TIMES BOGOR, JAKARTA – Making a tasty and economical Pandan Cake doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By following some simple steps and tips, you can achieve great results without breaking the bank. Here's a recipe and a few additional suggestions for an easy and budget-friendly delicious treat.

The Ultimate Recipe of Pandan Cake 

Ingredients:

- 4 eggs
- 200 grams of granulated sugar
- 200 grams of medium-protein flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 100 ml coconut milk (can be substituted with regular milk)
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pandan paste
- A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Beat the eggs and sugar 

Start by mixing the eggs and granulated sugar using a mixer at high speed. Mix until the batter becomes pale, fluffy, and leaves a trail when lifted (this means the mixture is well aerated and ready for the next step).

2. Add the dry ingredients

Sift the flour, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula, mixing gently to avoid deflating the batter.

3. Add the liquid ingredients

Combine coconut milk (or regular milk), vegetable oil, and pandan paste. Slowly pour the mixture into the batter while stirring continuously until the ingredients are well incorporated.

4. Prepare the pan

Grease the cake pan with margarine and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

5. Bake the cake

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the cake for about 30-40 minutes, or until fully cooked. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

6. Cool and serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before taking it out of the pan. Serve the cake once it's completely cooled.

Extra Tips for the Perfect Pandan Cake:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Quality is key, even when you're on a budget. Make sure your eggs are fresh, and if possible, use high-quality pandan paste for a more authentic flavor. Fresh coconut milk also adds richness and fragrance to the cake.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

After adding the dry ingredients, mix the batter gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake. Light mixing will keep the cake airy and soft.

3. Ensure Proper Oven Temperature

A consistent oven temperature is crucial for even baking. Preheat your oven, and if your oven tends to vary in heat, using an oven thermometer can be helpful to ensure the correct temperature throughout the baking process.

4. Cool the Cake Properly

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes after baking to let it set. Taking the cake out too soon might cause it to collapse or stick to the pan.

5. Customization

You can enhance the flavor by adding a few drops of pandan extract or a handful of shredded coconut to the batter. This will give the cake a more intense pandan flavor and extra texture.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious, moist Pandan Cake that is both economical and easy to make. Happy baking!. (*)