Pandan Cake Recipe

Easily make this delightfully sweet Pandan Cake recipe right in your Instant Pot! This Indonesian dessert is wonderfully soft, moist, and crazy delicious.

Why Pandan Cake Is The Cake You Never Knew You Needed

Have you ever seen a more beautiful dessert in your life? This doesn’t even need food coloring to make it this gorgeous green, because Pandan extract makes this Pandan Cake this color naturally.

What is Pandan?

It’s a lovely green extract that has a unique flavor. Some say it’s like an exotic vanilla with a fresh herbal overtone. Others say words can’t describe the flavor, and to just enjoy it. I say it’s delicious and try to use it in as many things as possible !

Pandan is an exotic plant that grows in Southeast Asia and the extract is made from the leaves. It’s commonly used to flavor desserts like this Pandan Cake in that area’s cuisine.

Can You Bake A Chiffon Cake In The Instant Pot?

Despite what you may think, baking in the Instant Pot is not only easy, but makes incredible food. This Pandan cake, and any of the cakes I’ve made in my Instant Pot , doesn’t turn out soggy, but is beautifully moist and fully cooked at the same time.

Why Does Chiffon Cake Have A Hole In The Middle?

Chiffon cake is traditionally baked in a bundt pan to help the delicate batter rise.

If you try baking this cake in a larger pan without a hole in the middle, the weight of the cake may cause the cake to sink in the middle.

What Is Pandan Cake Made Of?

Except for the pandan extract, you likely already have all of the ingredients you need for this yummy Chiffon Cake in your kitchen!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 Eggs - Eggs help the batter bind together and create a soft, tender crumb. In a steamed-style cake like this one, eggs also contribute to lift and fluffiness.
• 1/4 cup Oil - Oil prevents the cake from drying out during pressure cooking, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar - The granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps balance the earthy, aromatic notes of pandan.
• 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk or Coconut Milk - Coconut milk intensifies the tropical flavor profile and pairs beautifully with pandan, while evaporated milk offers a smooth, more neutral richness.
• 1.25 cups All-Purpose Flour - It creates the body and crumb while absorbing moisture from the eggs, milk, and oil to keep the cake balanced and sturdy enough to withstand steaming.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder - Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy even in the moist environment of the Instant Pot. It works alongside the eggs to create airiness and lift.
• 4–5 Drops Pandan Extract - This extract infuses the cake with its unique floral, nutty, vanilla-like scent. A few drops go a long way, so this small amount is enough for a vibrant, fragrant pandan cake.
• 1.5 cups Water (for the Instant Pot) - The water is added to the bottom of the Instant Pot, not the batter. The water creates the steam needed to pressure-cook the cake.

How To Make Pandan Cake

1. Grease. Grease a 6 cup bundt pan .
2. Blend. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer , blend together the eggs, oil and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the eggs are whipped. Pour in the milk and pandan extract and continue blending.
3. Add dry ingredients. Add in flour and baking powder and blend to a smooth batter.
4. Pour. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and cover with foil.
5. Place. Place 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot . Add a steamer rack . Place the cake pan on the steamer rack .
6. Cook. Close the lid and select PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 20 minutes. Allow the pot to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.
7. Cool. Remove the cake pan, allow it to cool for 10 minutes then remove the Pandan cake from the bundt pan .

Tips And Tricks

Making pandan cake in the Instant Pot is a fantastic way to achieve a moist, tender texture without using an oven. These tips will help you get the most consistent, flavorful results.

• Use a Pan That Fits Perfectly . Choose a 6- or 7-inch round cake pan that fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot on a trivet. A snug but not tight fit ensures even steaming.
• Add Water to the Pot First . Always pour 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot before lowering in your cake pan. This water creates the steam needed to cook the cake properly.
• Cover the Pan Loosely . Lightly tent the cake pan with foil. This prevents excess condensation from dripping onto the batter without sealing it too tightly, which could affect rising.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter . Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the cake dense and prevent it from rising properly during steaming.

Variations

If you love the classic fluffy pandan cake, these fun variations will help you switch things up while keeping that signature green aroma and sweetness.

• Coconut Pandan Cake - Replace evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture. You can also drizzle the finished cake with a simple coconut glaze made from powdered sugar and coconut milk.
• Pandan Marble Cake - Swirl in 2–3 tablespoons of cocoa powder mixed with a bit of batter to create a beautiful green-and-chocolate marble pattern. This adds a subtle bittersweet contrast to the floral pandan flavor.
• Pandan Gula Melaka Cake - Sprinkle chopped gula melaka (palm sugar) into the batter or create a palm sugar caramel to drizzle on top before serving. The deep caramel notes pair perfectly with pandan’s light floral sweetness.

What To Enjoy With Pandan Cake

Pandan cake is soft, fragrant, and naturally sweet, making it wonderfully versatile when choosing what to serve alongside it. Whether you want to enhance its tropical notes or balance its sweetness, these pairings elevate every bite.

• Fresh Fruit - Serve slices of pandan cake with fresh mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, or strawberries for a refreshing, vibrant contrast.
• Coconut Ice Cream - A scoop of creamy coconut ice cream highlights pandan’s tropical aroma and adds a delicious cold-and-warm temperature contrast.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk Drizzle - A light drizzle of condensed milk or coconut condensed milk adds richness and extra sweetness, perfect for dessert lovers.

How Long Does It Last?

Pandan cake stays fresh for 3 to 4 days when stored properly at room temperature. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s best to refrigerate it instead, where it will last up to 5 days.

Chilling may firm the texture slightly, so let the cake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and softness.

Can You Freeze It?

For longer storage, pandan cake can also be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months when wrapped tightly and placed in an airtight container.

Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before digging in.

More Great Cake Recipes

• This Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake uses coconut flour to give the cakes a little body –perfect for those who can’t use almond flour .
• This Gluten-Free Carrot Cake is going to absolutely blow your mind! It’s so good you’ll swear it’s just straight-up carrot cake and it’s a keto recipe as well.
• If you’re looking for a delicious, moist, and absolutely crave-worthy cake recipe, this Keto Lemon Pound Cake recipe is for you.
• Ginger Cassava Cake - A quick, simple, gluten-free, vegan dessert recipe.

Pandan Cake Recipe | Instant Pot Chiffon Cake

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• 6 cup bundt pan

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 Eggs
• ▢ 1/4 cup Oil
• ▢ 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk , or coconut milk
• ▢ 1.25 cups All-Purpose Flour
• ▢ 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• ▢ 4-5 drops Pandan Extract
• ▢ 1.5 cups Water , for the Instant Pot

Instructions

• Grease a 6 cup bundt pan .

• Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer , blend together the eggs, oil and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the eggs are whipped. Add the milk and pandan extract and continue blending.

• Add in flour and baking powder and blend to a smooth batter.

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and cover with foil.

• Place 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot . Add a steamer rack . Place the cake pan on the steamer rack .

• Close the lid and select PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 20 minutes. Allow the pot to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.

• Remove the cake pan, allow it to cool for 10 minutes then remove the cake from the bundt pan .

• Make sure to allow the cake to cool before trying to remove it from the pan.

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Pandan Cake Recipe | Instant Pot Chiffon Cake

Ingredients

• 4 Eggs
• 1/4 cup Oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Evaporated Milk or coconut milk
• 1.25 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 4-5 drops Pandan Extract
• 1.5 cups Water for the Instant Pot

Instructions

• Grease a 6 cup bundt pan .

• Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer , blend together the eggs, oil and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the eggs are whipped. Add the milk and pandan extract and continue blending.

• Add in flour and baking powder and blend to a smooth batter.

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and cover with foil.

• Place 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot . Add a steamer rack . Place the cake pan on the steamer rack .

• Close the lid and select PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 20 minutes. Allow the pot to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.

• Remove the cake pan, allow it to cool for 10 minutes then remove the cake from the bundt pan .

• Make sure to allow the cake to cool before trying to remove it from the pan.

Pandan Cake Recipe | Instant Pot Chiffon Cake https://twosleevers.com/instant-pot-pandan-cake/

I love meat that is crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside, and this Crispy Pork Belly Lechon Kawali is just that. It will literally melt in your mouth. It’s crunchy, delicious, and full of flavor from the garlic and soy sauce.

What Makes Crispy Pork Belly Recipes Amazing?

• Fast. Are you looking for a quick pork belly recipe? I have you covered. I used my Instant Pot and my Air Fryer to make this, but if you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can use your stove top, and I include instructions for that too.
• Oven. Similarly, no air fryer? No problem! You can always just broil the finished meat and get a reasonably crispy finish. Of course, if you’re in the market for an air fryer, you should check out my unbiased reviews of air fryers and pick one you like.

Do You Have To Use AnInstant PotAND AnAir Fryer?

This sounds like a recipe that would take a long time or would be really difficult. If you’ve ever cooked my recipes before, you know that’s just not my style. If it’s difficult, or something you have to babysit while it cooks, I look for ways to make it simple and hands-off. This truly is an easy pork belly recipe .

The Instant Pot cooks this quickly while infusing crazy-good flavor. Then the Air Fryer crisps it to perfection in no time. If you’re a kitchen gadget geek like me, you already have both of these devices so it’s simple. If not, use your oven.

What Spices Do You Use For This Crispy Pork Belly?

I use bay leaves, garlic, and soy sauce to be the main spice and flavor components for this Crispy Pork Belly Recipe . It pulls out the flavor of the pork wonderfully without being overwhelming. The spices also keep the meat juicy while allowing the outside to stay crispy and crunchy.

What Exactly Is Pork Belly?

Pork belly is uncured, un-smoked, and un-sliced bacon. It is very popular in Chinese , Korean , and Filipino cooking (lechon kawali.)

Ask your local butcher to get you a fresh, skin-on, center-cut pork belly. I’ve noticed that my Costco carries the meat as well, but it is still cheaper to buy in Asian grocery stores.

I tend to buy the larger packet and cut some in cubes, and leave some in slices before freezing.

What Is The Difference Between Bacon And Pork Belly?

Pork belly is the fatty cut of meat from the pig’s belly. It’s a large, unsliced cut of meat. Bacon is from the same part the pig, but it is cured and sliced.

How Do You Cook Pork Belly?

I included instructions below on how to cook pork belly . There are instructions to do the main cooking portion on a stovetop, as opposed to using your Instant Pot if you don’t have one.

The Instant Pot does make it simpler so you can focus on other things in the kitchen (like side dishes, clean-up, etc), but it’s not going to ruin the dish if you don’t have one. Then, you can broil it in the oven if you don’t have an Air Fryer.

Can You Eat Pork Belly On Keto?

Pork belly is naturally low in carbohydrates. Keto pork belly recipes are great to help meet your daily macros on a low carb diet. The higher fat content will also help you stay full and satisfied longer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound Pork Belly - This is the star of the dish. Pork belly provides a rich balance of meat and fat, which turns incredibly crispy on the outside and tender inside once boiled and fried.
• 3 cups Water - Used for simmering the pork belly. This helps soften the meat, render some fat, and infuse flavors before the final frying step.
• 1 teaspoon Salt - Seasons the pork belly while boiling and enhances its overall flavor. Also helps tighten the skin for better crispiness when fried.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper - Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the simmering liquid, ensuring the pork is well seasoned throughout.
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce - Provides savory umami and a touch of color to the pork as it simmers, building flavor into the meat before crisping it up.
• 2 Bay Leaves - Imparts a mild herbal aroma to the pork during boiling, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• 6 cloves Garlic - Adds fragrant, savory notes while simmering the pork belly. This helps season the meat from the inside out.

How To Cook This Lechon Kawali Recipe

1. Cook. Cut the pork belly into 3 thick chunks and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes.
2. Pressure Release. Let the unit sit for 10 minutes, then release all the pressure.
3. Drain. Allow the meat to drain and dry for 10 minutes.
4. Crisp. Next to get that crispy skin! Place the meat in the Air Fryer. Cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, or until the fat has become crispy.

How To Cook Crispy Pork Belly On the Stove/Oven

1. Cook. Place the spices and meat in a large sauce pot, cover and cook for 60 minutes (or until a knife can be inserted into the skin side of the pork belly).
2. Crisp. Place the pork belly skin side up on a baking sheet and turn oven to Broil. Allow the meat to broil in the oven until the skin is crispy, 3-5 minutes on the rack closest to the broiler. Make sure to watch the oven so the skin doesn’t burn.
3. Drain. Remove the pork from the water and allow to drain and dry for 10 minutes.

What to Serve With This Sliced Pork Belly Recipe?

• Appetizer. Fresh pork belly is fatty and flavorful and is often served in small portions as an appetizer. You can make this quick pork belly recipe, and leave it in your fridge for snacking. Or, serve to your guests for a get-together or dinner party.
• Time Saver . If you do have both an Instant Pot and an Air Fryer, you could be making this dish right on the counter as you are preparing your main dish!
• Salads . You can make this and mix it into a salad for a little savory fat and protein in a salad.
• Main Dish. If you are looking to serve pork belly in a main dish, try my delicious Vietnamese Thit Nuong recipe. If you are keto, skip the noodles, or use shirataki noodles instead.
• Side Dish. A delicious side dish to make would by my Air Fryer Green Beans and Bacon , just substitute the pork belly. The fatty pork belly would add such a depth of flavor. I suggest you cook the pork belly cubes first and when they’re almost but not quite done, add in the green beans and cook as directed. Keep it simple and use frozen green beans for a quick side dish.
• Soup. There is also a pork belly and cabbage soup recipe in my new book, Easy Keto in 30 Minutes you should check out!

Tips and Tricks for Crispy Pork Recipes

Creating the perfect Lechon Kawali is all about achieving ultra-crispy skin while keeping the pork tender and flavorful. These easy tips will help you master it every time.

• Rest. Make sure to let the meat rest to get out the excess moisture for that perfect crispy skin.
• Affordable. Pork belly is readily available at most grocery stores and is inexpensive. A perfect appetizer item for serving a crowd.
• Crisping. If you crisp the skin in the oven, make sure to keep on eye on the broiler. It will go from charred to burned very quickly.

Variations

Crispy pork belly can be made in more than one delicious way. These variations let you enjoy the same crackling texture while switching up cooking methods and flavors:

• Siu Yuk - Rub the meat with five-spice and salt, then roast under a thick salt crust that traps moisture while blistering the skin beautifully.
• Spiced Pork Belly Chicharrón - After boiling, cube the pork belly and deep fry into bite-sized pieces for a crispier, snackable version.
• Adobo-Style- Simmer the meat in a vinegar-soy-garlic adobo broth first, then fry until crunchy. This adds a tangy Filipino flavor twist.
• Korean-Inspired- Brush with gochujang glaze before the final crisp to add a spicy-sweet kick.

How Long Does It Last?

To stay within food safety guidelines, I would recommend eating this within 3-4 days after cooking it.

To reheat any leftovers, simply toss it in the air fryer at 375 for 3-4 minutes or until the bites of air fryer pork belly are warmed through and extra crispy on the outside.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze crispy pork belly, but it’s best to do so before the final air frying step for the best texture.

After pressure cooking and drying the pork, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and fry until golden and crispy.

Freezing already-fried pork belly can make the skin lose its crunch, though reheating in an air fryer can help restore some crispiness.

Want More Delicious Pork Recipes?

• Instant Pot Pork Chops and Vegetables - easy one-pot meal!
• Indian Pulled Pork Tacos - incredible fusion food!
• Instant Pot Carnitas - crazy good flavor and so easy!
• How To Make Juice Pork Chops - perfect every time.
• Pork Tenderloin with Orange Sauce - packed with flavor.
• Delicious Pork Belly Recipes - try one of these recipes tonight!

Crispy Pork Belly Recipe | How To Make Lechon Kawali

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Ninja Air Fryer

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound ( 453.59 g ) pork belly
• ▢ 3 cups ( 750 g ) Water
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ( 1 teaspoon ) Ground Black Pepper
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Soy Sauce
• ▢ 2 ( 2 ) Bay Leaves
• ▢ 6 cloves ( 6 ) Garlic

Instructions

FOR THE INSTANT POT/AIR FRYER

• Cut the pork belly into 3 thick chunks so that it cooks more evenly.
• Place all ingredients into the inner liner of an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Cook the pork belly at high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes and then release all remaining pressure. Using a set of tongs, very carefully remove the meat from the pressure cooker. Allow the meat to drain and dry for 10 minutes.
• Cut each of the three chunks of pork belly into 2 long slices.
• Place the pork belly slices in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 15 minutes or until the fat on the pork belly has crisped up, and then serve.

FOR THE STOVE/OVEN

• If you do not have a pressure cooker, place the ingredients into a sauce pan, cover, and cook for 60 minutes, until a knife can be easily inserted into the skin-side of the pork belly. Remove the meat and allow the meat to drain and dry for 10 minutes.

• Place the pork belly skin side up on a baking sheet and turn oven to Broil. Allow the meat to broil in the oven until the skin is crispy, 3-5 minutes on the rack closest to the broiler. Make sure to watch the oven so the skin doesn’t burn.

• Make sure to let the meat rest to get out the excess moisture for that perfect crispy skin.

• Pork belly is readily available at most grocery stores, and is inexpensive. A perfect appetizer item for serving a crowd.

• If you crisp the skin in the oven, make sure to keep on eye on the broiler. It will go from charred to burnt very quickly.

Get support & connect with our community on Facebook!

Nutrition

And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .

Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .