INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

1. Grease the inner pot of the rice cooker with a thin layer of butter or oil and line the bottom with parchment paper (optional, for easier removal).
2. Preheat the rice cooker on the "Keep Warm" setting while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, Taro protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
   • Gradually add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry:
   • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not over-mix to keep the batter light.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

1. In a clean, grease-free bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the egg whites on medium speed until they form soft peaks.
2. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, a little at a time, and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 4: Fold the Batter

1. Gently fold 1/3 of the whipped egg whites into the batter to lighten it.
2. Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions, using a spatula and a gentle cutting-and-folding motion to avoid deflating the batter.

Step 5: Cook the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared rice cooker pot, tapping the pot gently on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
2. Close the lid and set the rice cooker to "Cook" (or its standard cooking setting). Let it cook for 45-60 minutes, depending on your rice cooker.
   • If the rice cooker switches to "Keep Warm" too early, wait for 5 minutes, then press "Cook" again. Repeat as needed.
3. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the inner pot from the rice cooker and let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
2. Gently run a spatula around the edges of the cake to loosen it, then invert it onto a plate or cooling rack.
3. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain, or garnish with whipped cream, boba pearls, or a drizzle of sweet milk tea syrup for extra flair!