Martabak Manis: The Sweet Indonesian Pancake Street Snack
Martabak Manis: The Sweet Indonesian Pancake Street Snack
Homemade Indonesian Sweet Pancake Martabak Manis – A Beloved Street Food
Experience the authentic taste of Martabak Manis, Indonesia’s iconic street food sensation, right in your own kitchen! Also known as ‘Terang Bulan’ in some regions, this delightful sweet pancake is a national favorite for its irresistible sweet and rich flavor. We’ve adapted the recipe with easily accessible ingredients, making it simple for anyone to recreate this Indonesian classic. Enjoy a slightly crispy exterior giving way to a soft, chewy interior, all enveloped in a symphony of sweet toppings. Perfect for a decadent dessert or a delightful afternoon treat, this Martabak Manis is sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Let’s get baking!
Batter Ingredients- 300ml Water (lukewarm)
- 2 pinches Salt (approx. 1g)
- 2 drops Vanilla Extract (or vanilla essence)
- 250g Cake Flour (sifted)
- 60g Sugar
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 5g Baking Powder (approx. 1.5 tsp)
- 2g Baking Soda (approx. 0.5 tsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the liquid base for the batter. In a bowl, combine 300ml of lukewarm water with 2 pinches of salt and 2 drops of vanilla extract. Stir well to infuse the water with a delicate vanilla aroma. If vanilla extract is unavailable, vanilla essence can be used as a substitute.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, place the 250g of sifted cake flour. Gradually pour in the prepared vanilla-infused water while mixing with a whisk or spatula until a smooth batter forms with no lumps. Ensure all the flour is incorporated for a consistent texture.
Step 3
Once the batter is somewhat mixed, add 60g of sugar and the room temperature egg. Continue mixing until the sugar and egg are completely blended into the batter. It’s important to ensure the egg is evenly distributed for a uniform outcome.
Step 4
Now, it’s time to add the leavening agents. Stir in 5g of baking powder and 2g of baking soda. Mix them quickly into the batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop gluten and result in a tough pancake.
Step 5
Cover the batter bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the flour to absorb moisture and the gluten to relax, leading to a softer and chewier pancake. For even better results, refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
Step 6
After chilling, retrieve the batter from the refrigerator. It might be quite thick. Give it a gentle whisk to ensure the consistency is even before cooking. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water.
Step 7
Time to cook the Martabak Manis! Heat a non-stick pan over low heat. Once the pan is warm, ladle about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter (depending on your pan size) into the center. Let the batter spread naturally to form a round shape. Avoid making it too thick.
Step 8
Gently tilt and swirl the pan to allow the batter to spread towards the edges. This technique helps create an even thickness and ensures the sides cook properly. Be cautious when handling the hot pan.
Step 9
As small bubbles start to appear on the surface and create tiny holes, cover the pan with a lid. Continue to cook on low heat for about 5 minutes. Covering the pan traps steam, ensuring the pancake cooks through evenly and remains moist. The pancake is ready to flip when the surface looks set and less wet.
Step 10
Carefully remove the cooked pancake from the pan. Fold it in half using a spatula or by gently pressing down with a knife on a cutting board. This helps to keep the fillings contained.
Step 11
Spread 20g of butter evenly over the inner surface of the folded pancake. The melting butter adds a lovely richness and helps the toppings adhere smoothly.
Step 12
Next, spread 30g of chocolate spread over the buttered surface. Using a hazelnut chocolate spread like Nutella will enhance the decadent flavor. Adjust the amount to your liking.
Step 13
Drizzle 20g of sweetened condensed milk in a zigzag pattern over the chocolate spread. The condensed milk adds a creamy sweetness that is characteristic of Martabak Manis.
Step 14
Finally, place the other half of the folded pancake on top of the filled side, enclosing the toppings. Gently press down to seal the pancake.
Step 15
Cut the Martabak Manis into desired portions (e.g., quarters or sixths) and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy this delightful Indonesian treat – perfect for a family snack or a homemade dessert!
