How to Make Bánh Chuối Hấp (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Bánh Chuối Hấp, or Vietnamese Steamed Banana Cake, is a beloved traditional dessert from Vietnam. This delightful sweet treat features ripe bananas suspended in a chewy, fragrant base made from tapioca and rice flours, then gently steamed to perfection. Bánh Chuối Hấp is often enjoyed as a light dessert or afternoon snack across Vietnam, particularly in southern regions where bananas are plentiful and celebrated in everyday cooking. The taste is a harmonious blend of natural banana sweetness and a subtle coconut aroma, enhanced by a silky coconut sauce. It’s a comforting dish that reflects Vietnam’s ingenuity in creating delicious recipes from simple, local ingredients. Bánh Chuối Hấp is also a vegetarian-friendly dessert that is lower in fat than many Western cakes, making it a smart choice for those who crave sweets but are mindful of their health. With its beautiful golden hue and alluring scent, this steamed banana cake is both a nostalgic comfort and a visual delight—perfect for sharing with family or experiencing Vietnamese culture from your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 medium Ripe bananas (chuối sứ or regular ripe bananas)
- 1/2 cup Tapioca flour (bột năng)
- 1/4 cup Rice flour (bột gạo)
- 1/2 cup Coconut milk (nước cốt dừa, light version preferred)
- 1/4 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Sugar (reduce for lower calories)
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch (for coconut sauce)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Peel and slice the ripe bananas into thin rounds or lengthwise strips
Peel and slice the ripe bananas into thin rounds or lengthwise strips. Set aside in a bowl.
Step 2 · In a mixing bowl
In a mixing bowl, combine tapioca flour, rice flour, sugar, salt, and water. Stir until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3 · Add coconut milk and vanilla extract (if using) to the flour mixture
Add coconut milk and vanilla extract (if using) to the flour mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 4 · Gently fold banana slices into the batter
Gently fold banana slices into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
Step 5 · Pour the mixture into a lightly greased heatproof dish or mold
Pour the mixture into a lightly greased heatproof dish or mold. Smooth the top.
Step 6 · Steam over medium-high heat for 20 minutes
Steam over medium-high heat for 20 minutes, or until the cake is set and translucent.
Step 7 · For the coconut sauce
For the coconut sauce, mix 1/4 cup coconut milk with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 8 · Slice the steamed banana cake and drizzle with warm coconut sauce
Slice the steamed banana cake and drizzle with warm coconut sauce. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Why this recipe is healthy
This healthy version of Bánh Chuối Hấp is steamed instead of fried or baked, using whole, plant-based ingredients. The absence of butter and eggs makes it lower in saturated fat, and the addition of bananas boosts both flavor and nutrition. By moderating sugar and opting for light coconut milk, this dessert satisfies sweet cravings while being mindful of caloric intake, making it ideal for calorie-conscious eaters seeking authentic Vietnamese desserts.
A note on tradition
Bánh Chuối Hấp is especially popular in southern Vietnam, where bananas are abundant. It is commonly served at family gatherings, street food stalls, and casual celebrations as a symbol of resourcefulness and hospitality. While not tied to a specific festival, this dessert is cherished for its simplicity and comfort, often accompanying tea time or shared as a sweet ending to everyday meals.