There’s something deeply comforting about slicing into a light, fluffy piece of pandan cake. That soft bounce and almost chiffon-like texture make each bite feel like a small piece of heaven. I still remember the first time I tasted it in a hidden Asian bakery tucked in a busy city corner- it was unlike any regular sponge cake. The inside was airy, yet it held a certain firmness that gave it character. This pandan cake recipe captures that bakery-fresh magic with a rich aroma and texture you’ll never forget. That’s the charm of pandan- it feels like a cloud with nutty flavor baked right in.
What makes pandan cake instantly recognizable is its vibrant green color. But unlike neon desserts, this green has an inviting shade, thanks to pandan leaves– either fresh or extracted. Their soothing aroma and slightly vanilla-like flavor give the cake a tropical edge. The taste is delicately earthy, mellow, and sweet, making it a beloved treat in many Asian celebrations and family gatherings. It’s not just a cake; it’s a flavorful experience rooted in tradition.
When I bake it myself, I try to recreate that same chiffon-like perfection. By whipping egg whites, I get the batter to rise just right, forming that classic airy sponge structure. Watching the cake rise, then crack just slightly to reveal that beautiful green center, is always a joy. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a soft, golden top crust that’s simply irresistible.
Even today, serving pandan cake to someone who’s never tried it is a delight. Their eyes always widen at the color, and the first bite usually ends in a smile and the word “YUM.” Whether you’re baking it or enjoying it fresh, pandan cake isn’t just dessert – it’s a bridge between comfort and culture that stays with you.
What Is Pandan Cake Recipe?
Pandan cake recipe, sometimes called Bánh Bò Nướng or Pandan Chiffon Cake, is a soft sponge cake made using pandan leaf extract, which gives the cake its signature aroma and green color.
Key Features:
- Flavor: Mildly sweet with vanilla-like, nutty, and grassy notes.
- Color: Natural light green from pandan leaves.
- Texture: Soft, chiffon-style sponge, light yet moist.
- Cultural Roots: Common in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Quote: “Pandan is the vanilla of Southeast Asia.” – Chef Shen Tan, Singapore-based food consultant.
Real-World Example:
A bakery in Dubai’s Karama district, “Bakes & Leaves,” introduced a pandan cake menu in 2023 due to increasing demand among Filipino and Singaporean expats. Their pandan cake slices now account for 30% of total dessert sales.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a perfect pandan cake, you’ll need fresh or extract-based pandan flavor, a chiffon cake base, and stabilized egg whites.
Core Ingredients Table:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Pandan leaves or extract | 10 leaves or 2 tsp | Blend leaves with water or use essence |
| Cake flour | 120g | Low-protein flour for soft texture |
| Egg yolks | 5 | For richness |
| Egg whites | 6 | For volume |
| Sugar | 130g | Divided into yolks and whites |
| Coconut milk | 100ml | Optional, for flavor depth |
| Vegetable oil | 50ml | Adds moisture |
| Cream of tartar | ¼ tsp | Stabilizes egg whites |
| Salt | A pinch | Balances sweetness |
Tip:
Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a finer crumb and lighter texture.
Tools & Equipment
Having the right tools ensures your pandan cake comes out perfectly airy and moist every time.
Must-Have Baking Tools:
- Chiffon tube pan (ungreased for proper rising)
- Electric mixer (to beat egg whites to stiff peaks)
- Fine sieve (to sift dry ingredients)
- Rubber spatula (for gentle folding)
- Oven thermometer (for temperature accuracy)
- Blender (if using fresh pandan leaves)
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Tips)
Let’s walk through the entire process in simple steps, including tips to avoid common mistakes.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Make Pandan Juice
- Blend 10 pandan leaves with 100 ml of water. Strain to extract juice.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine egg yolks, pandan juice, coconut milk, oil, and half the sugar.
- Sift Dry Ingredients
- Mix cake flour and salt into the yolk mixture.
- Whip Egg Whites
- Beat whites with cream of tartar. Slowly add sugar till stiff peaks form.
- Fold Gently
- Fold egg whites into batter using a rubber spatula. Don’t deflate!
- Bake
- Pour into an ungreased tube pan. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 50-60 minutes.
- Invert & Cool
- Invert the pan on a bottle and cool completely before removing.
Case Study:
A home baker in Sharjah struggled with collapsed cakes until she switched from greased pans to ungreased tube pans, resulting in 25% more lift and even browning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors to get a light, bouncy pandan cake every time:
Baking Mistakes Chart:
| Mistake | Effect | Solution |
| Overmixing egg whites | Flat, dense cake | Fold gently in 3 batches |
| Greasing the pan | The cake won’t rise | Use an ungreased chiffon pan |
| Underbaking | Wet, gummy interior | Check doneness with a skewer |
| Using bottled essence only | Artificial taste | Blend fresh leaves if possible |
| Not cooling inverted | Cake collapses | Always invert while cooling |
Flavor Variations and Add-ins
Want to mix things up? Try these creative flavor twists:
Pandan Cake Variations:
- Pandan Coconut Cake – Add shredded coconut and drizzle with coconut glaze.
- Gula Melaka Swirl – Swirl in palm sugar syrup for richness.
- Matcha-Pandan Combo – Layered green flavors, popular in UAE-Japanese fusion cafés.
- Pandan Cheesecake Base – Use pandan sponge as a cheesecake base.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage ensures your cake stays soft and moist for days.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Wrap in cling film, lasts 5-6 days.
- Freeze: Slices freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp.
Serving Suggestions
Pandan cake pairs well with light tropical sides.
What to Serve with Pandan Cake:
- Coconut whipped cream
- Mango slices
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Thai iced tea or milk tea
Where to Buy Pandan Leaves and Extract in the UAE
Finding fresh pandan leaves or authentic pandan extract in the UAE can be easy if you know where to look. Whether you’re based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, here are some trusted local and online sources.
Top Places to Buy Pandan in UAE:
| Store Name | Location / Online | Product Type | Notes |
| Carrefour Hypermarket | All major cities | Bottled essence | Affordable, common brand options |
| Lulu Hypermarket | UAE-wide | Frozen leaves | Usually found in the Filipino aisle |
| 1004 Gourmet | Dubai | Fresh & extract | High-quality Asian imports |
| Amazon.ae | Online | Extracts & leaves | Brands like Butterfly, Kewra |
| Asian grocery stores | Satwa, Karama | Fresh pandan leaves | Best for authentic flavor |
Pro Tip: Always smell the leaves before purchasing. Fresh pandan has a grassy, sweet aroma that’s unmistakable.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts of Pandan Cake Recipe
While pandan cake is mainly a dessert, it can carry some nutritional value, especially when made with real pandan, coconut milk, and minimal additives.
Pandan Leaf Health Highlights:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Aids in digestion
- Rich in antioxidants
Nutritional Chart (Per Slice ~80g):
| Component | Amount |
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 15g |
Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used. For a healthier version, consider using stevia, whole-grain cake flour, or light coconut milk.
Final Thoughts
Pandan cake recipe is more than just a colorful dessert – it’s a beautiful representation of Asian tradition, tropical flavor, and culinary craftsmanship. Its light, fluffy texture, natural green hue, and unforgettable aroma make it stand out from ordinary cakes. Whether you’re baking it for the first time or perfecting your family recipe, it delivers both comfort and creativity.
One of the most rewarding things about pandan cake is how accessible it is to bakers of all levels. With just a few essential ingredients and tools, you can create a dessert that feels both special and nostalgic. The use of fresh pandan leaves or high-quality extract ensures a rich flavor that instantly elevates the sponge. And even if you’re baking in a modern kitchen in the UAE, the flavors will take you straight to Southeast Asia.
For those in Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi, pandan ingredients are readily available – both online and in Asian markets. The demand for pandan-based sweets has risen sharply in recent years, not just among Southeast Asian expats but also among food enthusiasts who love trying new and exciting flavors.
If you’re looking to make healthier or more unique variations, there are plenty of options, like incorporating gula melaka, coconut cream, or even gluten-free flour. You can also pair it with tropical fruits, ice cream, or enjoy it simply with tea.
At its core, pandan cake is about flavor, feeling, and familiarity. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether during a quiet afternoon or a festive celebration. If you haven’t tried making one yet, now is the perfect time to start. And once you do, you’ll understand why this humble cake continues to capture hearts, one green, fluffy slice at a time.
FAQs
What is pandan cake made of?
Pandan cake is made using pandan juice or extract, cake flour, egg yolks and whites, sugar, and sometimes coconut milk. It’s a type of chiffon cake known for its fluffy texture and natural green color.
Can I use bottled pandan extract instead of fresh leaves?
Yes, you can. Bottled extract is convenient and widely available, especially in UAE supermarkets. However, using fresh pandan leaves blended with water offers a more authentic, richer flavor that enhances the cake’s aroma and taste.
Why does my pandan cake collapse after baking?
This usually happens due to under-whipped egg whites, over-mixing, or greasing the pan. Always cool the cake inverted, and don’t open the oven too early during baking to avoid collapse.
Is pandan cake healthy?
While it’s a dessert, pandan cake can be made healthier by reducing sugar, using natural pandan juice, and light coconut milk. Pandan itself has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but moderation is key as it’s still a sweet treat.
How should I store the pandan cake recipe?
Store pandan cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5–6 days, or freeze slices for up to 1 month. Always allow to return to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
