Bánh phu thê, also known as Vietnamese Husband and Wife Cake, is a traditional dessert that holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. Its name reflects the beautiful harmony and balance found in a happy marriage, just like the sweet and savory flavors combined in this delicate treat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy tapioca layer, revealing a rich and fragrant mung bean filling – an explosion of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to the heart of Vietnam.
Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress your loved ones or simply want to explore the wonders of Vietnamese cuisine, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know to make perfect bánh phu thê at home.
Ingredients for Happiness (and Delicious Bánh Phu Thê!)
For this recipe, we’ll be making about 16 pieces of bánh phu thê. You can easily double or halve the recipe depending on your needs.
For the Tapioca Layer:
- 1 cup tapioca starch
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup pandan extract (for color and aroma, optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Mung Bean Filling:
- 1 cup mung beans, split and peeled
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Coconut Milk Glaze:
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
