Apam Balik

'Apam balik' is a Southeast Asian fluffy pancake with cream corn and peanuts. This soft pancake which is usually made to order has a thick surface with thin and crispy side. These days, apam balik comes in a variety of sweet or savoury fillings.

2.75 stars

Preparation 15 mins
Cooking 15 mins

Snack

Terang bulan, Martabak Manis, Ban Jian Kuih, Min Jian Kueh, 曼煎糕

Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, Bruneian

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Nutrition per Serving

155 kcal
16 g
9 g
4 g


Apam balik (literally means overturned pancake) is made out of simple ingredients. Instead of baking the batter, it is cooked in a pan and done within minutes. Also known as 'min jian kueh' in Singapore or 'martabak manis' in Indonesia, this pancake is not really sweet. The sweetness is then supported with a hint of saltiness. Cream corn which is added further enhances the taste of the pancake.

In Southeast Asia, apam balik is usually sold at specialist roadside stalls or at night markets. Check out the stall which sells apam balik in the night market here.

Which flour to use?

Apam balik uses plain wheat flour. It does require a small amount of gluten to obtain the soft and fluffy texture. To be specific, use wheat flour meant for making cakes.

How to make the side cripsy?

Use a nonstick pan which is slight higher (ca. 1 inch) than the one shown in the video. Heat the pan at low heat, then pour the batter into the middle of the pan. Carefully spread the batter to the side of the pan using a spoon. Continue cooking as recommended in the recipe steps below. The thin layer of batter at the side of the pan will be crispy.

Ratio of sugar and peanuts

Use a ratio of 1:1. when it comes to the amount of sugar and crushed peanuts. However, be generous with the filling. Sprinkle enough sugar and peanuts mixture to cover the batter.

There are actually two versions of apam balik: One has a thin and crispy crust while the other is slightly thicker in texture although the filling for both types remained the same. I prefer the latter as I find it more palatable with the tinge of saltiness from the butter, crunchiness of the peanuts, sweetness of the cream corn and sugar in every bite. It is especially good when eaten while it is still warm, fresh from the pan.


Ingredients

Servings:  
200 ml
milk
60 ml
oil
2
egg(s)
160 g
wheat flour
3 tsp
baking powder
1⁄2 tsp
salt
25 g
unsalted butter
3 tbsp
creamed corn
45 g
sugar
3 tbsp
peanuts

Steps to Prepare

Apam Balik Step 1

Step 1 of 4

    • 200 ml milk
    • 60 ml oil
    • 2 egg(s)
    • 160 g wheat flour
    • 3 tsp baking powder
    • 1⁄2 tsp salt

Mix milk, oil and egg together. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are combined evenly.

Apam Balik Step 2

Step 2 of 4

Spread some batter onto the pan. Spread a thin layer of batter to the side of the pan. Cover the pan for 30-60 seconds until small air bubbles appear.

Apam Balik Step 3

Step 3 of 4

    • 25 g unsalted butter
    • 3 tbsp creamed corn
    • 45 g sugar
    • 3 tbsp peanuts

Add butter, cream corn, crushed peanuts and sugar onto the pancake. Fold the pancake into half once the bottom surface is browned.

Apam Balik Step 4

Step 4 of 4

Cut into wedges and best eaten when it is warm.

Published: April 12, 2015


4 Discussions

Gopal Chandran
a year ago

Gopal Chandran

Today I made the Apam Balik and it came out perfectly tasty. The only two extra ingredients I added was slightly toasted white sesame seeds and slightly toasted dessicated coconut. Thank you for you perfect recipe.

Alex Tan
4 years ago

Alex Tan

Hi! May I know what causes the air bubbles? I’ve tried but no air bubbles appeared so I had to check every time to avoid overcooked. No sure what went wrong.

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
4 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Hi Alex, the combination of the heat, milk and baking powder creates an acid-base reaction to release carbon dioxide. It could be that you're using too low heat or did not wait long enough for the surface to fully heat up.

Winnie
4 years ago

Winnie

Chose this recipe due to high ratings. already tried to follow this recipe exactly for two different times but the results were still shocking. Very surprised with this high rating as the apam balik turned out to be unreasonably soft. Have to chuck them in the bin. So had to resort for other recipe which is much better and authentic.

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
4 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

Hi Winnie, thank you for giving this recipe a try. I'm sorry that it didn't turn out well. Did you cook the batter over higher heat, until the little bubbles appear? A lid over the pan helps to contain the heat and cook the better thoroughly.

Woklifebalance
4 years ago

Woklifebalance

Hi, may I check how should butter be added in? Should it be melted butter in liquid form or mixed in with sugar and peanuts before placement in pancake?

Mira - Community Happiness Manager
4 years ago

Mira - Community Happiness Manager

You do not need to melt the butter. Simply add the chunks of butter over the batter. Check the video above to see how it's done ;)

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