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Kuih Lapis – Malaysian Steamed Layer Cake Snack


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4.4 from 16 reviews

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

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
  • 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 1/2 cup of the white batter into the heated pan. Steam for 4 minutes, or until set. Add 1/2 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