Irresistible Onde Onde Cake Recipe A Sweet and Chewy Delight

Onde onde cake is a delicious twist on the traditional onde onde, a popular Southeast Asian treat. This cake combines the fragrant flavors of pandan and coconut with the rich caramel-like sweetness of gula melaka. Unlike the classic onde onde, which features chewy rice balls filled with melted palm sugar, this cake version offers a moist and fluffy texture while preserving the essence of the beloved dessert. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this onde onde cake recipe will not disappoint.

Ingredients for Onde Onde Cake

Before starting, gather all the essential ingredients. These are commonly available in Asian grocery stores or supermarkets.

For the Cake

• 200 grams of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 150 grams of unsalted butter softened
• 120 grams of sugar
• 3 eggs
• 150 milliliters of coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon of pandan extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Gula Melaka Filling

• 100 grams of gula melaka palm sugar finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of water

For the Topping

• 100 grams of grated coconut
• A pinch of salt
• 1 pandan leaf tied into a knot

Step by Step Instructions

Preparing the Gula Melaka Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine the finely chopped gula melaka with two tablespoons of water.
2. Heat over low flame and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool. The mixture will become a slightly sticky caramel-like filling.

Making the Onde Onde Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 170 degrees Celsius and grease a cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the pandan extract for that signature green color and fragrance.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with coconut milk, until you get a smooth batter.

Assembling and Baking the Cake

1. Pour half of the cake batter into the greased cake pan.
2. Drizzle the cooled gula melaka filling over the batter, ensuring even distribution.
3. Pour the remaining cake batter on top, covering the gula melaka layer completely.
4. Tap the cake pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Preparing the Coconut Topping

1. Steam the grated coconut with a pinch of salt and a tied pandan leaf for about five minutes. This enhances the aroma and prevents the coconut from drying out.
2. Once done, let the coconut cool before using it as a topping.

Final Assembly

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the steamed grated coconut over the top.
2. Optionally, drizzle extra gula melaka syrup for added sweetness.
3. Slice and serve with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for the Best Onde Onde Cake

• Use fresh coconut for the topping to enhance the authentic taste. If fresh coconut is unavailable, desiccated coconut can be used but should be moistened slightly with coconut milk.
• Do not overmix the batter to ensure a light and fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Adjust the pandan extract according to preference. If using fresh pandan juice, blend a few pandan leaves with water and strain the liquid before adding it to the batter.
• Chop the gula melaka finely to help it melt evenly and create a deliciously gooey center.

Conclusion

Onde onde cake is a delightful fusion of traditional Southeast Asian flavors in a moist and delicious cake form The combination of pandan coconut and gula melaka creates a treat that is both nostalgic and irresistible Whether you are a fan of the classic onde onde or just love trying new dessert recipes this onde onde cake is a must try Prepare it for special occasions or simply to enjoy a sweet and chewy delight at home

FAQs

How does onde onde cake taste?
 

Onde onde cake has a soft and slightly chewy texture with a rich coconut and pandan flavor. The gula melaka filling adds a deep caramel-like sweetness that perfectly balances the cake.

Can I make onde onde cake without pandan extract?
 

Yes You can substitute pandan extract with fresh pandan juice for a more natural flavor Alternatively the cake can be made without pandan but it will lack the signature green color and aroma

How do I store onde onde cake?
 

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage refrigerate it and reheat slightly before serving

Can I use regular sugar instead of gula melaka?
 

While regular sugar can be used it will not provide the same deep caramel-like flavor as gula melaka Brown sugar is a better substitute if gula melaka is not available

Is onde onde cake gluten free?
 

No this recipe uses all purpose flour but you can replace it with a gluten free flour blend to make it suitable for a gluten free diet

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