6 Uniquely Malaysian Desserts Made to Amaze

Sweetness is a favourite Malaysian flavour, and Malaysian desserts are as diverse as their cultures. From icy treats and comfort soups to bite-size kuih-s and special pastries, you are always spoiled for choice. Some may have vibrant alluring colours, while others may seem unassuming but a taste would wow your tastebuds and melt your heart.

So come sate your sweet-tooth cravings with 6 uniquely Malaysian desserts!

Ais Kacang

Malaysian weather is mostly hot and humid, so cooling foods are always in high demand. The Ais Kacang is perhaps the pinnacle of Malaysian cool desserts, and among the most extravagant of Asian icy delights. Traditionally made with a special ice-shaver and packed with a small mountain of yummy toppings that include refreshing glass jelly, soft red beans and creamed corn. Sweetened with palm sugar syrup and made creamy with evaporated milk and condensed milk. Most often enjoyed at bustling hawker centres after a savoury stir-fry or spicy meal. Whip it up with our easy recipe!

Nyonya Sweet Broth

Sweet potato is a Malaysian local produce, and a powerhouse of nutrition. Malaysians like to enjoy them whole at the end of a barbecue, balled and fried into a crisp, bouncy treat or in soupy desserts like this Nyonya-style sweet broth. All natural colours and crumbly soft in a milky coconut cream soup infused with the vanilla-like pandan aroma. Also features yam and banana for that tropical touch. Tasty and comforting, warm or cooled.

Tapioca Cake

Traditional Malaysian pastries are steamed rather than baked, which gives them a bouncy tenderness like this age-old tapioca cake. Buttery soft and chewy sweet with a subtle salty undertone, fruity coconut flavour and mild turmeric aroma. A popular breakfast treat, or late afternoon snack with milk tea, especially beloved in laid-back villages and towns tucked amid the lush Malaysian greenery. Make yours easy with our special air-fryer recipe!

Kuih Lapis

Kuih is a whole category of Malaysian steamed pastries cut to serve in bite-size blocks. Tapioca flour, rice flour, coconut milk and pandan make the basic batter, from which many types of kuih-s are created with extra ingredients. Kuih also typically has at least 2 layers of nuanced sweetness. The Kuih Lapis has the most layers with a soft, bouncy bite and gets sweeter as you munch, yet is actually quite easy to make with our recipe. Come grab it!

Apam Balik Peanut Pancake

Chunky and chewy with a sweet buttery richness and crunchy peanut taste, the Apam Balik peanut pancake is made to pleasure and satisfy with every bite. Commonly cooked fresh at food trucks or market stalls, the mouth-watering aroma would lure Malaysian foodies to go grab a takeaway every time. Taste it for yourself with our easy recipe!

Malaysian Coffee Buns

Fluffy buns with a thin crispy ‘skin’, creamy sweet buttery filling and irresistible coffee aroma, this Malaysian special is a treat so popular that a local franchise bakery called Roti Boy became wildly famous for serving them fresh daily. Yummy as an easy breakfast with a milky beverage or a comforting teatime snack. Takes a bit to make but absolutely worth the effort. Come grab our Malaysian Coffee Bun recipe!

More Amazing Malaysian Desserts

Many more uniquely Malaysian sweet treats await your tastebuds! All you can add to your homemade pleasure. Come check out the full list of them in our recipes collection!