Dessert

Kanom Chan (9 Layer Jelly)

A stack of nine translucent green and white kanom chan jelly layers on a white plate, garnished with shredded coconut and a pandan leaf.
Prep
30 minutes
Cook
45 minutes
Servings
16
ThaiModerateSnackVegetarianGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

Kanom Chan is a classic Thai layered jelly dessert traditionally made for auspicious occasions. Each thin, chewy layer of pandan-scented coconut jelly is steamed one at a time, building nine distinct strata that symbolize good luck and prosperity.

The methodical process rewards patience with a stunning, jewel-like dessert that's subtly sweet and wonderfully bouncy.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Coconut milk

dairy

400 ml

Imperial measurement: 1¾ cups

Pandan leaves

herb

6 leaves

Rice flour

grain

100 g

Imperial measurement: ¾ cup

Tapioca flour

grain

100 g

Imperial measurement: ¾ cup

Sugar

other

150 g

Imperial measurement: ¾ cup

Salt

spice

¼ tsp

Water

liquid

200 ml

Imperial measurement: ¾ cup

Green food coloring

other

a few drops

Method

1

Prepare pandan juice

10 minutes

Cut pandan leaves into small pieces and blend with 200 ml water. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to get pandan juice. Reserve the juice and discard the pulp.

2

Mix batter

10 minutes

In a bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca flour, sugar, and salt. Add coconut milk and pandan juice. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps. Strain the mixture through a sieve for a silky texture. Divide the batter into two equal portions. Leave one portion as is (white). Add a few drops of green food coloring to the other portion for a deeper green (optional).

3

Prepare steamer

5 minutes

Fill a steamer with water and bring to a gentle boil. Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan with a neutral oil to prevent sticking.

4

Steam first layer

3 minutes

Pour about 3 tablespoons of the green batter into the pan to form a thin layer. Swirl to spread evenly. Place the pan in the steamer and steam for 3 minutes over medium heat until the layer is set but still slightly tacky to the touch.

5

Add second layer

3 minutes

Pour about 3 tablespoons of white batter over the first layer. Spread evenly and steam for another 3 minutes until set.

6

Continue layering

27 minutes

Repeat the layering process, alternating green and white batter, each time steaming for 3 minutes until set. You will have 9 layers total, starting and ending with green. Ensure each layer is fully cooked before adding the next.

7

Cool and set

2 hours

Once all layers are steamed, remove the pan from the steamer and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully firm up.

8

Unmold and slice

5 minutes

Run a knife around the edges of the pan. Invert the jelly onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife or cookie cutter, cut the jelly into squares or diamond shapes. Serve at room temperature.

Equipment

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Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
1 g
Protein
18 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
45 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • The key to perfect layers is maintaining an even steam. Keep the steamer at a gentle, steady boil and avoid lifting the lid too often, as temperature fluctuations can cause layers to wrinkle.
  • If you don't have pandan leaves, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of pandan extract mixed with water. Adjust the amount of water to maintain the correct liquid ratio.
  • For a vegan version, ensure your sugar is certified vegan (some sugars are processed with bone char). All other ingredients are naturally plant-based.
  • Kanom chan keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve kanom chan as a snack or dessert at room temperature. It is traditionally paired with fresh coconut cream or toasted sesame seeds.
  • For.
  • For a modern twist, enjoy alongside a cup of hot Thai tea.

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Pim Saelim

Recipe by

Pim Saelim

Specialises in Thai cuisine

This Pim is a food scientist who weighs her fish sauce.

Describe yourself in three words: Methodical, geeky, lives for umami metrics.