Vietnamese honeycomb cake: An irresistible dessert for the sweet tooth

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Vietnamese honeycomb cake is a must-try specialty (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese honeycomb cake is known for its distinct honeycomb-like texture, created by expanding gas pockets during baking. Along with other Vietnamese cakes, it is a favored treat during family gatherings and ancestral ceremonies. This subtly sweet and chewy delicacy complements a cup of tea wonderfully and can brighten your day with its delightful taste.

1. Overview of Vietnamese honeycomb cake (banh bo)

Vietnamese honeycomb cake, or “banh bo”, is a traditional sweet cake from the southwestern region of Vietnam. It is popular at family gatherings and ancestral ceremonies. The cake’s unique honeycomb-like texture, formed by expanding gas pockets during baking, sets it apart.

Vietnamese honeycomb cake calories content is about 82 – 110 calories per piece due to its main ingredient – rice flour. This has high starch content that can convert to sugar and lead to weight gain if overconsumed. It is best to eat in moderation, ideally no more than twice a week, with a limit of five pieces per serving.

• Highlights & Best ways to enjoy it

Vietnamese honeycomb cake is a delightful dessert known for its distinct pandan and coconut taste. Its one-of-a-kind patterns within the crumb result in a light and springy texture that sets it apart from any other cake. An often-enjoyed version of this cake is the Vietnamese pandan honeycomb cake, known for its bright green color. It can be savored on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

The pandan extract gives Vietnamese honeycomb cake a vibrant green color and unique flavor (Source: Collected)

2. How to make Vietnamese honeycomb cake?

2.1. Original Vietnamese pandan honeycomb cake recipe

Vietnamese honeycomb cake consists of rice flour, coconut milk, cooking oil, sugar, and yeast or bread starter. These ingredients are meticulously chosen to yield a cake with a soft, slightly chewy texture and subtle sweetness.

For Vietnamese pandan honeycomb cake, pandan extract is included. This extract is mixed into the batter, infusing the dessert with a vibrant green hue. Additionally, it lends a fragrant and herbal aroma to the cake.

The five steps below will guide you in making a delicious honeycomb cake:

• Combine the ingredients: Start by mixing together rice flour, coconut milk, cooking oil, sugar, and yeast to form a smooth batter.
• Knead the mixture: Knead the batter for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This step helps create the cake’s unique texture.
• Prepare the mold: Pour the mixture into a cake mold and brush a layer of cooking oil on top to prevent sticking.
• Baking: Place the mold in the oven and bake until the cake browns evenly on both sides. Typically, this takes around 45 minutes.
• Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving it.

Vietnamese honeycomb cake is made using a handful of basic ingredients (Source: Collected)

2.2. Recipe for gluten-free Vietnamese honeycomb cake

Compared to the original Vietnamese pandan honeycomb cake, the gluten-free version utilizes gluten-free rice flour to cater to those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, the gluten-free version provides more flavor options and incorporates a baking soda mixture to create the honeycomb pattern, ensuring it remains gluten-free.

Make your gluten-free Vietnamese honeycomb cake with these steps:

• Mix the dry ingredients: Mix the gluten-free rice flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
• Mix the wet ingredients: Mix the coconut milk, cooking oil, and pandan extract (optional) in another bowl.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually blend the wet mixture into the dry mixture to form a smooth batter.
• Prepare the mold: Pour the batter into a greased cake mold.
• Bake and cool: Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) until browned, then cool, slice, and serve.

Gluten-free Vietnamese honeycomb cake is a delectable food that is perfect for all dessert lovers (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Vietnamese rice cakes: Top 22 local delicacies to add to your bucket list

3. Notable variations of Vietnamese honeycomb cake

• Palm sugar honeycomb cake: The famous honeycomb cake sweetened with palm sugar is a regional favorite in the southwest. It is made from rice flour, palm powder, palm sugar, and coconut milk. The cake, with its golden hue, is wrapped in banana leaves and garnished with grated coconut.
• Cao Bang honeycomb cake: Cao Bang honeycomb cake is a baked variation of Vietnamese honeycomb cake from Cao Bang Province, which uses brown sugar instead of coconut milk. It features a vibrant yellow color, a soft texture that melts in the mouth, and a mild sweetness.
• Coconut honeycomb cake: Coconut honeycomb cake is a delightful Vietnamese dessert which combines coconut milk-infused batter and coconut filling. It offers a memorable contrast of textures and flavors.
• Tra On honeycomb cake: Tra On honeycomb cake boasts a consistently moist and soft texture. What sets it apart is the impeccable harmony between the sweetness of sugar and the richness of coconut milk, resulting in a subtly sweet and mildly rich flavor.

Cao Bang honeycomb cake is known for its simple and sweet flavor (Source: Collected)

4. Best places to try Vietnamese honeycomb cake

4.1. In Hanoi

In Hanoi, you can discover an abundance of places to savor Vietnamese honeycomb cakes, such as:

• Hil Heo Shop: 20/3 Nguyen Dinh Hoan, Cau Giay District
• Banh Bo Nung Ninh: 159 Lam Du, Long Bien District
• Banh Bo Thot Not Nguyen Son: C30 Alley 69 Duong Khue, Cau Giay District
• Banh Bo Thot Not: 325/105/1 Kim Nguu, Hai Ba Trung District
• TeaTaste: 31A Ngo Tram, Hoan Kiem District
• Bep Co Ha: 79/40/14/6 Cau Giay, Cau Giay District
• Xixa’s Corner: 46C Pham Ngoc Thach, Dong Da District
• Banh Bo Di Dong: 12/28 Chinh Kinh, Thanh Xuan District
• Banh Bo Cao Bang: 32 Nghia Do, Cau Giay District

4.2. In Ho Chi Minh City

In Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to try Vietnamese honeycomb cake and other delicious Vietnamese foods at these spots:

• Banh Bo Thot Not Nguyen Son: 6 Le Tu Tai, Phu Nhuan District
• Banh Bo Nuong Baa&Boo: 337/37 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3
• Banh Bo Thot Not Tan Chau: 32 Co Bac, District 1
• COCOCake: 18E Tran Quang Dieu, District 3
• Ngo Do Bakery: 118/164 Bach Dang, Binh Thanh District
• Banh Bo Cali: 55E Nguyen Thong, District 3
• Toro Cake – Banh Bo Thot Not: 82/17/11 Le Van Duyet, Binh Thanh District

Make sure to enjoy Vietnamese honeycomb cake when you travel to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Aside from Vietnamese honeycomb cake, Vietnam offers a plethora of other delectable delicacies that are not to be missed, such as banh chung, Vietnamese pancake, Vietnamese fish cake, Vietnamese spring rolls, mi Quang, bun dau mam tom, Pho rolls, and Vietnamese broken rice.

For the most authentic culinary experiences, it is highly recommended to savor these specialties in Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. Each of these destinations offers its unique culinary delights.

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Vietnamese honeycomb cake, with its distinctive texture and delightful pandan flavor, stands as a beloved treat of Vietnamese culinary craftsmanship. This iconic dessert captures the essence of Vietnamese sweets and is a must-try for anyone exploring the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine.