Apam Balik

Name: Apam Balik
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Malaysian
Ingredients: 200g all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 2 eggs; 200ml coconut milk; 100ml water; 3 tbsp sugar; Pinch of salt; Filling: 150g roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed; 100g sugar; 100g creamed corn; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp sesame seeds

Apam Balik (AH-pam BAH-lik)

Peanut Pancake Turnover

⏱ Prep Time 25 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 359 kcal

A thick, spongy pancake with crispy edges, stuffed with a generous layer of roasted peanuts, sugar, creamed corn, and butter, then folded in half — a beloved night market sweet treat.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 8.0g

Carbs 48.0g

Fat 15.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ peanuts ⚠ eggs ⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

large round flat pan or crepe pan spatula

Presentation Guide

Vessel: paper wrapper or plate

Garnishes: sesame seeds

Accompaniments: teh tarik, other night market snacks

Ingredients

200g all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
200ml coconut milk
100ml water
3 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt
Filling: 150g roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
100g sugar
100g creamed corn
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add eggs, coconut milk, and water. Whisk into a smooth batter. Rest 15 minutes.
2
Heat a large, greased flat pan over medium heat. Pour a full ladle of batter and spread to form a thick circle.
3
Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until the top is set and the bottom is golden and crispy.
4
While still in the pan, spread crushed peanuts, sugar, creamed corn, and small pieces of butter over one half.
5
Fold the pancake in half over the filling. Press gently and remove from pan.
6
Cut into wedges and serve warm. The contrast of crispy exterior and soft, nutty interior is the magic.

💡

Did You Know?

Night market vendors judge the quality of apam balik by its "crack" — the best ones have an audible crispy snap when you break through the caramelized bottom.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large round flat pan or crepe pan
spatula

Garnishing

sesame seeds

Accompaniments

teh tarik, other night market snacks

The Story Behind Apam Balik

Apam balik traces its origins to the Hokkien Chinese martabak manis, adapted by Malaysian Chinese communities into a beloved pasar malam (night market) staple. The thin, crispy version (apam balik nipis) and the thick, fluffy version (apam balik tebal) represent two schools of thought — crunch versus softness. In Malaysia, the sight of a vendor expertly flipping a golden apam balik on a massive round pan is one of the most iconic night market images.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed night market snack, afternoon treat 📜 Origins: Hokkien Chinese origin, adapted in Malaysia

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