Dessert
Kanom Chan (9 Layer Jelly)

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
dairy400 ml
Imperial measurement: 1¾ cups
Pandan leaves
herb6 leaves
Rice flour
grain100 g
Imperial measurement: ¾ cup
Tapioca flour
grain100 g
Imperial measurement: ¾ cup
Sugar
other150 g
Imperial measurement: ¾ cup
Salt
spice¼ tsp
Water
liquid200 ml
Imperial measurement: ¾ cup
Green food coloring
othera few drops
Method
Prepare pandan juice
10 minutesCut 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.
Mix batter
10 minutesIn 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).
Prepare steamer
5 minutesFill a steamer with water and bring to a gentle boil. Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan with a neutral oil to prevent sticking.
Steam first layer
3 minutesPour 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.
Add second layer
3 minutesPour about 3 tablespoons of white batter over the first layer. Spread evenly and steam for another 3 minutes until set.
Continue layering
27 minutesRepeat 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.
Cool and set
2 hoursOnce 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.
Unmold and slice
5 minutesRun 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
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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Recipe by
Pim Saelim
Specialises in Thai cuisineThis Pim is a food scientist who weighs her fish sauce.
Describe yourself in three words: Methodical, geeky, lives for umami metrics.