contrast between the warm cake and the cold ice cream creates a delightful combination.
5. Tea or Coffee: Pair this Bean Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cosy and enjoyable experience. Choose a tea variety that complements the cake, such as green tea, jasmine tea, or oolong tea. Alternatively, a rich and aromatic cup of coffee can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
6. Sesame Seeds or Shredded Coconut: Sprinkle some roasted sesame seeds or shredded coconut on the cake before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and extra flavour to each bite. Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and golden.

Storage

If you want to make sure your Mung Bean Cake stays fresh, follow these steps:

1. Store it in an airtight container or bag with a paper towel inside.
2. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week after its purchase date or up to 2 weeks if it has already been opened.

Final Thoughts

Easy to cook, healthy to eat, and easy to digest! Not only is it a popular snack in China but also in many Asian countries. So if you want to add some more snacks to your family menu, then this mung bean cake recipe is exactly what you are looking for.

More Asian Recipes:

• TRIPLE DELIGHT CHINESE FOOD RECIPE
• HUI HUI CHICKEN RECIPE
• PHO AP CHAO RECIPE
• BANANA TEMPURA RECIPE
• EASY CHINESE CHICKEN FINGERS RECIPE

Mung Bean Cake

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cooking Time: 1 Hour 1 Hour

Nutrition facts: 118 calories 7 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

• 300g yellow mung beans
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 200g sugar
• 1/2 tsp food powder colouring (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by soaking the yellow mung beans in cold water for at least 3 hours or overnight. Soaking helps to soften the beans and improve their texture.
2. After soaking, drain the mung beans and transfer them to a pot. Add water (about 1 inch above the beans) and bring it to a boil. Cook the beans for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if needed while cooking. Drain any excess water.
3. Transfer the cooked mung beans to a food processor or blender. Add the salt, vegetable oil, melted butter, sugar, and food powder colouring (if using). Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. The food colouring is optional but adds a vibrant yellow colour to the cake.
4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a cake pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
5. Pour the mung bean mixture into the greased cake pan and spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
6. Bake the cake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
7. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.