20 Easy Indonesian Desserts

Looking for some delicious Indonesian desserts that are easy to make? From sweet rice cakes to creamy puddings, and crispy cookies, these traditional treats are perfect for any sweet craving. Simple, fresh, and packed with flavor, these desserts are sure to be a hit!

1.Klepon (Indonesian Sweet Rice Cakes)

Love mochi? You’re in luck! These chewy, sweet treats are super quick to make and irresistibly cute. Made with rice flour, the dough stays soft and flexible–just keep it covered to prevent drying.

The gooey filling features palm sugar that melts beautifully as it cooks. If you can’t find pandan flavoring at your local Asian market, don’t worry–it’s easy to find online at a great price.

2.Easy Serabi Kuah / Apam Berkuah / Appam

These little yeast-based pancakes are a fantastic side dish that pairs perfectly with a warm curry. You can also enjoy them with a sweet sauce called kuah for a different twist.

The batter comes together in three easy parts, and after mixing, it needs a couple of hours to rest. Once it’s ready, cook the pancakes for a few minutes, then steam them to finish.

Serve them warm for a delicious treat that’s sure to please!

3.Es Cincau Hijau (Green Coconut Jelly Drink)

If you’re a fan of boba tea, you’ll love this unique twist on a jelly drink. Made with grass jelly–a slightly bitter, herbal-tasting ingredient–it’s reminiscent of the boba teas you see everywhere these days.

You can find grass jelly powder online or in the baking aisle of most Asian supermarkets. Once set, you can cut it into pieces as big or small as you like.

To serve, fill a glass with the jelly pieces, pour over sweetened coconut milk, and top it off with shaved ice for a refreshing, textured treat that’s both cool and creamy.

4.Lapis Legit (Layered Spice Cake)

This recipe is a labor of love, so carve out some time to give it the attention it deserves. It’s not just about mixing batter and baking–it’s about creating something special.

Start with one batter, then divide it into two parts. Add some spices to one bowl to give it a bit of flair. While it looks like a traditional cake with frosting, this treat is actually made by layering grilled cake batter.

Here’s how it works: pour a spoonful of batter into your pan, grill until it’s bubbly and puffed, then add another spoonful of the second batter and repeat the process.

Keep going until you’ve used all the batter, then let it cool before serving. It’s a little extra effort, but trust us, it’s worth the wait!

5.Bubur Sum-Sum (Indonesian Rice Pudding)

Imagine a warm, creamy treat that’s part pudding, part coconut dream. Made with coconut milk and rice flour, this dish offers a smooth, slightly salty flavor that’s perfectly balanced.

Drizzle it generously with palm sugar sauce for a sweet and savory delight. Serve it warm, with the sauce poured right over the top for the ultimate comfort experience.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not pair it with a batch of bubur candil ubi jantar (sweet potato dumplings) for a match made in heaven?

6.Getuk Ubi Kayu /Singkong Gula Merah (Pressed Cassava Cake)

Have you ever come across cassava at the store? It’s that long, starchy root that kinda looks like a thick tree branch. You might know it as yuca, and it’s super versatile–think chips, mash, or tossed into stews.

Just a heads-up, cassava is poisonous raw, so cooking it properly is a must. For this recipe, you’ll need to cook and mash the cassava, then mix it with grated coconut, palm sugar, and a bit of regular sugar.

Press it into a pan, let it cool, and you’ll end up with an ultra-moist cake. The cherry on top? A generous helping of steamed coconut for that extra tropical touch.

It’s a taste of the tropics in every bite!

7.Fluffy Pandan Chiffon Cake

Pandan has come up in almost every recipe so far, and rightly so. It’s plentiful in Indonesia, and the flavor is hard to beat. If you bought the extract, you’ll want to try everything on this list.

But this might be my favorite. I just love the texture of a lighter than air chiffon cake! And when it’s flavored with fragrant pandan, I’m in love! You can mix most of the ingredients as you would an ordinary cake.

Mix the wet together and combine gently with the dry. But then you’ll need to incorporate whipped egg whites. Take a small amount of the egg whites and thoroughly combine it with the batter.

This will lighten it up a little and make folding the rest through much easier. With the rest of the whites, gently fold through in batches and don’t overdo it.

It should be voluminous and light when it goes into the pan.

8.Pie Susu Bali – Balinese Milk Custard Tart

Imagine a creamy, smooth custard that’s simply irresistible. This Balinese egg custard pie delivers that and more! Unlike traditional egg custards, which can be tricky to get right (rubbery texture, anyone?), this recipe is a breeze.

It uses water for a light texture, condensed milk for sweetness, and egg yolks to help it set perfectly. The best part? No need to blind-bake the crust–it’s totally hassle-free!

The custard bakes beautifully, and the result is a silky, golden filling nestled in a flaky pastry crust. Serve it warm or chilled, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling fancy.

It’s a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious!

9.Ongol Ongol Hunkwe (Mung Bean Flour Cake with Grated Coconut)

Most of these desserts and cakes are made with rice or gluten-free flour, and this recipe is no different. While it calls for mung bean flour, you can also use corn flour or arrowroot as a substitute–though keep in mind the texture and flavor will be a bit different.

This dessert is lightly sweet and has a jello-like consistency, made with coconut sugar for a touch of natural sweetness. Once it’s set, sprinkle some grated coconut on top for a nice finishing touch.

10.Bingka Ubi Jalar (Sweet Potato Cake)

Hey there, pumpkin pie lovers! This sweet potato magic cake is a game-changer. Just like a classic magic cake, it creates a light crust and creamy filling all from one simple batter.

Here’s how it works: blend cooked sweet potatoes, eggs, sugar, coconut milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Fold in some flour, bake for about an hour, and let it cool completely.

When it’s done, you’ll have a lovely crust on the outside and a velvety, spiced custard-like filling inside. The center will have a slight jiggle when it’s fresh out of the oven, but don’t worry–it sets perfectly as it cools.

This dessert is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, and it’s sure to become a new favorite!

11.Gao Teng Kueh / Jiu Ceng Gao (九层糕) / Steamed Kue Lapis

Meet this vibrant and playful cake that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat! Each colorful layer can be peeled back like string cheese or enjoyed all at once with a fork–your choice!

Made with rice and tapioca flour, this treat boasts a soft, chewy, and bouncy texture that’s simply irresistible. A hint of coconut flavor shines through, and the best part? It’s all made from a single batter.

Customize the colors to your heart’s desire, just remember to cook each layer before adding the next. It’s a delightful, light, and super fun dessert that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

12.Es-Teler

Beat the heat with this refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for a hot day. Cool coconut and pandan syrup blend with creamy avocado and sweet jackfruit for a unique and delicious treat.

If you’re new to jackfruit, get ready to discover a flavor that’s a mix of pineapple, mango, and banana–all in one! You can easily find ripe jackfruit in cans at most supermarkets.

Make sure to enjoy this cocktail fresh, as the avocado will start to brown once it’s cut.

13.Wingko Babat

Calling all coconut lovers! This dish is a tropical dream come true, packed with the creamy, subtly sweet flavor you crave. Be sure to use grated coconut meat for the best texture–desiccated coconut just won’t cut it.

And for an extra boost of flavor, coconut oil is the way to go instead of vegetable oil. Once it’s out of the oven, you’ll be greeted by a golden top sprinkled with crunchy sesame seeds.

It’s a treat you’ll want to slice into again and again!

14.Wajik (Sticky Rice in Palm Sugar)

These vegan and gluten-free rice cakes are the perfect treat to enjoy on a warm afternoon, especially with a cup of Indonesian tea. Made with just four ingredients, they’re simple yet flavorful.

The flavor is unique, with grassy notes and hints of vanilla, almond, and rose. If fresh pandan leaves are hard to find, pandan extract works beautifully as a substitute.

To make them, mix steamed rice with a sticky palm sugar glaze, press into a baking dish, and let cool before slicing. A delightful and easy treat to brighten your day!

15.Kue Dadar Gulung (Coconut Filled Pancakes)

This beloved Indonesian street food is a vibrant green treat, thanks to the magic of pandan. You can prep both the pancake batter and the filling up to two days in advance, but they’re truly at their best when made fresh on the day you plan to enjoy them.

It’s the perfect combo of convenience and freshness!

16.Nastar (Pineapple Cookies)

These cookies are way more than your average treat. The dough is super light and made sweeter with condensed milk, which adds a creamy touch to each bite.

Inside each cookie, there’s a layer of spiced pineapple jam that adds a nice twist. Once baked, they keep their shape nicely. Let them cool completely–trust us, you don’t want to burn your tongue!

17.Nagasari (Banana and Coconut Custard)

When working with banana leaves, remember they can be a bit delicate. To make them more pliable, boil them for about 5 minutes until they soften. This recipe combines tapioca and rice flour to achieve a wonderfully soft texture.

While cooking the batter, keep stirring to prevent any burning at the bottom. For easier handling of the custard, remove the pandan leaves once the coconut milk starts boiling.

The flavor should already be nicely infused from when you mixed the leaves with the sugar and coconut milk.

18.Coconut Milk Agar Jelly

Agar agar is a fantastic vegan-friendly option that stands in for gelatin. It’s made from seaweed and usually comes in powder form. The difference is noticeable–agar agar sets much firmer than traditional gelatin.

While jello has a jiggly texture, agar agar jello can be sliced and has a nice bite to it. When making this coconut jelly, here’s a tip: keep an eye on the heat.

If the mixture boils, it can cause the agar agar to separate, which isn’t what you want. A gentle simmer is your friend here. This easy recipe is perfect for creating a light, refreshing dessert with a tropical twist.

19.Kue Lupis (Indonesian Sweet Sticky Rice Dumplings)

These tender little dumplings make for a delightful light treat after dinner. Imagine the wow factor of presenting a dish filled with banana leaf-wrapped goodies!

The base of these dumplings is simple sticky rice, but things get exciting when they’re coated in coconut and drizzled with palm sugar syrup, turning them into a sweet and sticky indulgence.

If banana leaves aren’t on hand, foil works perfectly too. Check out our guide to learn how to shape these dumplings like a pro!

20.Pisang Goreng (Indonesian Fried Banana)

If you haven’t tried deep-fried bananas yet, you’re in for a treat! These crispy, golden goodies are a street food staple in Indonesia, and for good reason.

All you need are some ripe, sweet bananas (Saba work best, but plantains are a great substitute) and a simple batter made from rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and a hint of turmeric for that extra oomph.

Once fried to perfection, they stay crunchy for over an hour–perfect for snacking on the go or sharing with friends. Trust us, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

20 Easy Indonesian Desserts

Recipe by Mohamed ShiliCourse: DessertsCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Looking for some delicious Indonesian desserts that are easy to make? From sweet rice cakes to creamy puddings, and crispy cookies, these traditional treats are perfect for any sweet craving. Simple, fresh, and packed with flavor, these desserts are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

  • Klepon (Indonesian Sweet Rice Cakes)

  • Easy Serabi Kuah / Apam Berkuah / Appam

  • Es Cincau Hijau (Green Coconut Jelly Drink)

  • Lapis Legit (Layered Spice Cake)

  • Bubur Sum-Sum (Indonesian Rice Pudding)

  • Getuk Ubi Kayu /Singkong Gula Merah (Pressed Cassava Cake)

  • Fluffy Pandan Chiffon Cake

  • Pie Susu Bali – Balinese Milk Custard Tart

  • Ongol Ongol Hunkwe (Mung Bean Flour Cake with Grated Coconut)

  • Bingka Ubi Jalar (Sweet Potato Cake)

  • Gao Teng Kueh / Jiu Ceng Gao (九层糕) / Steamed Kue Lapis

  • Es-Teler

  • Wingko Babat

  • Wajik (Sticky Rice in Palm Sugar)

  • Kue Dadar Gulung (Coconut Filled Pancakes)

  • Nastar (Pineapple Cookies)

  • Nagasari (Banana and Coconut Custard)

  • Coconut Milk Agar Jelly

  • Kue Lupis (Indonesian Sweet Sticky Rice Dumplings)

  • Pisang Goreng (Indonesian Fried Banana)

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

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