Dessert · Asian ·

Indonesian Coconut Pandan Layer Cake

Name: Indonesian Coconut Pandan Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 10 pandan leaves, washed, cut into small pieces; ½ cup water; 200 ml coconut milk, full fat; 1 cup sugar; 3 large eggs; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups tapioca flour; ½ cup rice flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder; Banana leaves, greased; 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

This classic Indonesian cake is known for its vibrant green layers, fragrant with pandan and coconut, offering a unique texture that melts in your mouth.

4.5(416 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 17, 2025

Indonesian Coconut Pandan Layer Cake — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pandan Paste

For the Coconut Mixture

For the Batter

For Steaming

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 273 kcal
Protein: 3.4 g
Carbs: 49.4 g
Fat: 7.1 g
Fiber: 0.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2184 kcal
Protein: 27 g
Carbs: 395 g
Fat: 57 g
Fiber: 4 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
10 pandan leaves washed, cut into small pieces	10	1	2	0	1
½ cup water	0	0	0	0	0
200 ml coconut milk full fat	360	4	8	36	0
1 cup sugar	774	0	200	0	0
3 large eggs	210	18	0	15	0
½ teaspoon vanilla extract	12	0	0	0	0
1½ cups tapioca flour	480	0	120	0	0
½ cup rice flour	290	4	63	1	2
½ teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon agar-agar powder	8	0	2	0	1
Banana leaves greased	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon vegetable oil	40	0	0	5	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Making the Pandan Paste

1
Blend Pandan Leaves
Blend the pandan leaves with water until smooth.
2
Strain Extract
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to extract the juice.
3
Set Aside Extract
Set aside the pandan extract for the batter.

Preparing the Coconut Mixture

1
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix tapioca flour, rice flour, salt, and agar-agar powder.
3
Mix Ingredients
Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the coconut mixture until smooth.
Tip: Important: Ensure all lumps are dissolved in the batter to achieve smooth layers. Pro Tip: If the coconut milk is too thick, thin it slightly with water for a smoother batter.

How to Make Indonesian Coconut Pandan Layer Cake

Total time: 2 h · Yields 8 servings

1
Grease and Line the Pan
Grease a round cake pan with vegetable oil and line it with greased banana leaves.
2
Divide and Pour Batter
Divide the batter into two portions—one with pandan extract and one plain. Pour one cup of plain batter into the prepared pan.
3
Steam in Layers
Steam each layer for 7-10 minutes, alternating between pandan and plain batters until all batter is used.