Quimbolitos
Quimbolitos are traditional Ecuadorian steamed cakes, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack. They're made with a soft, moist batter and are typically wrapped in banana leaves for a light, fluffy texture and a subtly sweet flavor. This recipe uses a combination of wheat and corn flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and cheese, with optional raisins for added sweetness.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Wheat Flour(approx. 4oz)
- 1 cup Corn Meal(approx. 4oz)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 12 tbsp Unsalted Butter(softened, approx. 12oz)
- 1.5 cup Sugar(approx. 12oz)
- 2 cup Fresh Cheese(grated, approx. 12oz)
- 10 Eggs(separated into yolks and whites)
- 2.5 tsp Rum
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 10 tbsp Raisins
- 12 Achira Leaves(or banana leaves, cleaned and cut into rectangles)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- 2
Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is light and creamy.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wheat flour, corn meal, and baking powder.
- 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the rum and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
- 5
Stir in the grated fresh cheese and raisins until evenly distributed.
- 6
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- 7
Prepare the banana or achira leaves by cleaning them. Place a generous spoonful of batter in the center of each leaf.
- 8
Fold the leaves to create a rectangular packet, ensuring the batter is enclosed. Secure with kitchen twine if necessary.
- 9
Arrange the quimbolitos upright in a steamer basket. Steam over boiling water for 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
- 10
Remove from steamer, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If using banana leaves, briefly pass them over a flame or dip in hot water to make them pliable.
- ✓Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to ensure a tender cake.
- ✓Ensure the egg whites are stiff peaks before folding them in for maximum fluffiness.
🔄 Variations
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy note.
- Omit raisins for a less sweet version.
- Some recipes include a small amount of grated cheese in the batter for a savory element.