Layered Pandan & Coconut Jelly (Kuih Style)
Layered Pandan & Coconut Jelly (Kuih Style) is a beautiful Southeast Asian dessert made with alternating layers of fragrant pandan jelly and creamy coconut milk jelly. It’s light, slightly chewy, and perfect for festive occasions or a refreshing sweet treat.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 small pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling & Layering
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
- Diet: Vegan
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp agar-agar powder (plain, not flavored)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for pandan layer)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for coconut layer)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp pandan extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: a few drops of green food coloring for deeper color
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water with 1 tbsp agar-agar powder and 1/2 cup sugar. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat, ensuring agar dissolves completely.
- Once boiling, remove from heat. Stir in pandan extract and optional food coloring.
- Pour a thin layer into a square or rectangular mold. Let it set slightly at room temperature for 5–7 minutes until surface firms.
- In another saucepan, repeat with 1 cup water, 1 tbsp agar-agar powder, and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a boil, then add 1 cup coconut milk and a pinch of salt. Stir well and simmer for another minute.
- Gently pour a thin layer of the coconut mixture over the pandan layer using a spoon to avoid breaking the surface. Let it set slightly before adding the next pandan layer.
- Continue alternating layers until all mixtures are used, letting each layer partially set before pouring the next.
- Allow the full jelly to cool and set completely at room temperature or in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Once firm, slice into small squares or diamond shapes and serve chilled.
Notes
- Stir mixtures occasionally to prevent agar from setting in the pot between pours.
- Use a ladle or spoon to gently pour layers to avoid disturbing the one below.
- Texture should be firm and slightly bouncy — don’t overcook the agar.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pandan coconut jelly, kuih lapis, agar dessert, layered jelly, vegan Southeast Asian dessert