Chinese New Year Sweet Rice Cake Recipe (Nian Gao)

Chinese New Year Sweet Rice Cake (Nian Gao) is a traditional treat that brings good luck and prosperity with every bite. This sticky, subtly sweet cake is a beloved part of New Year celebrations, but its comforting chewy texture and delicate flavor make it perfect to enjoy all year round. Whether served fresh or pan-fried to a crispy golden finish, it’s a delicious way to celebrate tradition or simply satisfy a sweet craving.

Chinese New Year Sweet Rice Cake Recipe

For an 8×8 cake pan:
3 cups water, plus more for steaming
3 slabs cane sugar
4 cups glutinous rice flour (1 pound), sifted
2 cups wheat starch (10 oz), sifted
3 ½ tablespoons extra light olive oil, separated
1 red date, for garnish

Chinese New Year Sweet Rice Cake Instructions

1. Make the syrup:

• In a pot over high heat, bring the water to a boil. Lower the heat and add the cane sugar. Cook until dissolved.
• Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool for 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the batter:

• In a large bowl, sift together the glutinous rice flour and wheat starch.
• Gradually whisk the cooled syrup into the flours in three additions until fully combined (about 3 minutes).
• Stir in 2 tablespoons of extra light olive oil.

3. Prepare the pan:

• Brush the 8×8 cake pan with oil and line the bottom with wax paper.

4. Steam the cake:

• Strain the batter into the pan to remove air bubbles; use a toothpick to pop any bubbles.
• Cover the pan with foil. In a large steamer with boiling water, place the pan inside and steam over high heat for 1 hour.

5. Cool and serve:

• Remove the pan and let the cake cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Invert the cake onto a cutting board and slice into ½-inch pieces.

6. Optional pan-fry:

• Heat 1 tablespoon extra light olive oil in a flat-bottom pan over medium heat.
• Lightly brown the slices for 30 seconds per side before serving.

Tips & notes

• Use cane sugar for the authentic deep caramel flavor that defines traditional nian gao.
• Steaming time is important to achieve the perfect chewy texture—don’t rush it!
• Pan-frying the cooled slices adds a crispy contrast to the soft interior and is a favorite way to enjoy leftovers.
• Garnish with red dates for a pop of color and an extra touch of sweetness.