Healthy Steamed Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Steamed pumpkin cake is an enjoyable and light snack that is perfect for breakfast, tea time or as a light snack. Traditionally savoury with shrimps and mushrooms, I’ve created a healthier sweet version that’s naturally light, much lower in sugar, no added fats and packed with the goodness of pumpkin.

Specifically, this recipe makes a steamed pumpkin cake that is soft, moist, and slightly bouncy. Of course, with much less guilt – by letting the natural pumpkin sweetness shine, we can cut down on added sugars and fats while enjoying a delicious treat.

Here are additional reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

Pumpkin powered and healthier choice (or vegetable powered too)!
This steamed pumpkin cake is over 50% pumpkin (inclusive of even the weight of the water added) and is naturally sweet, high in dietary fiber and full of vitamins. Furthermore, this allows it to have no added fats and way less sugar to be added, a key highlight I shared earlier!
Additional health benefits, such as antioxidants and vitamins while remaining flavourful
Pumpkin is rich in beta carotene which supports eye health and immunity! Furthermore, the addition of cranberries provide a strong boost in antioxidants and a tangy contrast while sesame seeds add calcium, dietary fiber, and a light fragrance. Of course, these are just a few benefits to start with and the list goes on!
Simple to make
This comes together with just a few ingredients, and mixing them altogether. I would say the hardest part of making this Steamed Pumpkin Cake is in chopping the pumpkin and that’s all!

By the way, this recipe is part of a collaboration I have with Singapore Cancer Society in encouraging you to have better and healthier eating habits. This is especially so when every pick comes with a price, and I hope we can all embark on healthier benefits together. You can find out more about their campaign here: https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/

Without further ado, the video and recipe!

Healthy Steamed Pumpkin Cake Recipe
by Javier Tan August-31-2025

Pumpkin powered with no additional fats and much lower in sugar, this Steamed Pumpkin Cake makes for the perfect breakfast or snack!

Ingredients (Note: If you’re not used to lower sugar food items, you can also do 200g pumpkin + 80g sugar)

1 Heaping cup or approx 250g of Steamed Pumpkin
1 Cup + 1 Tbsp or 140g of Plain Flour
3 Tbsp + 1 Tsp or 45g of White Sugar
2 Tsp or 6g of Yeast
1 Tsp or 5g of Baking Powder
Small pinch of salt
1/3 Cup or 80ml of Water
(Optional) Cranberries and sesame seeds, to taste

Instructions

Chop the pumpkin into small cubes, remove the seeds and steam at high heat until softened (approx 25 – 32 mins).
Then, mash the pumpkin cubes using a fork into a puree and let cool.
Mix all ingredients together, adding water last until it’s smooth
Stir the pandan juice into the sugar solution, and add alkaline water. If desired, you can add pandan extract at this stage for a further boost in colour and flavour.
Next, transfer batter to a 6 inch baking tray (line base with parchment paper), cover to proof for 45 mins until doubled in size.
Top with cranberries and sesame seeds (note if you like more cranberries, you can add even more before the proofing stage).
Steam at high heat for 35 – 45 mins until a toothpick in the centre comes out clean.
Cool for 15 mins, unmould, serve and enjoy with a cup of green tea!
Serve and enjoy! I like to refrigerate mine

Details

Prep time: 30 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 45 mins
Yield: 1 Tray of Healthy Steamed Pumpkin Cake

Notes:

If you would like to be updated for more recipes which I strive to create to perfection for sharing and for free, do check out my Instagram, Facebook Page, or YouTube 🙂 Thank you so much for all of your support! Feel free to tag me or link back here!
Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (covered) and able to last at least a full day at room temperature.
Feel free to ask if you’ve further questions!

Enjoy!
– Bakeomaniac, Javier Tan