Layered Steamed Cake (kueh Lapis)

Layered Steamed Cake, also known as Kueh Lapis, is a traditional Peranakan dessert that is popular in Southeast Asia. This multi-layered cake is made by steaming thin layers of batter one by one, resulting in a beautiful and colorful cake that is both delicious and visually stunning.

Layered Steamed Cake (kueh Lapis)

Ingredients

  • 200g rice flour
  • 150g tapioca flour
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 200g granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 pandan leaf, knotted
  • Red food coloring
  • Green food coloring
  • Yellow food coloring

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the rice flour and tapioca flour together.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk, sugar, salt, and pandan leaf over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Pour the hot coconut milk mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until smooth.
  4. Divide the batter into 5 equal portions. Leave one portion plain and color the remaining portions with red, green, yellow, and another color of your choice.
  5. Prepare a steamer and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
  6. Place the pan in the steamer and pour 1/4 cup of the plain batter into the pan. Steam for 5 minutes or until set.
  7. Repeat the process with the colored batters, layering each new color on top of the previous layer.
  8. Once all the batter is used up, steam the cake for an additional 15 minutes to set the top layer.
  9. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
150 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g
Protein
3g
Fat
5g

Supplies

Steamer 8-inch square pan Parchment paper

Tools

Whisk Saucepan

Serving suggestions

Serve the layered steamed cake with a hot cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Tips & tricks

For a more vibrant and colorful cake, use natural food coloring made from ingredients like beetroot, matcha, and turmeric.

Cost

$10