Fluffy Steamed Vanilla Birthday Cake

1.Prepare your steamer by filling it with water and bringing it to a gentle boil. Make sure to have a steaming rack or a heatproof plate ready to hold the cake pan above the water.

2.In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help aerate the flour and ensure a light texture in the cake.

3.In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined and smooth.

4.Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5.Prepare a round cake pan (8 or 9 inches) by greasing it with butter and dusting it with cornstarch to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

6.Once the water in the steamer is boiling, carefully place the cake pan on the steaming rack or heatproof plate. Cover the steamer with a lid, ensuring it fits tightly to trap the steam inside.

7.Steam the cake for about 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the water level occasionally and add more boiling water if necessary to prevent it from drying out.

8.Once cooked, carefully remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently run a knife around the edges and invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.