Crispy Fresh Milk Yen's Hand Cake Recipe: Easy Steps & Tips

Yen's Hand Cakes are a delightful treat, crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside. These addictive little cakes are surprisingly simple to make, requiring readily available ingredients and minimal baking expertise. Their satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness make them perfect for an afternoon snack, a delightful dessert, or even a unique addition to a party spread. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking times; this recipe focuses on achieving that perfect texture with ease.

This recipe prioritizes a clear and concise approach to crafting these beloved treats, making even the most novice baker feel confident in the kitchen. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve the signature crispy exterior and soft interior that defines Yen's Hand Cakes. Ready to embark on this delicious baking journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Tools Needed

  • Bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Whisk
  • Deep-bottomed pan
  • Cooking oil
  • Chopsticks

Ingredients

  • Tapioca flour: 250g
  • All-purpose flour: 15g
  • Glutinous rice flour: 25g
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tube
  • Chicken egg: 1
  • Unsweetened fresh milk: 280ml
  • Brown sugar: 150g
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Batter

  • Combine tapioca flour, all-purpose flour, glutinous rice flour, and salt in a bowl.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh milk, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and knead thoroughly for about 20 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should form air bubbles.
  • Cover the dough and let it rest for 30-60 minutes.
Mix dry ingredients: Combine tapioca flour, all-purpose flour, glutinous rice flour, and salt in a bowl.Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh milk, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.Knead the dough: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and knead thoroughly for about 20 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should form air bubbles.Rest the dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 30-60 minutes.
Prepare the Batter

Step 2. Heat the Oil

  • Heat oil in a deep-bottomed pan over medium heat.
Prepare the oil: Heat oil in a deep-bottomed pan over medium heat.
Heat the Oil

Step 3. Fry the Hand Cakes

  • Using a measuring cup, scoop the dough and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Pour the dough in the center and lift the cup slightly to help create a high peak. Rotate the cake for even browning.
Fry the cakes: Using a measuring cup, scoop the dough and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Pour the dough in the center and lift the cup slightly to help create a high peak. Rotate the cake for even browning.
Fry the Hand Cakes

Step 4. Achieve Crispy Perfection

  • Fry the cakes until golden brown and crispy.
Continue frying: Fry the cakes until golden brown and crispy.
Achieve Crispy Perfection

Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use tapioca flour for a chewier texture and more roots.
  • Use unsweetened milk and adjust sugar according to preference.
  • Kneading is crucial for creating air bubbles, resulting in a crispy cake with a high peak.
  • Maintain medium heat throughout the frying process for consistent cooking.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the fresh milk with something else?

While fresh milk provides the best flavor and texture, you can try using evaporated milk or a combination of milk and cream. The result might be slightly different, but still tasty.

2. My cakes are too soft/hard. What went wrong?

Soft cakes might indicate underbaking; try adding a few minutes to the baking time. Hard cakes might be overbaked; reduce the baking time slightly next time. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate.


With these simple steps, you've mastered the art of making delicious Crispy Fresh Milk Yen's Hand Cakes. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and delightful chewiness of these homemade treats, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Happy baking!