Description
Striking pink and white layers of this Southeast Asian dessert are created by steaming a delicate coconut batter. A beautiful and delicious treat!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 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
Instructions
Prepare the Coconut Mixture
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- For the last layer, add an extra drop of pink coloring to deepen the shade. Steam for an additional 6 minutes.
Cool and Serve
- 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.
- 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