Authentic Kue Lapis Surabaya from Surabaya, East Java — traditional Indonesian snack with step-by-step cooking instructions

Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake

★★★★☆4.7
|Editor's rating

Kue lapis Surabaya is a famous layered cake from Surabaya, East Java, known for its alternating yellow and brown layers. Unlike kue lapis legit which is baked layer by layer, this cake is steamed. The yellow layer is flavoured with butter and vanilla while the brown layer gets its colour and taste from chocolate.

🗺️ Origin: Surabaya, East Java⏱ Time: 90 mins👥 Servings: 20 pieces📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions📜 History & Origin🔥 Cooking Mastery🗺️ Regional Variations🥗 Nutrition FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 150 g granulated sugar
  • 6 egg
  • 100 ml coconut milk
  • 100 g butter cair
  • 2 tbsp brown powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Beat egg and sugar until fluffy and forms ribbon stage
  2. add sifted all-purpose flour, stir fold
  3. add coconut milk and butter melted, stir well
  4. Bagi dough into dua bagian sama banyak
  5. Satu bagian dibiarkan yellow, satu bagian add brown powder
  6. Pour dough yellow thinly on baking tray, Steam until set
  7. Pour dough brown on topnya, Steam again
  8. Ulangi until dough habis, Steam until cooked sempurna

💡 Tips

Use medium heat when steaming for even cooking. Do not open the steamer lid too often.

📜History & Origin

The Story Behind This Dish

Kue Lapis Surabaya is a signature souvenir from the City of Heroes that has been famous for a long time. Legendary cake shops in Surabaya sell this cake.

🔥Cooking Mastery

Technique

Steaming the cake batter in stages, layering yellow and brown colors.

🗺️Regional Variations

Regional Differences

In Surabaya, this layer cake is sold in various sizes and packaging as a souvenir.

🥗Nutrition & Dietary Info

Nutritional Profile

Contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar. Protein from eggs. Fat from butter and coconut milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake?

Kue lapis Surabaya is a famous layered cake from Surabaya, East Java, known for its alternating yellow and brown layers. Unlike kue lapis legit which is baked layer by layer, this cake is steamed. The yellow layer is flavoured with butter and vanilla while the brown layer gets its colour and taste from chocolate.

Where does Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake come from?

Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake originates from Surabaya, East Java. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Can I find Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake outside Indonesia?

Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake can be found at Indonesian restaurants and Asian grocery stores in many countries. However, the authentic taste is best experienced in Indonesia. You can also make it at home using the recipe above — many ingredients can be substituted with readily available alternatives.

Is Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake difficult to make?

Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

Can I use light coconut milk for Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake?

While light coconut milk can be used, the traditional recipe calls for thick coconut milk (santan kental) for authentic richness and flavor.

How do I store leftover Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake?

Store leftover Kue Lapis Surabaya: Surabaya Layer Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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