How to Make Vietnamese Pandan Desserts

Vietnamese pandan desserts are a delightful way to experience the unique flavors and colors that this tropical plant brings to culinary creations. From its vibrant green hue to its fragrant aroma, pandan can elevate simple pastries and sweets into something truly special. In this guide, we will explore various Vietnamese pandan desserts and how to prepare them at home.

1. Pandan Chè (Pandan Sweet Soup)

Pandan chè is a popular Vietnamese dessert that combines sweetened coconut milk, mung beans, and colorful jellies. To make pandan chè:

  • Ingredients: 1 cup mung beans, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup sugar, a few drops of pandan extract, and colorful jellies (optional).

Steps:

  1. Soak mung beans in water for at least 2 hours.
  2. Cook the mung beans in 2 cups of water until soft, about 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate pot, mix coconut milk, sugar, and pandan extract. Heat until sugar is dissolved.
  4. In a bowl, combine cooked mung beans with coconut milk. Add jellies for an added texture if desired.
  5. Serve warm or chilled.

2. Pandan Cake (Bánh Lá Dứa)

Pandan cake is a fluffy steamed cake infused with the essence of pandan leaves. Its light texture and vibrant color make it a favorite among dessert lovers. To prepare:

  • Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 4 eggs, 1/4 cup pandan juice (blended pandan leaves with water), 1 tbsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

  1. Preheat the steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add coconut milk, vegetable oil, and pandan juice to the egg mixture, mixing well.
  4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased cake mold and steam for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let cool before removing from the mold and slice to serve.

3. Pandan Jelly (Thạch Lá Dứa)

Pandan jelly is a delightful dessert that offers a chewy texture and a refreshing taste. This dish is perfect for a hot day. Here’s how to make it:

  • Ingredients: 2 cups coconut milk, 2 cups water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup agar-agar powder, and a few drops of pandan extract.

Steps:

  1. In a pot, combine water, sugar, and agar-agar powder. Bring to a boil, stirring until agar-agar is dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and add coconut milk and pandan extract. Mix well.
  3. Pour the mixture into a mold and let it set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  4. Once set, cut into cubes and serve chilled.

Conclusion

Making Vietnamese pandan desserts at home is not only a fun activity but also a creative way to explore unique flavors. Whether you choose to make pandan chè, pandan cake, or pandan jelly, you’ll find that these delightful treats are sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with pandan in your next kitchen adventure!