Dessert

Layered Pandan & Sweet Rice Cake (Kuih Seri Muka Twist)

Name: Layered Pandan & Sweet Rice Cake (Kuih Seri Muka Twist)
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Malay
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups glutinous rice, rinsed and soaked for 4 hours; 3/4 cup coconut milk (for rice layer); 1/4 teaspoon salt (for rice layer); 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for rice layer); 3/4 cup pandan juice (blend pandan leaves with water and strain); 3/4 cup coconut milk (for pandan layer); 3/4 cup sugar (for pandan layer); 3 eggs; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt (for pandan layer)

ByMariem September 28, 2025

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Kuih Seri Muka is one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved desserts, often found in Malaysian and Indonesian kitchens. This Layered Pandan & Sweet Rice Cake version is a modern twist on the traditional treat. With its beautiful two-toned layers — sticky, coconut-infused glutinous rice at the bottom and a fragrant, silky pandan custard layer on top — it’s as stunning as it is delicious.

The combination of flavors and textures is what makes this dessert special. The chewy rice base provides a subtle sweetness and creaminess from coconut milk, while the pandan custard is smooth, aromatic, and slightly earthy with a touch of sweetness. The layers are steamed together until set, creating a dessert that’s naturally gluten-free and irresistibly vibrant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the rice layer:

2 cups glutinous rice, soaked for at least 4 hours
1 ½ cups coconut milk
½ tsp salt
1 pandan leaf (optional, for fragrance)

For the pandan custard layer:

1 cup coconut milk
½ cup pandan juice (blend pandan leaves with water and strain)
½ cup sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup rice flour or cornstarch
2 eggs, lightly beaten
A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the rice – Drain soaked glutinous rice and steam with coconut milk, salt, and pandan leaf for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and sticky. Press into a greased pan to form the base.
Make pandan custard – In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, pandan juice, sugar, flour, rice flour, eggs, and salt until smooth. Strain mixture to remove lumps.
Steam the custard layer – Pour pandan mixture gently over the rice base. Steam for 25–30 minutes until the custard is firm and set.
Cool and cut – Allow cake to cool completely before slicing into squares or diamond shapes.

Flavor Notes & Variations

For extra richness, stir a teaspoon of butter into the rice before pressing.
Add grated coconut on top for texture.
Swap pandan for matcha powder if pandan leaves aren’t available.
Infuse the custard with vanilla or rose water for a floral twist.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is best enjoyed at room temperature with hot tea or coffee. It makes a perfect treat for festive occasions, gatherings, or as an afternoon snack. Its vibrant green-and-white layers also make it a beautiful centerpiece for dessert platters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I can’t find pandan leaves?
You can use pandan extract or substitute with matcha for a similar earthy flavor.

2. Can I make this without steaming?
Steaming is traditional and essential for the right texture, but some recipes adapt it for the oven with a water bath.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well for up to 2–3 days in the refrigerator.

4. Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, since it uses glutinous rice and rice flour, it’s naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze kuih seri muka?
Freezing is not recommended, as it alters the texture of the rice.

6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can cut the sugar by ¼ cup, but it may affect the custard’s smoothness.

7. Why is my custard layer cracking?
It may have been steamed on too high heat. Steam gently to prevent cracks.

8. Why is my rice layer too soft?
Make sure the rice is drained well before steaming and avoid adding too much coconut milk.

Conclusion

The Layered Pandan & Sweet Rice Cake (Kuih Seri Muka Twist) is more than just a dessert — it’s a piece of cultural heritage in edible form. With its fragrant pandan custard and creamy coconut rice base, this treat is a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and beauty. Whether for festive celebrations or an everyday indulgence, this recipe brings a touch of tradition and elegance to your table.