Indonesian Delight: Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Bika Ambon

Ingredients

300 grams of tapioca flour
200 grams of granulated sugar
400 ml of coconut milk
5 eggs
1 tablespoon of instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1 tablespoon of honey
150 grams of canned sweet corn, drained
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of butter for greasing

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the tapioca flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Then, mix in the coconut milk, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Add the drained sweet corn into the mixture and stir well.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave to rest for about 2 hours or until the mixture doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a baking dish with butter.
Pour the batter into the greased dish and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the dish for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice the Bika Ambon into squares and serve.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Whisk - Used to beat the eggs and mix the wet ingredients.
Spatula - To combine the wet and dry ingredients and scrape the sides of the bowl.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Baking Dish - A dish to bake the Bika Ambon in.
Clean Kitchen Towel - To cover the bowl and let the mixture rest.
Oven - To bake the Bika Ambon.
Butter - For greasing the baking dish.
Toothpick - To check if the Bika Ambon is fully cooked.
Wire Rack - For cooling the Bika Ambon after baking.

Recipe variations

Substitute the tapioca flour with all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture.
Add grated cheese on top of the Bika Ambon for a cheesy twist.
Include pandan paste or pandan essence for a fragrant flavor and vibrant green color.
Replace the sweet corn with diced pineapple or raisins for a fruity variation.
For a meat-free option, omit the sweet corn and add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more natural and caramel-like sweetness.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom powder to the batter for a hint of spice.
Experiment with different extracts such as almond, coconut, or rum for unique flavors.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of tapioca flour.
Try baking individual Bika Ambon in muffin tins for individual servings.

Recipe overview

Bika Ambon is a traditional Indonesian dessert known for its unique honeycomb texture and rich, sweet flavor. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make your own Bika Ambon at home. You can expect a delightful, moist and airy cake that is infused with the essence of coconut milk and sweet corn. The process involves mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, combining them, and then allowing the mixture to rest till it doubles in size. It's then baked to golden brown perfection. The result is a delicious dessert that's worth every bit of effort. Enjoy this wonderful treat on its own or pair it with your favorite tea or coffee.

Common questions

Can I substitute tapioca flour with another type of flour? No, tapioca flour is a key ingredient in Bika Ambon and cannot be substituted with another type of flour.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned sweet corn? Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels instead of canned sweet corn. Just make sure to boil or steam the corn kernels first before adding them to the batter.
Can I use a different size baking dish? Yes, you can use a different size baking dish, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. Adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness using a toothpick.
Can I make this recipe without eggs? Eggs play a crucial role in this recipe as they provide structure and help with the texture. It is not recommended to omit eggs from the recipe.
Can I store Bika Ambon? Yes, you can store Bika Ambon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It is best consumed within the first couple of days for optimal freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients for the Bika Ambon batter.
Whisk - To beat the eggs and mix the wet ingredients together.
Spatula - For stirring and folding the batter.
Baking Dish - A dish to bake the Bika Ambon in.
Oven - To bake the Bika Ambon until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Kitchen Towel - To cover the bowl and let the batter rest.
Butter - For greasing the baking dish.
Wire Rack - To cool the Bika Ambon after baking.
Knife - To slice the Bika Ambon into squares for serving.

Origin stories

Bika Ambon is a type of cake that has its roots in Indonesia, particularly in Medan city, which is often considered as the birthplace of this delicious treat. Despite the name, Bika Ambon has no direct connection with Ambon city. The name sparked curiosity and created a unique charm, making it a must-try delicacy for anyone visiting Medan. The cake is popular for its distinctive honeycomb structure, sweet taste, and moist texture, which is achieved through a fermentation process. It is usually enjoyed during teatime and during special occasions such as Eid al-Fitr, a significant Islamic holiday.

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.