Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay (kha-nom-kluay) – A Complete Guide to Making Soft and Fragrant Thai Steamed Banana Cake

Many home cooks try making Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay (kha-nom-kluay) and end up with a cake that is too firm, lacks fragrance, or turns out pale and uneven. These issues usually happen when the bananas aren’t ripe enough, the steaming process isn’t controlled well, or the mixture isn’t blended smoothly. To help you achieve soft, sticky, and naturally fragrant Thai steamed banana cake, this guide gathers everything you need—from understanding the ingredients, preparation techniques, and steaming methods, to tips for creating an authentic Khanom Kluay that tastes just like traditional Thai desserts sold at local markets.
For those who want to explore more Thai dessert recipes, the collection at Thai Food Cookbook is a great place to start.

This article will explain how to make Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay (kha-nom-kluay) using authentic methods, ideal ingredients, and easy steps you can follow even as a beginner. You will learn how to choose the best bananas, how to mix the batter correctly, and how to steam it to get the perfect texture. To help you get the best results, the content includes essential keywords such as Thai steamed banana cake recipe, traditional Khanom Kluay dessert, soft steamed banana cake method, and banana coconut Thai dessert, all blended naturally throughout the article.

Authentic Thai Steamed Banana Cake Recipe for Soft and Sticky Khanom Kluay

Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay (kha-nom-kluay) is one of the most beloved Thai desserts thanks to its sweet aroma, chewy-soft texture, and the natural flavor of ripe bananas. Making this cake requires proper ingredient selection and a balanced mixture of flour, coconut milk, and fully ripe bananas. Choosing bananas that are deeply spotted and naturally sweet ensures that your Thai steamed banana cake turns out fragrant and full of flavor.

Using underripe bananas or overmixing the batter may result in a dense or bland cake. However, with the right method, anyone can make a traditional Khanom Kluay that tastes rich, soft, and naturally sweet. Adding pandan juice or coconut flakes also enhances the flavor, making it closer to the Thai-style steamed banana cake sold in classic dessert shops or floating markets.

Ingredients for Steamed Banana Cake – What You Need for the Perfect Thai Dessert

Here is the full list of ingredients needed to make soft and fragrant Khanom Kluay:

• 400 g mashed overripe Thai bananas (Namwa bananas recommended)
• 150 g rice flour
• 50 g tapioca flour
• 180 g sugar
• 200 ml coconut milk
• 2 tbsp pandan juice (optional for aroma)
• Grated coconut for topping
• A pinch of salt

Using overripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and a pleasant smell. Rice flour gives structure, while tapioca flour enhances chewiness, giving Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay (kha-nom-kluay) its signature texture.

Step-by-Step Method: How to Make Soft and Fragrant Steamed Banana Cake

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the ideal steamed banana cake texture:

1. Preheat your steamer: Boil water in a steaming pot beforehand to create stable heat.
2. Mash the bananas: Use fully ripe bananas and mash until smooth to avoid lumps.
3. Mix the flours: Sift rice flour and tapioca flour to remove clumps and ensure a smooth batter.
4. Combine sugar and coconut milk: Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
5. Add the banana mixture: Mix well until fully combined.
6. Add pandan juice for aroma (optional): This enhances the traditional Thai dessert fragrance.
7. Pour batter into molds: Fill about ¾ of each mold to allow the cake to rise.
8. Steam for 20–25 minutes: Keep the lid closed during steaming for best results.
9. Top with grated coconut: Mix coconut with a pinch of salt and sprinkle before serving.

For those who want to learn more about the history and cultural significance of this dessert, check out the detailed explanation at Khanom Kluay Information, which offers additional insights into Thai dessert traditions.

Best Techniques for Making Authentic Thai Steamed Banana Cake at Home

Perfecting Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay (kha-nom-kluay) involves understanding a few essential techniques that affect its softness and aroma. Maintaining steady heat while steaming and choosing the right ingredients are the two most important factors.

• Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
• Do not open the lid during steaming to prevent the cake from collapsing.
• Use coconut milk instead of water for richer flavor.
• Add tapioca flour to enhance chewiness.
• Use silicone molds for easy release and smooth texture.

Why Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay Is a Timeless Thai Dessert

Khanom Kluay remains one of the most iconic Thai desserts due to its simplicity, natural sweetness, and nostalgic taste. The combination of banana, coconut milk, and soft chewy texture makes it a comfort dessert suitable for all ages. Whether served warm or cooled, this Thai steamed banana cake delivers the perfect balance of flavor and aroma.

Today, more people around the world enjoy making Thai desserts at home, and Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay (kha-nom-kluay) is one of the easiest traditional recipes to start with. Its simple ingredients, minimal equipment, and delightful taste make it a great choice for learning Thai culinary culture.

Summary: How to Make the Best Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay

This complete guide shows how to prepare soft and fragrant Steamed Banana Cake – Khanom Kluay (kha-nom-kluay) using authentic Thai techniques, easy ingredients, and detailed steps suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike. By following the ingredients list, the step-by-step method, and the expert tips provided, you can create a Thai steamed banana dessert that is naturally sweet, aromatic, and wonderfully chewy—just like traditional Khanom Kluay sold in Thailand.