How do you bake banh bo hap?

How to Bake Banh Bo Hap

Banh bo hap, or steamed Vietnamese sponge cake, is a delicious and popular treat. While traditionally steamed, you can bake it in the oven with slight modifications to the recipe. Here's a guide to baking banh bo hap:

Ingredients:

* For the batter:

* 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

* 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

* 1/4 cup (60ml) water

* 1 large egg

* 1 teaspoon baking powder

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1/4 cup (60ml) melted butter

* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* For the topping:

* 1/4 cup (60g) shredded coconut

* 1/4 cup (60g) sugar

* 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and flour a baking pan: Choose a 9x13 inch baking pan and grease it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Dust the pan with flour, tapping out any excess.

3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, water, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Add cinnamon (optional): If desired, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter.

7. Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

8. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Prepare the topping: While the cake is baking, prepare the topping by combining the coconut, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.

10. Drizzle topping: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the coconut topping over the hot cake.

11. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips:

* Use a good quality vanilla extract: This will enhance the flavor of the cake.

* Don't overmix the batter: This can result in a tough cake.

* Test the cake for doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

* Serve warm: Banh bo hap is best served warm.

Note: Baking banh bo hap in the oven may result in a slightly denser texture compared to the traditional steamed version. However, it still offers a delicious and satisfying treat.