Have you ever tried “Banh In,” the traditional and pocket-friendly cake from Vietnam? It’s one of those treats that holds a special place in every Vietnamese person’s childhood. While the process of making this cake is simple, its unique and delightful flavor sets it apart from other desserts.
Both children and the elderly are fond of “Banh In” because of its light and mildly sweet taste. Unlike many cakes that can be overwhelmingly sweet, “Banh In” strikes the perfect balance. One remarkable characteristic of this cake is that it doesn’t require baking. Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can make the dessert and enjoy it right away.
You can choose to fill the cake with either mung beans or sticky rice. To make the sticky rice more fragrant, prepare it by boiling it with pandan leaf and sugar. You can also enhance the filling by adding sesame seeds, peanuts, jam, dried banana, or other ingredients of your choice.
However, most people prefer “Banh In” with mung bean filling. When selecting the mung beans, ensure that you choose fresh, shiny, round beans with a safe source. This is crucial as the cakes made from new mung beans tend to have the best taste.
What’s even more fascinating about “Banh In” with mung bean filling is that you can make it in various shapes, such as squares, rectangles, flowers, or even fun and quirky shapes, depending on the cake mold you use.
Let me guide you through the process of making “Banh In” easier and faster. Let’s get started!
Ingredients and Tools Needed to Make “Banh In” with Mung Bean Filling
The Filling:
- 210 grams of shelled mung beans
- 210 grams of sugar
The Crust:
- 500 grams of ‘In’ flour
- 400 – 500 grams of sugar
- 160 ml of water
- 2 teaspoons of grapefruit flower extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
Tools: Stove, pot, cake mold, bowl, spoon, and more.
Steps for Making “Banh In”
Step 1: Cook Sugar Water:
- First, put sugar and water into a pot and boil until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sugar becomes condensed. Then, set it aside to cool.
- Next, add lemon juice and grapefruit flower extract to the mixture and stir well.
Step 2: Make the Cake Filling:
- Soak the mung beans in water for about 4 – 5 hours to soften. Then, remove them from the water and heat them in a saucepan for a while.
- Once the mung beans are well-cooked, blend them until they become smooth.
- Stir in the sugar and continue cooking the mixture until it thickens.
Step 3: Make the Crust:
Step 4: Mold the Cake:
- Press the dough and sugar mixture into 2/3 of the cake mold. Remember to add a layer of mung bean paste before filling the mold with the remaining cake dough.
- Use your hands to firmly press the mixture in the mold and set it aside for at least 30 minutes. After that, take the cake out of the mold, and your delicious “Banh In” with mung bean filling is ready to be enjoyed.
Making “Banh In” is a delightful experience that will surely satisfy your taste buds. So, why not give it a try and savor the flavors of Vietnam?
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