Banh Da Lon, also known as Vietnamese Steamed Layer Cake, is a beloved dessert that embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine – delicate, fragrant, and visually stunning. With its vibrant green and white layers resembling the skin of a mythical dragon, this cake is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making this iconic dessert, ensuring you impress your loved ones with your culinary prowess.
A Taste of Vietnam in Every Bite
Imagine sinking your teeth into a cake that’s soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with the natural sweetness of coconut milk and pandan leaves. That’s Banh Da Lon for you! This steamed cake boasts a unique texture – a delightful combination of firm, jelly-like layers and soft, spongy ones. The aroma of pandan leaves, often dubbed the “Vanilla of Southeast Asia”, adds a mesmerizing floral note that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, Banh Da Lon is a fun and rewarding recipe to try. Let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pandan Layer:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 can (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh pandan juice (extracted from blended pandan leaves)
For the Coconut Layer:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup tapioca starch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 can (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup water
Tools of the Trade
- 2 mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Steamer pot
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Fine-mesh sieve
Let’s Get Steaming: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Batters:
- Pandan Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice flour, tapioca starch, and salt. Gradually add sugar, coconut milk, water, and pandan juice, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
- Coconut Batter: Repeat the same process in a separate bowl, combining rice flour, tapioca starch, salt, sugar, coconut milk, and water.
2. Steaming the Layers:
- Pour about 1/2 cup of the pandan batter into the greased baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated steamer and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the layer is set.
- Carefully pour 1/2 cup of the coconut batter over the cooked pandan layer. Steam for another 5-7 minutes.
- Repeat the process, alternating between pandan and coconut layers, until all the batter is used. Steam the final layer for an additional 10 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through.
3. Cooling and Serving:
- Remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool completely in the pan before inverting it onto a serving plate.
- Cut the cake into diamond-shaped pieces and enjoy!
Tips for Banh Da Lon Perfection
- Vibrant Green Hue: For a more vibrant green color, blanch the pandan leaves in boiling water for a few seconds before blending them.
- Smooth Layers: Strain the pandan juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits, ensuring smooth and aesthetically pleasing layers.
- Testing for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your Banh Da Lon is ready!
FAQs: Answering Your Banh Da Lon Queries
Q: Can I use store-bought pandan extract?
A: While fresh pandan juice yields the best flavor, you can substitute it with pandan extract. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
Q: My layers are sticking together. What went wrong?
A: Make sure each layer is fully cooked before adding the next. Also, grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
Q: How should I store leftover Banh Da Lon?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
A Sweet Conclusion
Banh Da Lon is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to the artistry and flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. With its captivating appearance and delicate flavors, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. So, why not don your apron and embark on this delicious journey?
If you enjoyed making this recipe, be sure to check out our other Vietnamese delights like Banh To (https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-banh-to/) and homemade rice cakes (https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-rice-cakes-from-scratch/). We’d love to hear about your Banh Da Lon experience! Share your thoughts, questions, and pictures in the comments below. Happy baking!
