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Kuih Lapis Steamed Layer Cake

Kuih Lapis – Malaysian Steamed Layer Cake Snack


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4.3 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Ann Low
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves 6-8 1x

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

Scale

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:

  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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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