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Healthy Pumpkin Glutinous Rice Cakes

This baked Chinese pumpkin cake is a simple and healthy snack made with steamed pumpkin, glutinous rice flour, and sesame seeds. With no eggs or frying required, it’s soft, chewy, and coated in crispy, golden sesame for a delightful treat!
Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 350 g pumpkin
  • 30 g granulated sugar
  • 280 g glutinous rice flour
  • 100 g white sesame seeds
  • cooking oil appropriate amount

Instructions

Prepare the Pumpkin

  • Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds. Cut it into evenly sized pieces and steam over high heat for 15–20 minutes. To check doneness, pierce the pumpkin with a chopstick; it should go through easily.

Make Pumpkin Puree

  • Transfer the steamed pumpkin to a large bowl. Add 30g granulated sugar and mash with a spatula or spoon until smooth. Mix thoroughly to create a fine puree, then let it cool completely.

Knead the Dough

  • Gradually add 280g glutinous rice flour to the cooled pumpkin puree, mixing as you go. Once it starts forming a loose dough, knead it by hand until smooth and non-sticky.

Shape and Coat with Sesame Seeds

  • Divide the dough into portions of about 70g each. Roll each portion into a ball, then coat thoroughly in sesame seeds by rolling it in a bowl of seeds. Press the sesame firmly onto the surface, then flatten each ball into a disc.

Prepare for Baking

  • Place the sesame-coated discs on a baking tray, leaving space between each. Brush a thin layer of cooking oil over the surface. This ensures a golden, crispy crust.

Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the cakes for 20–25 minutes, checking occasionally. When the surface is golden and slightly puffed, they're done. Be careful not to overbake. Adjust temperature and time based on your oven.