Double Ninth Cake

The Double Ninth Festival : Double Ninth Cake

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chung Yeung Festival, is celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. It is a day deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, symbolising both family unity and respect for ancestors. The number nine is considered a yang number, associated with positive energy, and when two nines meet, it's believed to create a powerful yang force. To balance this excess, people engage in activities like hiking to higher grounds and enjoying symbolic foods, like the Double Ninth Cake, which symbolises health, longevity, and progress​.

Baking the Double Ninth Cake is a wonderful way to celebrate this meaningful day with family and friends. It carries cultural significance, representing layers of life and growth, much like the cake itself, which is traditionally baked in layers. By involving loved ones in the baking process, the act becomes more than just cooking; it turns into a celebration of togetherness, passing down cultural values and stories across generations.

Moreover, the tradition of sharing food and making offerings during the Double Ninth Festival reflects gratitude and remembrance. As you bake the cake together, it's a time to bond, reflect on the past, and celebrate good fortune, making the experience much richer and personal.

Whether you’re embracing tradition or simply enjoying time with family, baking Double Ninth Cake is a great way to keep the spirit of the festival alive!

Ingredients You'll Need:

  • Water – 200ml (for mixing)
  • Sugar – 100g (adjust sweetness to taste)
  • Chestnuts, dates, raisins, or dried fruits – for decoration and flavour.
  • Sweet-scented osmanthus wine (optional) – for traditional flavour.

How to Cook:

  1. Prepare the Flour Mixture: Mix the glutinous rice flour and regular rice flour in a large bowl. Slowly add water while mixing, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dough forms.
  2. Sweeten the Dough: Add sugar to the dough and knead until it’s well combined and smooth. You can also add a bit of vegetable oil for a softer texture.
  3. Layering the Cake: Divide the dough into several parts, as Double Ninth Cake is traditionally layered. You can keep the dough plain or add fillings (like sweet red bean paste) between the layers. Spread the dough evenly into a steaming dish or tray.
  4. Steam the Cake: Steam each layer for about 15 minutes, adding the next layer on top after the previous one is firm. Once all layers are steamed, the cake should be firm and bouncy.
  5. Decorate: After the final layer, decorate the top with chestnuts, dates, or other dried fruits. You can get creative with patterns or stick to traditional designs.
  6. Final Steam: Steam the entire cake for another 20 minutes to ensure all layers are fully cooked.
  7. Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing. The cake is best served warm or at room temperature, and you can store leftovers in the fridge.

Ready to bake your own Double Ninth Cake and celebrate the festival in style? Head to Sing Kee today and grab all the ingredients you'll need, from glutinous rice flour to chestnuts and dried fruits. Whether you're preparing this festive cake or any other Asian dishes, Sing Kee has a wide range of authentic Asian ingredients to make your celebration perfect. Visit us now and stock up on everything you need for a delicious, cultural experience!

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