Taro Milk Tea Cake

A delicious and soft Taro Milk Tea Cake is perfect for any celebration or gathering. This cake beautifully combines the earthy flavor of taro with the aromatic essence of black milk tea, making it a standout dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, afternoon tea, or simply indulging yourself, this cake will impress everyone with its unique flavors and delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of taro and black milk tea creates a rich and aromatic experience that sets this cake apart.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve great results without stress.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for various occasions such as birthdays, tea parties, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Light and Fluffy Texture: The airy sponge cake paired with light whipped cream makes for an irresistible dessert that won’t weigh you down.
• Stunning Presentation: The beautiful layers and creamy frosting make it a visually appealing centerpiece for any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8-inch round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Steamer or pot for steaming taro
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 8-inch round cake pan: Perfect size for creating the ideal height for your cake while ensuring even baking.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for achieving fluffy egg whites and well-mixed batter, which contribute to the cake’s light texture.

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Ingredients

A soft, aromatic sponge cake infused with black milk tea and earthy taro, finished with light taro whipped cream.

For the Cake

• 200 g taro, peeled and cubed
• 60 ml whole milk
• 2 black tea bags (or 4 g loose-leaf Assam)
• 120 ml hot water
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 120 g granulated sugar, divided
• 60 ml neutral oil
• 100 g cake flour, sifted
• 6 g baking powder (1 tsp)
• 2 g salt (1/4 tsp)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 150 ml cold whipping cream (35% fat)
• 20 g powdered sugar

How to Make Taro Milk Tea Cake

Step 1: Brew the Milk Tea

Steep the tea bags in 120 ml hot water for 5 minutes. After steeping, discard the bags and let the tea cool before using it in the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Taro

Steam the taro cubes until fork-tender, which takes about 15 minutes. Once cooked, mash them and blend with 60 ml milk. Reserve 80 g of this mixture for the batter and chill the remaining portion for use in frosting later.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 170 °C (340 °F). Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper while leaving the sides ungreased.

Step 4: Mix Egg Yolks and Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with 60 g of granulated sugar until pale. Incorporate oil, cooled milk tea, vanilla extract, and 80 g of taro purée until smooth. Gradually fold in sifted flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

Step 5: Whip Egg Whites

In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the remaining 60 g sugar while continuing to whip until medium-stiff peaks are achieved.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter. Then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined to maintain airiness.

Step 7: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan. Tap it once on the counter to release any bubbles. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cake

Once baked, invert the pan onto a rack to cool completely before unmolding it carefully from the pan.

Step 9: Prepare Taro Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip cold cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. Gently fold in any remaining chilled taro purée until well combined.

Step 10: Frosting

Once your cooled cake is ready, frost it generously with your prepared taro whipped cream. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing into portions to serve.

Enjoy this delightful Taro Milk Tea Cake at any occasion!

How to Serve Taro Milk Tea Cake

Taro Milk Tea Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or celebrating a special occasion, these serving suggestions will enhance your enjoyment of this lovely cake.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices of taro milk tea cake alongside fresh fruit like strawberries, mangoes, or lychees for a refreshing contrast.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include the cake on a dessert platter with other sweets such as macarons, cookies, and mini tarts to create an attractive assortment.

Paired with Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy the cake with a warm cup of black tea or coffee to complement its flavors and create a cozy atmosphere.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Add fresh mint leaves on top of each slice for an aromatic touch and vibrant color that enhances presentation.

How to Perfect Taro Milk Tea Cake

To achieve the best results when making Taro Milk Tea Cake, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cake is light, fluffy, and full of flavor.

• Use fresh taro: Fresh taro provides the best flavor and texture compared to frozen or canned options.
• Cool the milk tea properly: Allowing the brewed milk tea to cool before adding it to the batter helps maintain the right consistency.
• Separate eggs carefully: Ensure no yolk gets into the egg whites when separating them; this will help them whip up better.
• Fold gently: When combining the egg whites with the yolk mixture, fold gently to keep air in and maintain fluffiness.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cake while baking; it’s done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Best Side Dishes for Taro Milk Tea Cake

Taro Milk Tea Cake pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its unique flavor. Here are some excellent options:

1. Coconut Sago Pudding
   A creamy dessert made from sago pearls and coconut milk that adds a tropical touch.

2. Mango Sticky Rice
   Sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango slices and drizzled with coconut cream for a satisfying combination.

3. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits tossed together for a light, refreshing side that enhances the cake’s sweetness.

4. Matcha Green Tea Cookies
   These soft cookies provide a slightly bitter contrast that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.

5. Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)
   Crispy on the outside and chewy inside, these sweet treats filled with red bean paste are perfect for balancing flavors.

6. Red Bean Soup
   A warm sweet soup made from adzuki beans offers a comforting accompaniment to the chilled cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Taro Milk Tea Cake, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping ingredient preparation: Make sure to prepare all ingredients ahead of time. This ensures that you won’t be scrambling during the mixing process.

• Not cooling the milk tea: Allowing the brewed tea to cool is essential. Adding hot tea can affect the batter’s texture and cause it to cook unevenly.

• Overmixing the batter: Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy texture.

• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Testing with a skewer too early or too late can result in undercooked or overcooked cake.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the frosted cake helps set the cream, making it easier to slice and enhancing flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Taro Milk Tea Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Taro Milk Tea Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 150 °C (300 °F) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Taro Milk Tea Cake:

Can I use different types of tea for Taro Milk Tea Cake?

Yes, you can experiment with different black teas or even green teas. Just ensure they have robust flavors that complement taro.

What if I can’t find taro?

You can substitute taro with purple sweet potatoes for a similar flavor profile and vibrant color.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute whole milk with plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream instead of regular whipping cream.

Can I customize the frosting for Taro Milk Tea Cake?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like matcha or chocolate to your whipped cream for a unique twist.

What is the best way to serve Taro Milk Tea Cake?

Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert. Pair it with fresh fruit or a scoop of sorbet for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

Taro Milk Tea Cake is not only delightful but also versatile, allowing room for personal touch and customization. Whether you choose different flavors or frostings, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the harmonious blend of earthy taro and aromatic milk tea!