Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake

Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake is a medium Vietnamese recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Recipes for Littlies on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $6.52 total, $0.82 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Coconut Cream (full‑fat, canned)
  • 2 teaspoons Pandan Extract (thick extract for flavor and green color)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (pinch of fine salt)
  • 1/2 cup Caster Sugar (fine granulated sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons Canola Oil (neutral oil for greasing and batter)
  • 5 large Eggs (yolks cut with kitchen scissors to reduce air)
  • 1/2 cup Tapioca Starch (also called tapioca flour)
  • 1/2 cup Rice Flour (gluten‑free rice flour)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (bicarbonate of soda)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (helps stabilize the batter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tin

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease only the bottom of a round springform cake tin with a thin layer of canola oil; do not grease the sides.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Heat Coconut Cream Mixture

    In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine 1 cup coconut cream, pandan extract, a pinch of salt, and caster sugar. Microwave for 30 seconds, then remove.

    Time: PT30S

  3. Add Oil and Stir

    Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil to the warmed coconut mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Prepare Eggs

    Crack 5 eggs into a large mixing bowl. Using kitchen scissors, cut the yolks into small pieces to reduce air incorporation.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add First Half of Dry Ingredients

    Add half of the tapioca starch and rice flour (¼ cup each) to the bowl. Whisk for about 1 minute, keeping the whisk in contact with the bottom of the bowl.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Add Remaining Dry Ingredients

    Sift the remaining ¼ cup tapioca starch and ¼ cup rice flour directly into the bowl and whisk another minute.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Combine Coconut‑Pandan Mixture

    Pour the warm coconut‑pandan mixture into the batter and whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Add Leavening Agents

    Add ½ teaspoon baking soda and ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar. Whisk briefly to incorporate.

    Time: PT30S

  9. Sieve Batter into Tin

    Pass the batter through a fine mesh sieve directly into the prepared cake tin, scraping the bowl to capture all batter.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Release Air Pockets

    Lift the tin about an inch above the counter and drop it a few times to release trapped air bubbles.

    Time: PT30S

  11. Bake the Cake

    Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 350°F

  12. Cool Upside Down

    While the cake is still hot, invert it onto a cooling rack set over two mugs (or small bowls) and let it cool for 45 minutes.

    Time: PT45M

  13. Serve

    Slice and serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the chewy texture and subtle pandan aroma.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Eggs, Coconut

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake

Recipe by Recipes for Littlies

A vibrant green Vietnamese honeycomb cake made with pandan extract, coconut cream, and a light, chewy texture. This iconic dessert features a honeycomb-like interior and is best served warm. Perfect for kids and anyone who loves a subtly sweet, aromatic cake.

MediumVietnameseServes 8

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

Source Video
58m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 28m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.52
Total cost
$0.82
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Grease only the bottom of the cake tin to allow sides to cling.
  • Cut egg yolks with scissors to minimize air incorporation.
  • Keep the whisk touching the bottom of the bowl while mixing dry ingredients.
  • Sieve the batter to ensure a smooth mixture.
  • Cool the cake upside down to maintain the honeycomb structure.

Safety Warnings

  • The bowl and batter will be hot after microwaving; handle with oven mitts.
  • Use caution when lifting the hot cake tin and when dropping it to release air pockets.
  • Do not over‑bake; the cake can become dry and lose its honeycomb texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake, known locally as Bánh Bò Phồng, is a beloved street‑food dessert that dates back to colonial times when French baking techniques merged with local flavors like pandan and coconut. Its airy, honeycomb interior symbolizes lightness and celebration, making it popular at festivals and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

In southern Vietnam the cake is often flavored with coconut milk and pandan, while northern versions may use rice flour alone and be served with a drizzle of caramelized sugar. Some regions add a hint of pandan leaf juice instead of extract for a fresher aroma.

cultural
Q

How is Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake traditionally served in Vietnam?

A

The cake is typically served warm, cut into wedges, and eaten plain or with a side of sweetened condensed milk. In many households it is presented on a small plate alongside fresh fruit or a cup of Vietnamese coffee.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake traditionally enjoyed in Vietnamese culture?

A

Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake is a staple at Tet (Lunar New Year), birthdays, and wedding banquets because its light texture and subtle sweetness complement festive meals without being overly rich.

cultural
Q

How does Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake fit into the broader Vietnamese dessert tradition?

A

It exemplifies the Vietnamese love for rice‑based sweets that balance coconut, pandan, and delicate textures. Alongside desserts like chè (sweet soups) and bánh flan, the honeycomb cake showcases the blend of French baking methods with indigenous ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include coconut cream, pandan extract or fresh leaves, rice flour, tapioca starch, and a pinch of cream of tartar. Substitutes such as coconut milk (full‑fat) or vanilla extract can be used, but they will alter the classic flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

What other Vietnamese dishes pair well with Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake?

A

Pair the cake with a cup of strong Vietnamese drip coffee, a glass of chilled coconut water, or alongside light fruit salads featuring mango or lychee for a balanced dessert spread.

cultural
Q

What makes Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake special or unique in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Its signature honeycomb interior, achieved by a specific batter composition and quick baking at high heat, creates a light, airy texture that is rare among rice‑based Vietnamese desserts, setting it apart from denser cakes and puddings.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake at home?

A

Common errors include over‑whisking the batter, which traps too much air, greasing the sides of the tin (preventing the cake from sticking and forming the honeycomb), and opening the oven too early, which can cause the cake to collapse.

technical
Q

Why does this Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake recipe use whisk‑touch‑bottom technique instead of a stand mixer?

A

Keeping the whisk in contact with the bowl bottom minimizes the amount of air incorporated, which is crucial for forming the delicate honeycomb bubbles during baking. A stand mixer can over‑beat the batter, leading to a dense texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Vietnamese Honeycomb Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the cake a day ahead, cool it upside down, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Re‑warm gently in the oven before serving to restore its soft, chewy texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Recipes for Littlies specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Recipes for Littlies focuses on kid‑friendly, easy‑to‑follow recipes that are nutritious, fun, and often feature bright colors or familiar flavors to encourage children to enjoy cooking and eating at home.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Recipes for Littlies' approach to Vietnamese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Recipes for Littlies emphasizes simple techniques, minimal equipment, and clear visual cues, making authentic Vietnamese dishes like the honeycomb cake accessible to home cooks with limited experience, whereas many other channels assume a higher skill level or use more specialized tools.

channel

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