What Is Pandan Cake? Flavor, Ingredients & Why It’s So Popular

Pandan cake is one of the most beloved desserts in Southeast Asia, known for its natural green color, fragrant aroma, and soft, airy texture. In recent years, pandan cake has gained global popularity as more people discover its unique flavor, often described as a blend of vanilla, coconut, and freshly cut grass.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything about pandan cake: what it is, how it tastes, the most popular pandan cake types, a step-by-step pandan cake recipe, baking tips, storage methods, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about pandan cake.

• Top 5 Chewy Tapioca Boba Desserts to Elevate Your Cafe Menu Today
• How to Choose the Right Cake Board: Sizes, Materials, and Uses Explained
• Cake Baking Tips: Common Mistakes and How to Fix

What Is Pandan Cake?

Pandan cake is a traditional Asian cake flavored with pandan leaves or pandan extract. Pandan leaves come from the tropical pandanus plant and are widely used in Southeast Asian desserts for their naturally sweet, floral aroma.

At its core, pandan cake combines simple baking ingredients with pandan flavor and often coconut milk, creating a dessert that is both light in texture and rich in aroma.

Key characteristics of pandan cake:

• Naturally green or light green color

• Soft, fluffy, and moist crumb

• Fragrant pandan aroma

• Often paired with coconut flavors

Explore eco-friendly food packaging solutions that help pandan cake stay fresh longer, naturally and safely.

The Origin of Pandan Cake

Pandan cake originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Pandan leaves have long been used in traditional cooking—not only for desserts but also to scent rice and savory dishes.

As baking techniques evolved, pandan cake became especially popular in chiffon-style cakes, where the light texture highlights the delicate pandan flavor.

Today, pandan cake is found in:

• Asian bakeries

• Home kitchens

• Modern cafés and fusion dessert shops

What Does Pandan Cake Taste Like?

Pandan cake has a flavor that is difficult to compare directly to Western ingredients, which makes it especially intriguing to first-time tasters.

Most people describe pandan cake flavor as:

• Mildly sweet and creamy

• Floral but not overpowering

• Similar to vanilla with coconut undertones

Unlike matcha or green tea cakes, pandan cake does not taste bitter. Instead, it offers a smooth, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with coconut cream, whipped cream, or palm sugar.

Why Is Pandan Cake Green?

The green color of pandan cake comes from pandan leaves or pandan extract. When fresh pandan leaves are blended and strained, they produce a vibrant green juice.

Color variations depend on:

• Fresh pandan leaves vs pandan extract

• Natural vs artificial coloring

• Amount of pandan used in the batter

Traditional pandan cake often has a soft, natural green hue rather than a bright neon color.

Popular Types of Pandan Cake

Pandan cake comes in many forms, depending on texture, baking method, and additional ingredients.

Pandan Chiffon Cake

Pandan chiffon cake is the most famous version of pandan cake. It is light, airy, and fluffy due to whipped egg whites.

Why pandan chiffon cake is so popular:

• Extremely soft texture

• Low oil content

• Balanced pandan flavor

This type of pandan cake is often baked in a tube pan and cooled upside down to prevent collapsing.

Pandan Sponge Cake

Pandan sponge cake is slightly denser than chiffon cake but still soft and springy. It relies more on whole eggs rather than separated egg whites.

This version is ideal for layered pandan cakes with frosting or fillings.

Pandan Butter Cake

Pandan butter cake is richer and denser, with a moist crumb. Butter gives this pandan cake a deeper flavor and longer shelf life.

It is perfect for:

• Sliced cakes

• Tea-time desserts

• Cakes that need structure

Steamed Pandan Cake

Steamed pandan cake is common in traditional Asian desserts. Instead of baking, the cake is cooked using steam, resulting in a very moist and tender texture.

This type of pandan cake is often less sweet and highlights the natural pandan aroma.

Pandan Coconut Cake

Pandan coconut cake combines pandan flavor with coconut milk, coconut cream, or shredded coconut. This pairing is considered classic in Southeast Asian baking.

Pandan Cake Ingredients Explained

Although pandan cake recipes vary, the core ingredients remain similar.

Essential pandan cake ingredients:

• Pandan leaves or pandan extract

• Eggs

• Sugar

• Flour (cake flour or all-purpose flour)

• Coconut milk or regular milk

• Oil or butter

Optional ingredients:

• Cream of tartar (for chiffon cake)

• Vanilla extract

• Coconut cream

• Palm sugar (gula melaka)

Using coconut milk instead of regular milk enhances the flavor and keeps the pandan cake moist.

Pandan Cake Recipe (Step-by-Step)

This basic pandan cake recipe works well for chiffon-style or sponge-style pandan cakes.

Ingredients for Pandan Cake

• 6 eggs, separated

• 120 g sugar (divided)

• 100 ml coconut milk

• 80 ml vegetable oil

• 120 g cake flour

• 1½ tsp pandan extract or fresh pandan juice

• ½ tsp cream of tartar

How to Make Pandan Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Mix egg yolks with half of the sugar, oil, coconut milk, and pandan extract. Sift in flour and mix until smooth.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Beat egg whites with cream of tartar, gradually adding remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.

Step 3: Combine Gently

Fold egg whites into the pandan batter in batches to maintain airiness.

Step 4: Bake the Pandan Cake

Pour batter into an ungreased pan and bake at 170°C (340°F) for 40–45 minutes.

Step 5: Cool Properly

Invert the cake immediately after baking and let it cool completely before removing from the pan.

Pandan Cake Nutrition Facts

Pandan cake is not a low-calorie dessert, but it can be enjoyed in moderation.

General nutrition overview:

• Moderate calories

• Contains eggs and coconut milk

• Naturally flavored when using pandan leaves

Healthier versions of pandan cake can reduce sugar or use alternative flours.

Pandan Cake Variations and Flavor Pairings

Pandan cake pairs well with many complementary flavors.

Popular pandan cake pairings:

• Pandan cake with coconut cream

• Pandan cake with gula melaka

• Pandan cake with cheese topping

• Pandan cake with chocolate drizzle

These variations keep pandan cake exciting and versatile.

How Long Does Pandan Cake Last?

Pandan cake shelf life depends on ingredients and storage conditions.

At room temperature:

• 1–2 days in an airtight container

In the refrigerator:

• 4–5 days

In the freezer:

• Up to 2 months when wrapped properly

Avoid leaving pandan cake uncovered, as it dries out quickly.

Pandan Cake in Different Cultures

Different countries adapt pandan cake in unique ways.

• Singapore & Malaysia: Classic pandan chiffon cake

• Indonesia: Pandan cake with palm sugar

• Vietnam: Pandan sponge cake with coconut

• Western bakeries: Fusion pandan cake desserts

Pandan Cake vs Matcha Cake

Although both are green, pandan cake and matcha cake are very different.

Pandan Cake FAQs

What is pandan cake made of?

Pandan cake is made from eggs, flour, sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves or extract.

What does pandan cake taste like?

It tastes lightly sweet, floral, and similar to vanilla with coconut notes.

Is pandan cake healthy?

Pandan cake can be enjoyed in moderation and made healthier with reduced sugar.

Is pandan cake the same as matcha cake?

No. Pandan cake is floral and sweet, while matcha cake is earthy and bitter.

Can pandan cake be frozen?

Yes, plain pandan cake freezes well for up to two months.

Conclusion

Pandan cake is a timeless dessert that combines fragrance, softness, and visual appeal. Whether you enjoy a classic pandan chiffon cake or experiment with modern variations, pandan cake offers a unique experience that stands out among traditional cakes.

With the right ingredients, techniques, and storage methods, pandan cake can be a reliable favorite for home bakers and dessert lovers alike.