Authentic Indonesian Kue Lapis Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 400 grams of tapioca flour
  • 300 grams of white sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 can (400ml) of coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons of pandan essence
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • Red and green food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon of cooking oil for greasing

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a baking dish with cooking oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tapioca flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Gradually add the eggs into the dry mixture, stirring to combine.
  4. Add the coconut milk and pandan essence to the mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth.
  5. Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Leave one bowl as is, add red food coloring to the second bowl, and green food coloring to the third bowl. Mix each bowl until the colors are evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the green batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the top is firm and slightly dry.
  7. Remove the dish from the oven, pour the white batter over the baked green layer, and spread it evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
  8. Repeat the process with the red batter, baking it for another 10 minutes.
  9. Once all layers are baked and firm, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely.
  10. After it's cooled, slice the Kue lapis into squares or rectangles, and it's ready to serve.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowls - You will need several mixing bowls to separate and mix the batter.
  • Baking dish - A rectangular baking dish will be used to bake the Kue lapis layers.
  • Spatula - A spatula is essential for spreading the batter evenly in the baking dish.
  • Oven - You will need an oven to bake the Kue lapis layers.
  • Cooking oil - Cooking oil will be used to grease the baking dish.
  • Whisk or fork - A whisk or fork can be used to beat the eggs and combine the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife will be used to slice the Kue lapis into squares or rectangles after it has cooled.

Recipe variations

  • Replace tapioca flour with rice flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a healthier alternative.
  • Add a layer of grated cheese between the colored layers for a savory twist.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
  • Replace the pandan essence with rosewater or almond extract for different flavor profiles.
  • Create a chocolate version by adding cocoa powder to one of the batter bowls.
  • Make a pandan-flavored crust using pandan leaves and rice flour.
  • Add a layer of custard or fruit jam between the layers for added sweetness.
  • Experiment with different food coloring combinations to create unique patterns and designs.
  • Create a vegan version by replacing the eggs with a suitable egg substitute, such as flax eggs or applesauce.

Recipe overview

This is a simple and delicious recipe for Kue lapis, a traditional Indonesian layered cake known for its bright colors and sweet, coconutty flavor. Often made for special occasions, Kue lapis is characterized by its firm, slightly chewy texture and distinctive pandan aroma. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating your own Kue lapis at home, using easily accessible ingredients and straightforward steps. Expect to spend some time crafting each layer to perfection, but rest assured, the end result is well worth the effort. Enjoy this sweet treat as a dessert or a snack anytime you want to savor a piece of Indonesian tradition.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other flour instead of tapioca flour? No, tapioca flour is essential for the texture and consistency of Kue lapis. Using a different flour will alter the results.
  2. Can I substitute white sugar with brown sugar? It is not recommended to substitute white sugar with brown sugar in this recipe. The white sugar helps to maintain the light color and delicate flavor of the Kue lapis.
  3. Can I use fresh pandan leaves instead of pandan essence? Yes, you can use fresh pandan leaves instead of pandan essence. Blend 8-10 pandan leaves with the coconut milk and strain it before adding it to the batter.
  4. Can I skip the food coloring? Yes, you can omit the food coloring if you prefer a natural look for your Kue lapis. The layers will be a light beige color without the food coloring.
  5. How do I store Kue lapis? Store the Kue lapis in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to five days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
  6. Can I freeze Kue lapis? Yes, you can freeze Kue lapis. Slice it into portions and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
  7. Can I use a different size baking dish? Using a different size baking dish will affect the thickness and baking time of each layer. It is best to use a dish with similar dimensions as mentioned in the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A dish or pan used to bake the Kue lapis in the oven.
  • Spatula - A kitchen tool used to spread the batter evenly in the baking dish.
  • Knife - A sharp knife used to slice the cooled Kue lapis into serving portions.

Origin stories

Kue lapis, or layered cake, is a rich and colorful dessert that hails from Indonesia. It's especially popular during festive occasions such as Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, Chinese New Year, and birthdays. The meticulous process of making the cake, layer by layer, symbolizes the patience and diligence of the Indonesian people. The cake's vibrant colors are inspired by the diverse and multicultural nature of the Indonesian archipelago, representing harmony and unity. Each layer of the cake is baked separately, making the preparation time-consuming, but the result is a dessert with a unique texture and a delightful blend of flavors. It's a culinary reflection of the Indonesian saying, "sedikit-sedikit, lama-lama menjadi bukit" which means "little by little, eventually it becomes a hill", reminding us that patience and consistency can lead to great things.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.