Indonesia is known for its rich culinary heritage, and when it comes to desserts, the country truly shines. Indonesian desserts are colorful, flavorful, and often made with simple ingredients like coconut milk, palm sugar, pandan leaves, and rice flour.
What makes them so special is how easy they are to prepare — many of them don’t require baking, just steaming or frying. If you’re looking to try something new and delicious, here are some easy Indonesian dessert ideas you can make at home.
1. Klepon (Sweet Rice Balls with Palm Sugar)
Klepon is one of the most famous Indonesian sweets. These are glutinous rice balls filled with liquid palm sugar and rolled in grated coconut. When you take a bite, the sweet syrup bursts inside your mouth — an unforgettable experience!
Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice flour
- Palm sugar (gula melaka)
- Pandan juice or green food coloring
- Grated coconut
How to make:
Mix the rice flour with pandan juice to form a dough. Shape it into small balls, fill them with chopped palm sugar, and boil until they float. Roll the cooked balls in grated coconut and serve warm.
2. Dadar Gulung (Coconut Pancake Rolls)
Dadar Gulung is a classic dessert often found in Indonesian markets. It’s a green pancake filled with sweet coconut and palm sugar mixture.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Coconut milk
- Pandan juice
- Grated coconut
- Palm sugar
How to make:
Mix flour, pandan juice, and coconut milk to make a smooth batter. Cook thin pancakes on a non-stick pan. For the filling, cook grated coconut with melted palm sugar. Roll the pancakes with the filling inside, and your dessert is ready!
3. Es Cendol (Iced Pandan Jelly Drink)
Es Cendol is a refreshing Indonesian dessert drink made with chewy green pandan jellies, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. It’s perfect for hot days and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
- Rice flour
- Pandan juice
- Coconut milk
- Palm sugar syrup
- Ice cubes
How to make:
Cook rice flour with pandan juice until thick, then press through a strainer into cold water to form the jelly strands. Serve with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and ice.
4. Pisang Goreng (Fried Bananas)
Pisang Goreng is one of the simplest and most loved Indonesian desserts. It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas
- Flour
- Rice flour
- Sugar
- Water
How to make:
Mix flour, rice flour, sugar, and water to make a batter. Dip the sliced bananas and deep fry until golden brown. You can sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle honey for extra sweetness.
5. Kue Lapis (Layer Cake)
Kue Lapis is a colorful, steamed layer cake that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Its chewy texture and sweet coconut flavor make it a favorite among both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- Rice flour
- Tapioca flour
- Coconut milk
- Sugar
- Food coloring
How to make:
Mix all ingredients into a smooth batter. Divide into portions and color each with different food coloring. Steam layer by layer until all colors are set. Cool completely before slicing.
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6. Kolak Pisang (Banana in Coconut Milk)
Kolak Pisang is a comforting dessert made from bananas cooked in coconut milk with palm sugar and pandan leaves. It’s creamy, fragrant, and can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas
- Coconut milk
- Palm sugar
- Pandan leaves
How to make:
Boil palm sugar and pandan leaves in water, add coconut milk, and then cook the sliced bananas until soft. Serve hot or cold.
7. Getuk (Mashed Cassava Sweet)
Getuk is a simple Indonesian dessert made from boiled cassava mashed with sugar and coconut. It’s soft, chewy, and mildly sweet — a traditional snack you can make in minutes.
Ingredients:
- Cassava
- Sugar
- Grated coconut
How to make:
Boil cassava until soft, mash it with sugar, and shape it into small pieces. Sprinkle with grated coconut before serving.
8. Bubur Sumsum (Coconut Rice Porridge)
This soft, creamy dessert is made from rice flour and coconut milk, topped with palm sugar syrup. Bubur Sumsum is not just easy to make but also incredibly comforting.
Ingredients:
- Rice flour
- Coconut milk
- Salt
- Palm sugar syrup
How to make:
Cook rice flour with coconut milk and a pinch of salt until thick and smooth. Serve warm with palm sugar syrup poured over the top.
9. Es Teler (Indonesian Fruit Cocktail)
Es Teler is a chilled dessert drink loaded with tropical fruits, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk. It’s a perfect blend of flavor and freshness.
Ingredients:
- Young coconut
- Avocado
- Jackfruit
- Condensed milk
- Ice cubes
How to make:
Combine sliced fruits in a glass, pour coconut milk and condensed milk, add ice, and enjoy your cool tropical treat.
10. Kue Putu Ayu (Steamed Coconut Cake)
Kue Putu Ayu is a pretty green steamed cake topped with grated coconut. It’s light, fluffy, and easy to make, often served during family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Coconut milk
- Pandan essence
- Grated coconut
How to make:
Beat eggs and sugar, add flour, coconut milk, and pandan essence. Pour into molds lined with grated coconut and steam for 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Indonesian desserts are all about simplicity, creativity, and natural flavors. From the chewy sweetness of Klepon to the comforting creaminess of Kolak Pisang, these treats bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Most of these recipes require minimal ingredients and equipment, making them perfect for beginners. Whether you’re craving something rich, fruity, or refreshing, these easy Indonesian dessert ideas let you experience the magic of Indonesia right in your kitchen.
FAQs
1. What are some quick Indonesian desserts I can make at home?
Some of the quickest Indonesian desserts include Pisang Goreng (fried bananas), Klepon (sweet rice balls), and Bubur Sumsum (rice flour pudding). These can be made in under 30 minutes and require simple ingredients.
2. Are Indonesian desserts vegan-friendly?
Yes, most Indonesian desserts are naturally vegan as they use plant-based ingredients like coconut milk, rice flour, palm sugar, and tropical fruits. Just make sure not to use condensed milk in recipes like Es Teler if you want a completely vegan version.
3. Which Indonesian dessert is best for beginners?
Klepon, Pisang Goreng, and Dadar Gulung are perfect for beginners. They are simple, require minimal steps, and are forgiving even if you’re not experienced in cooking.
4. Can Indonesian desserts be served cold?
Absolutely! Many Indonesian desserts like Es Cendol, Es Teler, and Kolak Pisang can be served chilled — especially refreshing during hot summer days.
5. What makes Indonesian desserts different from Western sweets?
Indonesian desserts use tropical and earthy ingredients like coconut, pandan, palm sugar, and rice flour. They are less sugary and focus more on natural sweetness and aroma, offering a lighter yet flavorful taste.
