I use the pantry staple for my favorite seasonal sweet.

Simply Recipes / Patty Lee

When I was growing up, my parents rarely made desserts.

As a kid, my favorite of the bunch was fa gao.

Overhead photo of two longevity cakes on a red plate with a bamboo steamer of steamed longevity cakes peeking in

Simply Recipes / Patty Lee

The cakes are traditionally steamed to bloom at the top, creating a flower-like split.

I loved watching the cups of batter go into the wok, then emerge all puffed up and fluffy.

I was always eager to tear off a piece while it was still warm.

Close-up of a steamed prosperity cake on a marble surface with a bamboo steamer in the background

Simply Recipes / Patty Lee

), andKristina Cho.

Her recipe comes from her Pau Pau, or maternal grandmother, and features an unexpected shortcut: Bisquick.

This pantry staple streamlines the process without compromising the tradition or taste.

Overhead photo of a bamboo steamer with several prosperity cakes inside showing how the cakes split on top to resemble a bloom once steamed

Simply Recipes / Patty Lee

The batter comes together quickly with just a whisk and steams up in 15 minutes.