Kue lapis facts for kids
Two shapes of kue lapis
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| Alternative names | Kue Pepe Kuih Lapis (Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei) |
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| Type | Kue |
| Course | Dessert |
| Place of origin | Indonesia |
| Region or state | Nationwide |
| Associated national cuisine | Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei |
| Serving temperature | Room temperature |
| Main ingredients | Rice flour, sugar, coconut milk |
Kue lapis is a yummy traditional snack from Indonesia. It's a steamed pudding made from rice flour that has many colorful layers. The word lapis means "layers" in the Indonesian language.
This layered cake is very popular in Indonesia. You can also find it in Suriname, where it's just called lapis. It's also well-known in the Netherlands because of historical connections. In nearby countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, it's called kuih lapis. It even made its way to Lower Myanmar, where it's known as kway lapay.
Contents
What is Kue Lapis Made Of?
Kue lapis usually has two or more layers of different colors. This is how it gets its name! The main ingredients are rice flour, sago (a type of starch), coconut milk, sugar, and a little salt.
How is Kue Lapis Colored?
To make it colorful, people add food coloring. Green colors often come from pandan leaves. Red coloring is also very common. Sometimes, you'll see kue lapis with many colors, like a rainbow!
How is Kue Lapis Cooked?
This special cake is cooked by steaming it slowly, layer by layer. Each new layer is added after the one before it is partly cooked. This careful method stops the colors from mixing together. It helps create those beautiful, distinct layers.
Kue lapis has a bouncy texture, a bit like jelly. But it's also quite sticky and chewy. This is because it's made with rice flour, which gives it a unique feel.
Kue Lapis vs. Lapis Legit
Kue lapis might sound similar to another Indonesian cake called lapis legit. But they are actually quite different!
Differences Between the Cakes
- Kue lapis is a moist, layered pudding. It's made from rice flour and sago, and it's cooked by steaming.
- Lapis legit is a fluffy, layered cake. It's made from regular flour and is cooked by baking it.
So, while both have layers, they are made with different ingredients and cooking methods!
