There’s something so absolutely comforting about a fluffy, warm steamed cake, especially when infused the fragrance of pandan leaves, it becomes all the more irresistible! This Steamed Pandan Cake is one of my favourite go-to recipes because it’s easy to make, but also healthier than most cakes. Specifically to this recipe, there’re minimal oil and sugar added and steaming means you don’t even need an oven.

Most importantly, with just a few everyday ingredients and some pandan leaves, you can whip up a wholesome, hearty treat that the whole family can enjoy.

For those who are curious, I obtained this recipe (with slight modifications) from an e-cookbook titled “I Can’t Believe It Tastes So Good”, which consists of 100 healthy recipes inspired by Chinese, Malay, Indian, Western among other cuisines. This free e-cookbook offers practical easy to follow meals and desserts for every occasion and for everyone, especially for those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes. You can obtain a free copy of the e-cookbook here: https://for.sg/2025-healthy-cookbook 

Here’s why you will love this recipe:

  • Light and nicely fluffy – Steaming gives the cake a soft, pillowy texture with a light chew
  • Naturally fragrant – Use of fresh pandan juice, supplemented with pandan extract, makes this Steamed Pandan Cake smell amazing
  • Healthier choice – Made with much less oil, reduced sugar and no butter. This is perfect for guilt-free snacking and family gatherings
  • Beginner friendly – You don’t need any fancy equipment here, just a blender, a bowl, a steamer. If you’re saving some elbow grease, you can include a handheld electric whisk in your list of equipment!

Having said that and for those who are less familiar with healthier or low sugar recipes, you can consider using 30g – 45g of sugar instead of 15g of sugar in this recipe.

Without further ado, the recipe!

Easy Steamed Pandan Cake Recipe
by Javier Tan October-01-2025

This Easy Steamed Pandan Cake is soft, fluffy with a light chew. It is also healthier while being equally fragrant, making the perfect snack!

Ingredients (Baked Fish)

  • Pandan Juice: Approx 100ml Water + 10 Pandan leaves, cut (Note: You only need 50ml for recipe)
  • 1 and 1/2 Tsp or 8ml Pandan Extract
  • 2/3 Cup or 150ml of Low-Fat Evaporated Milk
  • 4 Large Eggs, weigh inclusive of shell is at approx. 60g each
  • 1 Tsp or 5ml of Cooking Oil
  • 1 Cup or 120ml of Plain Flour, sifted
  • 1/3 Cup or 40g of Superfine Wholegrain Flour, sifted
  • 1 Tbsp or 15g of Sugar (You can use 30g – 45g if you prefer sweeter and still adjusting to low sugar recipes)
  • 2 Tsp or 6g of Instant Dry Yeast
  • (Added last) 1 Tsp or 4g of Baking Powder

Instructions

  1. Firstly, cut pandan leaves and blend with water until smooth. Strain through a sift. This is Pandan juice.
  2. Then, in a large mixing bowl, mix all the cake ingredients except the baking powder. Cling wrap and let the batter ferment for approx 2 hours until doubled in size.
  3. Right before unwrapping, prepare the steamer to go at high heat and line baking tray base with parchment paper.
  4. Unwrap the mixing bowl, whisk in the baking powder approx 1 – 2 minutes, and transfer batter to a 4 inch baking tray.
  5. Steam at high heat for approx 30 – 35 minutes until nicely risen.
  6. Let the cake cool at room temp for 20 minutes, slice and garnish. I used raspberries and steamed coconut, other alternatives include gula melaka syrup, in moderation!
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Details

  • Prep time: 20 mins
  • Cook time: 30 mins
  • Total time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 1 Delightful Healthy Pandan Steamed Cake

Notes:

  1. If you would like to be updated for more recipes which I strive to create to perfection for sharing and for free, do check out my Instagram, Facebook Page, or YouTube 🙂 Thank you so much for all of your support! Feel free to tag me or link back here!
  2. Best served well on the day itself, or refrigerate for consumption the next day.
  3. Feel free to ask if you’ve further questions!

Enjoy!
– Bakeomaniac, Javier Tan