Steamed Layer Cake (Banh Da Lon), is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made from a delightful combination of glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, coconut milk, and pandan.

The unique feature of this cake lies in its multiple colorful layers, which are steamed one by one. Soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, this cake is a nostalgic treat in many Vietnamese households.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup glutinous rice flour

- ½ cup tapioca starch

- 1 ½ cups coconut milk

- ½ cup sugar

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1 tbsp pandan juice (for green layer)

- 1 tbsp mung bean paste (for yellow layer)

- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional for brown layer)

- Pinch of salt

Directions:

Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, and salt. Slowly add coconut milk while stirring continuously until smooth. Split the batter into 2-3 parts for the different layers.

Color the Layers: For the green layer, mix pandan juice into one part of the batter. For the yellow layer, stir in mung bean paste. If you want a brown layer, mix cocoa powder into one part of the batter.

Steam the First Layer: Grease a round cake pan with oil. Pour a thin layer (about 1 cm thick) of one batter into the pan. Steam it over boiling water for about 7-10 minutes, or until the layer sets.

Add Subsequent Layers: Once the first layer is firm, pour the second layer of a different color. Steam again for another 7-10 minutes. Repeat this process with all the layers.

Final Steam: After the last layer is added and steamed, let the entire cake steam for an additional 15-20 minutes to ensure all layers are fully cooked.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Cut into diamond-shaped pieces or squares to serve.

Health Benefits:

While Steamed Layer Cake is a sweet treat, its ingredients offer some nutritional benefits. The coconut milk used in the recipe is a good source of healthy fats, which provide energy and support brain function. Mung beans, which are used in the yellow layer, are rich in protein and fiber, promoting digestion and maintaining steady blood sugar levels. Additionally, pandan leaves, often used in Southeast Asian desserts, are believed to have antioxidant properties.

Steamed Layer Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a cultural experience that reflects the colorful flavors of Vietnam. So, Lykkers, whether for a special occasion or simply a treat, this steamed layer cake is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional Asian sweets.