Wash the glutinous rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Then soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the rice well.

Soak the dried lotus seeds and red dates in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside. Chop or slice all the dried fruits and nuts into bite-sized pieces. If using banana leaves, cut them to fit the bottom and sides of a heatproof bowl.

Place the lotus seeds and red dates in a steamer basket and steam for 20–30 minutes until tender. Set aside.

In a large pot or rice cooker, steam the soaked and drained glutinous rice with a little oil added. You can either steam it over boiling water (covered with foil or a lid) for about 30–40 minutes or use a rice cooker on the 'glutinous rice' setting if available. The rice should be cooked but still slightly firm.

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, honey or maltose syrup, and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a thick syrup. Stir well and let cool slightly.

While the rice is still warm, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sweet syrup over the rice and mix thoroughly so that each grain is coated. Be gentle to avoid mashing the rice.

Line the bottom of a deep, heatproof bowl (preferably round like a mixing bowl) with banana leaves or parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle aroma. Arrange the eight-treasure fillings decoratively on the bottom and around the sides of the bowl. You can place slices of red dates, lotus seeds, and candied fruit to form a colorful pattern. Add a layer of sweetened glutinous rice to cover the filling layer. Repeat with more fillings and rice layers, finishing with a top layer of rice.

Cover the bowl with aluminum foil or a heatproof lid and place it in a steamer. Steam over medium-high heat for about 1 hour or until the rice is fully set and sticky.

Carefully remove the bowl from the steamer and let it cool slightly. To serve, run a knife around the edge of the bowl to loosen the rice. Place a serving plate over the bowl and quickly flip it upside down. Gently lift the bowl to reveal the beautifully decorated ba bao fan. Serve warm or at room temperature.