Khanom chan is a beloved Thai layer cake. It has a soft, chewy, jelly-like texture. Made with rice flour, tapioca flour, pandan essence, and coconut milk, this is a steamed Thai dessert.
Often enjoyed during celebrations, in Thai, “khanom” means dessert. “Chan” means layers. Traditionally, this dessert has nine steamed layers. The number 9 symbolizes luck, prosperity, and good fortune.
This irresistible Thai treat has a firm, jelly-like texture. It is satisfyingly stretchy and creamy. This is due to the rice flour and tapioca combination. The batter is infused with fragrant pandan and rich coconut milk. This creates a unique flavor profile, making khanom chan beloved across Thailand.1
Key Takeaways
- Khanom chan is a traditional Thai layer cake made with rice flour, tapioca flour, pandan essence, and coconut milk.
- Traditionally, khanom chan is composed of nine layers, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and good fortune in Thai culture.
- The unique texture of khanom chan is achieved through the combination of rice flour and tapioca, resulting in a firm, jelly-like, and creamy dessert.
- Pandan and coconut milk are the primary flavors that infuse khanom chan, creating a distinctive and beloved taste.
- Khanom chan is a popular and culturally significant Thai dessert often enjoyed during celebrations.
What is Khanom Chan?
Khanom chan is a beloved Thai layered dessert. It has a unique chewy, jelly-like texture. The dessert is made with rice flour, tapioca flour, coconut milk, and pandan essence.2
Traditional Thai Layered Dessert
Traditionally, khanom chan has nine distinct layers. The number nine symbolizes luck, prosperity, and good fortune in Thai culture. This dessert is popular for celebratory occasions.2
Coconut Milk and Pandan Flavor Delight
The vibrant green hue comes from pandan leaves. Coconut milk and pandan essence create a unique flavor. This authentic Thai treat is beloved across Thailand and Southeast Asian cuisine.3
Symbolism of the Nine Layers
The nine layers represent rich Thai traditions. Symbolism is important in Thai cuisine. This intricate layered dessert showcases craftsmanship. It highlights attention to detail in authentic Thai desserts.2
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Khanom Chan (Layer Cake) Recipes
Crafting authentic Thai layer cake requires careful ingredient selection. Key ingredients include tapioca starch, rice flour, pandan leaves, coconut milk, sugar, and salt. You’ll need a mixing bowl, sieve, blender, steaming pot, and baking mold.
The recipe calls for 900g of coconut cream and coconut milk each. You’ll also need 480g of tapioca flour, 150g of arrowroot flour, and 30g of rice flour. Additionally, you’ll require 920g of sugar, 1 tsp of salt, and 100g of pandan juice.
Start by mixing the dry ingredients like tapioca starch and rice flour. Gradually add coconut milk and whisk to achieve a smooth, doughy texture. Divide the batter into two portions, blending one with pandan leaves for a vibrant green layer.
Each layer is steamed individually for 5-10 minutes. Cook the coconut milk and sugar syrup on medium heat until the sugar dissolves, without boiling. Repeat this process for all layers, creating a beautiful, layered khanom chan.
Variations and Customizations
The classic khanom chan recipe offers room for creativity.4 Layers can be dyed vibrant colors using food coloring. This creates a visually stunning, colorful layered dessert.
Flavorings beyond pandan can be explored.5 Options like rose, orange, coffee, or cocoa powder add unique tastes. These alternative flavorings personalize the traditional Thai layer cake.
Khanom chan’s versatility allows home cooks to customize. They can put their own spin on this beloved cultural treat. It becomes a truly enjoyable dessert experience.
Colorful Layer Combinations
The cake layers can be dyed various colors. Food coloring results in a visually stunning dessert.4 Bakers can explore creative color combinations beyond classic green and yellow.
This technique creates a rainbow-hued treat. The colorful layer combinations are sure to impress.
Flavoring Options Beyond Pandan
While pandan is traditional for khanom chan, other flavors can be used.5 Ingredients like rose water, orange water, coffee, or cocoa powder create unique versions.
These flavorings beyond pandan allow personal touches. Home cooks can put their own spin on the recipe. It becomes a truly customizable Thai treat.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Khanom chan tastes best when fresh. Its soft, chewy texture is perfect.
Slice into squares or rectangles. The vibrant colors show intricate layers.
Present on a platter or dishes. Garnish with toasted coconut or pandan.
Presentation Ideas
Store khanom chan in an airtight container in the fridge.
It can last several days. But the chewy texture may change.
For best taste, eat it fresh on the day it’s made.
Refrigeration and Shelf Life
Find pandan leaves at Asian stores, fresh or frozen.
Make khanom chan ahead of time. Store in fridge until serving.
Try different flavors like extracts, cocoa powder, or coffee.
Conclusion
Khanom chan is a delightful Thai layer cake. It showcases Thailand’s rich culinary heritage and skilled dessert-making. With unique texture and captivating flavors, it’s beloved.
Exploring authentic recipes brings Thailand’s vibrant traditions home. Khanom chan is perfect for special occasions or indulgences. It exemplifies Thailand’s diverse, alluring culinary landscape.
This versatile dessert allows endless customization. Layering vibrant colors and exploring flavor profiles beyond pandan and coconut. Preserving authentic techniques while adding personal touch celebrates heritage.
Appreciating traditional desserts like khanom chan is important. It offers a window into Thailand’s mastery of flavors, textures, and symbolism. Sharing time-honored recipes ensures culinary heritage’s essence endures.
FAQ
What is khanom chan?
What is the significance of the nine layers in khanom chan?
What ingredients are used to make khanom chan?
Can I customize the flavors of khanom chan?
How should khanom chan be stored and served?
Source Links
- https://hungryinthailand.com/khanom-chan-recipe/
- https://www.saveur.com/thai-khanom-chan-recipe/
- https://www.seriouseats.com/pandan-khanom-chan-layered-rice-sweets-recipe
- https://www.vickypham.com/blog/vietnamese-steamed-layer-cake
- https://hungryinthailand.com/bua-loy-dessert/
- https://www.messyvegancook.com/khanom-chan-recipe/
- https://www.lionbrand.com.au/recipes/thai-layered-dessert-recipe-khanom-chan/
