Okara Kinako Sponge Cake

Learn to bake moist springy sponge cake with okara, a healthy, gluten-free and cheap by-product of tofu!

Servings

6

Prep Time:

15 min.

Microwave for:

6 min.

Good For:

Breakfast, Snacks

Introduction

Okara Kinako Sponge Cake

If you live in Japan, you’ve probably encountered okara, a cheap by-product of tofu (I got about 600 grams (3 cups) of okara for only 70 yen!). Okara contains about 50% dietary fiber, 25% protein, 10% lipid and other nutrients. It has high fiber content and low production costs, making it a fun and cheap substitute for gluten-free cooking and baking, and a dietary supplement to prevent diabetes and obesity. You can get fresh, raw okara or dehydrated okara powder. I enjoy using the raw version even though it has a short shelf life because of the texture it gives to my cakes! 
I took advantage of how “moist” raw okara is (cringe word, I know) to make this springy bouncy sponge cake using only a microwave oven! This cake includes kinako (soybean flour) which I shared about in my No-Bake Kinako & Sesame Ball recipe. 

okara sponge cake meraki japan

Ingredients

  • Fresh, raw okara, 1 cup
  • Kinako powder, 3 tbsp.
  • Eggs, 2
  • Milk, 2 tbsp. 
  • Coconut sugar, 1/2 cup
  • Baking powder, 1/2 tbsp. 
  • Olive oil, 1 tbsp. 
  • Walnuts
    Mix your ingredients well until creamy.
    Line a bowl with plastic wrap and pour your batter into it.
    Lightly cover the batter up with the wrap. 
    Microwave at 600W for 6 minutes until solid. This will result in a spongy, steam-cake like texture.
    Enjoy it fresh out of the microwave or chill in fridge for a few hours! 

    More Recipes

    Ginger Warabi Mochi

    Ginger Warabi Mochi

    Ginger Warabi MochiA refreshing Japanese dessert with a spicy kick!Servings 6~8Prep Time: 20 min.Chill for: 2 hrs.Good For: DessertsIntroduction Ginger Warabi Mochi New Year is Japan’s biggest celebration and I always love all the Japanese food surrounding this...

    Vegan Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake Bars

    Vegan Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake Bars

    Vegan Chocolate Peppermint No-Bake BarsMy favorite holiday dessert combination - chocolate and peppermint! So refreshing and quick to make for Christmas dinner and potluck!Servings 6~8Prep Time: 20 min.Chill for: 2 hrs.Good For: DessertsIntroduction Vegan Chocolate...

    Gingerbread House

    Gingerbread House

    Gingerbread HouseA fun family activity for kids and adults with easy gluten-free and refined-sugar free parts!Servings 1 housePrep Time: 30~40 min.Bake for: 5 min.Good For: DessertsIntroduction Gingerbread House I love Christmas and all the activities surrounding this...

    Homemade Marshmallows

    Homemade Marshmallows

    Homemade MarshmallowsMake fluffy, guilt-free marshmallows without the sugar and processed ingredients!Servings 4~6Prep Time: 20 min.Set for: 4~5 hoursGood For: Desserts, DrinksIntroduction Homemade Marshmallows Hot chocolate with marshmallows during the holidays is...

    3-Ingredient Healthy Chocolate Truffles

    3-Ingredient Healthy Chocolate Truffles

    3-Ingredient Healthy Chocolate TrufflesCan easy, chocolate and healthy all be in one sentence? With this indulgent amazake truffle recipe, yes it can!Servings 6~7Prep Time: 5 min.Chill for: 15 min.Good For: Snacks, DessertsIntroduction 3-Ingredient Healthy Chocolate...

    Chewy Matcha Oat Cookies

    Chewy Matcha Oat Cookies

    Chewy Matcha Oat CookiesChewy, subtle matcha cookies that are so addicting!Servings 6~7Prep Time: 10 min.Bake for: 10 min.Good For: SnacksIntroduction Chewy Matcha Oat Cookies These cookies are soooo fluffy! Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside and with a...