i tried making vietnamese honeycomb cake

i tried making vietnamese honeycomb cake is a medium Vietnamese recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Ash Baber on YouTube.

Prep: 17 min | Cook: 44 min | Total: 1 hr 16 min

Cost: $10.10 total, $1.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 100 g Tapioca Starch (fine powder, gives the signature chewy texture)
  • 150 g Rice Flour (short‑grain rice flour, gluten‑free)
  • 200 ml Coconut Milk (full‑fat canned coconut milk for richness)
  • 1 tsp Pandan Extract (concentrated, gives classic green aroma)
  • 150 g Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder (double‑acting)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 pinch Salt (fine sea salt)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Sift the tapioca starch, rice flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt into a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Whisk Wet Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, and pandan extract until fully blended.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Make the Batter

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and thin, similar to a pancake batter.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. Prepare the Baking Tin

    Lightly grease the coconut cake mold with a neutral oil or melted butter.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Fill the Tin

    Pour the batter into the prepared tin, filling it about three‑quarters full.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Bake the Cake

    Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes, then lower the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake for another 12 minutes without opening the oven door.

    Time: PT24M

    Temperature: 300°F

  8. Cool and Release

    Remove the tin from the oven and let the cake sit for 10 minutes. Run a silicone spatula around the edges, then gently invert the cake onto a cooling rack.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Serve

    Allow the cake to cool to room temperature. Slice and serve plain or drizzle with a light coconut syrup if desired.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Coconut

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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i tried making vietnamese honeycomb cake

Recipe by Ash Baber

A chewy, bouncy Vietnamese honeycomb cake flavored with coconut and pandan. Made with tapioca starch and rice flour for a unique texture, this dessert is traditionally baked in a special mold to create a honeycomb interior.

MediumVietnameseServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
37m
Prep
24m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.10
Total cost
$1.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving a thin, smooth batter without over‑mixing.
  • Maintaining the two‑stage baking temperature and never opening the oven early.
  • Allowing the cake to rest before attempting to remove it from the mold.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking tin with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not open the oven door during the critical baking phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Vietnamese honeycomb cake (Bánh Bò) in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Bánh Bò is a traditional Vietnamese street‑food cake often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Its honeycomb interior symbolizes lightness and is celebrated for the contrast between the soft, chewy exterior and the airy, bubbly interior.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Bánh Bò in Vietnam?

A

In Southern Vietnam, the cake is commonly flavored with coconut milk and pandan, while Northern versions may use a plain coconut flavor or add a hint of vanilla. Some regions also incorporate a caramelized sugar topping.

cultural
Q

How is Bánh Bò traditionally served in Vietnamese households?

A

It is usually served at room temperature, cut into bite‑size squares, and enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Occasionally it is drizzled with a light coconut syrup for extra sweetness.

cultural
Q

During which Vietnamese celebrations is Bánh Bò commonly prepared?

A

Bánh Bò is popular during Tết (Lunar New Year) and other family gatherings because its sweet, comforting flavor appeals to all ages.

cultural
Q

What makes Bánh Bò unique compared to other Asian cakes?

A

The use of tapioca starch and rice flour creates a chewy, bouncy texture, while the two‑stage baking method produces the signature honeycomb pores that set it apart from typical sponge or rice cakes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Vietnamese honeycomb cake (Bánh Bò) at home?

A

Opening the oven too early, over‑mixing the batter, and not allowing the cake to rest before removal are the top errors that cause collapse or sticking.

technical
Q

Why does this Bánh Bò recipe use tapioca starch instead of wheat flour?

A

Tapioca starch provides the characteristic chewiness and elasticity, while wheat flour would make the cake dense and prevent the formation of the airy honeycomb structure.

technical
Q

Can I make Vietnamese honeycomb cake (Bánh Bò) ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when Bánh Bò is done cooking?

A

The top should be lightly golden, and the interior should be full of uniform, bubble‑like pores that give a honeycomb appearance. The cake should spring back slightly when pressed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ash Baber specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ash Baber focuses on adventurous home baking, often tackling challenging or lesser‑known international desserts and sharing candid, humorous commentary throughout the process.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ash Baber's approach to Vietnamese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Ash Baber blends detailed technique explanations with a light‑hearted, self‑deprecating style, emphasizing personal trial‑and‑error and encouraging viewers to attempt difficult recipes like Bánh Bò without fear.

channel

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