Kuih Lapis – Malaysian Steamed Layer Cake

Growing up in Malaysia, I loved sitting at the table and peeling apart the colorful layers one by one, enjoying each piece slowly. There was something so satisfying about the soft, chewy texture and the subtle sweetness paired with coconut flavor—it’s a dessert that feels as playful as it is delicious.

This recipe is made with six layers instead of the traditional nine, because I personally think the effort / output doesn’t really warrant a full nine layer cake. However, if you use a smaller pan, the layers will look even taller. Also, while the alternating pink and white layers are festive, you could easily switch it up with more colors if you’re feeling creative.

For me and many other Malaysians, Kuih Lapis is a a little taste of my childhood. Whether you like to peel the layers apart like I do or just dive in and enjoy the whole thing, I hope this recipe brings some joy and a bit of tradition to your kitchen.

How to Make Kuih Lapis – Malaysian Steamed Layer Cake

Prepare the Coconut Mixture:

1. Boil the liquids:
   • In a medium pot, combine water, sugar, and pandan leaves. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
   • Turn off the heat, remove pandan leaves, and stir in the coconut milk. Let the mixture cool completely.
2. Mix the flours:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together tapioca flour and rice flour. Gradually add the cooled coconut mixture, whisking continuously until smooth.
   • Strain the batter through a sieve to remove lumps.
3. Divide and color:
   • Divide the batter into two equal portions. Add rose pink coloring to one portion, leaving the other portion white. Stir each batter well before using.

Steam the Layers:

4. Prepare the pan:
   • Grease a 7-inch (18 cm) square or round cake pan with a little oil. Place the pan in a steamer and preheat for a few minutes over high heat.
5. Steam the layers:
   • Pour about ½ cup of the white batter into the heated pan. Steam for 4 minutes, or until set.
   • Add ½ cup of the pink batter on top of the white layer. Steam for another 4 minutes.
   • Repeat the process, alternating layers, until all batter is used. Stir the batter each time before pouring.
6. Create a final vibrant layer:
   • For the last layer, add an extra drop of pink coloring to deepen the shade. Steam for an additional 6 minutes.

Cool and Serve:

7. Cool completely:
   • Allow the kuih to cool completely in the pan. Invert the pan to release the cake.
   • Brush a little oil over the surface for a glossy finish, if desired.
8. Slice neatly:
   • Grease a knife with a little oil to prevent sticking while cutting. Serve at room temperature.

101 Guide to Succeeding with Kuih Lapis

About Kuih Lapis:

• Kuih Lapis is a traditional Southeast Asian dessert, particularly popular in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. The name translates to “layered cake,” and its vibrant layers and chewy texture are iconic in festive occasions.

Key Tips:

1. Smooth Batter:
   • Straining the batter ensures a lump-free, silky consistency.
2. Even Layers:
   • Use a ladle or measuring cup for consistent layer thickness.
3. Color Mixing:
   • Stir the batter before each pour to prevent the flours from settling.
4. Cooling Time:
   • Allow the kuih to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
5. Pan Preparation:
   • Grease the pan lightly to prevent sticking but avoid over-greasing to keep the layers intact.

Kuih Lapis – Malaysian Steamed Layer Cake Snack

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4.3 from 14 reviews

• Author: Ann Low
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Striking pink and white layers of this Southeast Asian dessert are created by steaming a delicate coconut batter. A beautiful and delicious treat!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups (350 g) tapioca flour
• 2/3 cups (100 g) rice flour
• 2 cups (500 ml) water
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 2 cups (500 ml) thick coconut milk
• 4 pandan leaves
• Rose pink coloring
• pinch salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Coconut Mixture

1. In a medium pot, combine water, sugar, and pandan leaves. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat, remove pandan leaves, and stir in the coconut milk. Let the mixture cool completely.
2. Mix the flours:
3. In a large bowl, whisk together tapioca flour and rice flour. Gradually add the cooled coconut mixture, whisking continuously until smooth. Strain the batter through a sieve to remove lumps.

Divide and color

1. Divide the batter into two equal portions. Add rose pink coloring to one portion, leaving the other portion white. Stir each batter well before using.

Steam the Layers

1. Grease a 7-inch (18 cm) square or round cake pan with a little oil. Place the pan in a steamer and preheat for a few minutes over high heat.
2. Pour about ½ cup of the white batter into the heated pan. Steam for 4 minutes, or until set. Add ½ cup of the pink batter on top of the white layer. Steam for another 4 minutes. Repeat the process, alternating layers, until all batter is used. Stir the batter each time before pouring.
3. For the last layer, add an extra drop of pink coloring to deepen the shade. Steam for an additional 6 minutes.

Cool and Serve

1. Allow the kuih to cool completely in the pan. Invert the pan to release the cake. Brush a little oil over the surface for a glossy finish, if desired.
2. Grease a knife with a little oil to prevent sticking while cutting. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

• For a smoother batter, use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the batter twice after combining the flours and coconut mixture.
• To achieve even layers, use a measuring cup to pour consistent amounts of batter into the pan for each layer.
• Store leftover Kuih Lapis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; it’s best served at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Malaysian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 25
• Sodium: 50
• Fat: 10
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 5
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 2
• Cholesterol: 15mg

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