Description
Kuih Lapis, or Steamed Layer Cake, is a delicious Southeast Asian dessert made with alternating layers of soft, chewy batter infused with coconut milk. With striking pink and white stripes, this cake is steamed layer by layer – giving it its iconic look and texture.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups (350 g) tapioca flour
2/3 cup (100 g) rice flour
2 cups (500 ml) water
1 cup (200 g) sugar (reduced from 400 g)
2 cups (500 ml) thick coconut milk, with a pinch of salt
4 pandan leaves
Rose pink coloring (or colors of choice)
Instructions
Prepare the Coconut Mixture:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Slice neatly:
- Grease a knife with a little oil to prevent sticking while cutting. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Smooth Batter:
- Straining the batter ensures a lump-free, silky consistency.
Even Layers:
- Use a ladle or measuring cup for consistent layer thickness.
Color Mixing:
- Stir the batter before each pour to prevent the flours from settling.
Cooling Time:
- Allow the kuih to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
Pan Preparation:
- Grease the pan lightly to prevent sticking but avoid over-greasing to keep the layers intact.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 120g
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg