Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa are a delightful and unique twist on the classic breakfast staple. Originating in Southeast Asia, these vibrant green waffles are flavored with pandan, an aromatic leaf that lends a sweet, nutty vanilla-like aroma. This easy pandan waffle recipe delivers light and crispy waffles with intense pandan flavor. They make a perfect weekend breakfast or brunch when you have time to leisurely enjoy them. Kids and adults alike will love the fun green color and addictive taste. Follow along for foolproof instructions, serving ideas, and tips for customizing these delicious pandan waffles to your taste. This will become your go-to weekend breakfast recipe that impresses family and friends.
Ingredients for Pandan Waffles
Pandan waffles have a short ingredient list of common pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- Pandan leaves – Fresh or frozen leaves provide the signature flavor. Find them at Asian grocery stores.
- All-purpose flour – The base of light and crispy waffles.
- Baking powder – Helps waffles rise with an airy texture.
- Eggs – Bind ingredients and add richness.
- Sugar – Sweetens the batter.
- Coconut milk – Provides moisture and steeps pandan flavor.
- Butter – Enhances flavor and crispiness when cooked.
Extra Flavorings (optional)
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweet aroma.
- Salt – A pinch adds depth of flavor.
- Coconut extract – Doubles down on the coconut pandan flavors.
That’s it! See how few ingredients it takes to make these incredibly flavorful green waffles?
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pandan Waffles
Making pandan waffles is easy with these simple steps:
Prep the Pandan
- Wash and pat dry 4-6 fresh pandan leaves.
- Cut leaves into 2 inch pieces.
- Use scissors to cut leaves again into thin strips.
This maximizes surface area for better flavor extraction.
Make the Batter
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs until frothy.
- Melt the butter.
- Add egg, butter, milk and pandan extract to dry ingredients.
- Fold in prepared pandan leaves.
The batter should be thin enough to pour, but still coat the back of a spoon. Add more milk if too thick.
Cook the Waffles
- Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
- Brush or spray waffle iron lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Ladle batter onto hot waffle iron. Use about 1/2 cup per standard round waffle.
- Close lid and cook 3-5 minutes until steaming stops and waffles are crispy.
Tips for Perfect Waffles
- Use fresh, minimally processed ingredients for best flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the batter so waffles stay light and airy.
- Adjust batter thickness if needed by adding a touch more milk.
- Lightly oil or butter the waffle iron between batches.
- Freeze any extra cooled waffles to reheat later.
Flavor Variations for Pandan Waffles
Part of the fun of pandan waffles is customizing them to your taste. Try these easy variations:
- Add 1⁄4 cup shredded coconut to batter for tropical flavor and crunch.
- Swirl in chocolate-hazelnut spread before cooking for a twist on Nutella waffles.
- Make sweeter waffles by increasing sugar to 1⁄4 or 1⁄3 cup.
- Reduce sweetness by using only 2 tbsp sugar for more subtle flavor.
- Flavor with vanilla, almond, or coconut extract.
- Mix in spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
The simple batter also takes well to fruit additions:
- Fresh banana slices for banana bread flavor.
- Chopped mango for tropical fruit waffles.
- Blueberries or strawberries make fun colored waffles.
Let your imagination run wild creating your own signature pandan waffles.
Serving Suggestions for Pandan Waffles
Pandan waffles are delicious on their own but take them to the next level with creative toppings and ice cream.
Toppings Ideas
- Whipped cream – Sweetened or unsweetened clouds of cream.
- Ice cream – Coconut, vanilla bean, pistachio all complement the flavor.
- Fresh fruit – Bananas, mangoes, berries add color and flavor.
- Nuts – Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add crunch.
- Nut butter – Smear on peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella.
- Shredded coconut – For texture and tropical flair.
- Chocolate drizzle – Use milk, dark, or white chocolate.
- Caramel or butterscotch sauce
- Honey – The sweetness pairs perfectly with pandan.
- Powdered sugar dusting – Simple but elegant presentation.
Serving Ideas
- Pandan waffle sundae – Top with ice cream, fruit, and drizzles in a bowl.
- Waffle sandwiches – Fill with peanut butter and bananas or Nutella.
- Waffle stack – Layer waffles with whipped cream and fruit.
- Waffle pops – Skewer bite-size waffles with fruit like a cake pop.
- Waffle cone – Shape into a cone and fill with ice cream.
However you top or serve them, pandan waffles make a stunning statement at any breakfast or brunch spread.
FAQs About Making Pandan Waffles
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, substitute 1:1 for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Any gluten-free flour blend will work. The texture may be slightly different.
What is pandan extract?
Pandan extract is concentrated pandan flavor made by infusing pandan leaves in solvents like alcohol or glycerin. Our method of steeping in coconut milk yields similar flavor without additives.
What desserts use pandan?
Pandan pairs well with coconut desserts like cakes, puddings, ice cream, and more. It is also popular in drinks like pandan lemonade.
How do these differ from regular waffles?
The big difference is the fragrant pandan flavor. Visually, the green color from the pandan leaf juice gives them festive flair.
Conclusion: Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa
This easy homemade pandan waffle recipe delivers a fun twist on a breakfast favorite with gorgeous green color and decadent pandan flavor. Kids and adults will love customizing them with mix-ins and toppings. Pandan waffles are perfect for leisurely weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or anytime you crave a delicious homemade treat. The aroma as they cook will have everyone eager for a taste! Once you try these waffles, they are sure to become a recipe you make over and over. Be prepared for rave reviews when you serve them warm from the iron. Happy waffle making.
Pandan Waffle (Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa) Recipe
Notes
- Pandan extract vs. leaves: Pandan extract offers a convenient way to infuse pandan flavor. However, if you can find fresh pandan leaves, you can use them instead. To use fresh leaves, tie a few leaves into a knot and simmer them in the coconut milk for a few minutes before using. Remove the leaves before using the coconut milk in the recipe.
- Batter consistency: The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
- Waffle variations: Get creative with your toppings! You can try drizzling the waffles with chocolate sauce, maple syrup, or condensed milk. You can also add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sliced fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients:
- • 1 cup all-purpose flour
- • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- • 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- • 1 cup coconut milk
- • 1/2 cup water
- • 1/3 cup sugar
- • 1 large egg
- • 1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil
- • 1 teaspoon pandan extract (or a few pandan leaves, chopped)
- Optional Toppings:
- • Whipped cream
- • Fresh fruit (mango, strawberries, etc.)
- • Toasted coconut flakes
- • Condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, water, sugar, egg, melted butter or oil, and pandan extract (or chopped pandan leaves). If using pandan leaves, strain the mixture to remove the leaves before proceeding.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, a few lumps are okay.
- Preheat your waffle iron: Spray your waffle iron lightly with cooking spray and preheat according to your manufacturer's instructions.
- Cook the waffles: Pour batter onto the preheated waffle iron, filling each section about ¾ full. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on your waffle iron.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your pandan waffles warm with your desired toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Pandan Waffle (Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa) Recipe
Serves: 4 persons
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 400 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 15 | 23.1% | |
| Saturated Fat 7 | 35% | |
| Trans Fat 0 | ||
| Cholesterol 50mg | 16.7% | |
| Sodium 200mg | 8.3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 50 | 16.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2 | 8% | |
| Sugars 25 | ||
| Protein 7 | ||
| Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
| Calcium 0 | Iron 0 | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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