RecipesBruneiKueh Lapis Brunei

Kueh Lapis Brunei

A visually stunning and delicious layered cake, Kueh Lapis is a popular traditional sweet treat in Brunei, known for its intricate patterns and chewy texture. It's often made for celebrations and special occasions.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Servings12
DifficultyMedium
Kueh Lapis Brunei - Brunei traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 250 g Glutinous rice flour
  • 100 g Rice flour
  • 500 ml Coconut milk
  • 200 ml Water
  • 200 g Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pandan extract
  • a few drops Food coloring (pink/red)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together glutinous rice flour and rice flour.

    💡 Tip: Ensure no lumps remain.
  2. 2

    In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Heat gently until sugar dissolves. Do not boil.

  3. 3

    Gradually pour the warm coconut milk mixture into the flour mixture, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms.

    💡 Tip: This process helps to prevent lumps.
  4. 4

    Divide the batter into two portions. Leave one portion plain and add pandan extract to it. To the other portion, add pandan extract and a few drops of pink/red food coloring.

  5. 5

    Grease a 8-inch square steaming pan. Steam the pan for 5 minutes before adding the first layer.

  6. 6

    Pour a thin layer of the plain batter (about 2-3 tablespoons) into the steamed pan. Steam for 5-7 minutes until set.

  7. 7

    Pour a thin layer of the colored batter. Steam for 5-7 minutes until set.

  8. 8

    Repeat layering, alternating between plain and colored batter, steaming each layer until the pan is full.

    💡 Tip: Ensure each layer is cooked through before adding the next.
  9. 9

    Once all layers are added, steam the kueh for a final 20-30 minutes until firm and cooked through.

  10. 10

    Let the kueh cool completely in the pan before slicing with a plastic knife or oiled knife to prevent sticking.

    💡 Tip: Cooling is crucial for clean cuts and texture.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use a good quality pandan extract for authentic flavor.
  • Ensure your steamer is at a rolling boil before adding each layer.
  • Don't make the layers too thick, or the kueh might not cook evenly.
  • Allowing the kueh to cool completely is essential for achieving the characteristic chewy texture and clean slices.

🔄 Variations

  • Experiment with different natural food colorings like butterfly pea flower for blue.
  • Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for a spiced version.

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