19 Best Asian Cake Recipes That’ll Transport You to Asia

Fasten your seat belt cause we are about to land in Asia! Before you travel around Asia either you go there directly or virtually, let me give you some amazing knowledge about Asian desserts. As we all know that Asia consists of lots of countries and cultures, make it has lots of diverse range of Asian cake recipes that you could try a new treat every day (literally my dream).

The main reason you will love these Asian cakes is that they aren’t too sweet so you won’t feel overwhelmed by sugar. This post just covers a sample of all the delicious Asian cake flavors, so there are many cakes you have to uncover yourself.

Whether you’re curious about the texture, shape, and color or simply just want to add a new fun recipe to your rotation, all of these desserts are sure will give an adventure for your taste buds!

Okay, the plane has just landed, you can unbuckle your seat belt and enjoy your travel!

19 Awesome Asian Cake Recipes

1. Lapis Legit (Thousand Layer Cake)

Of course, the first cake that I’ll share with you is one of the most famous Indonesian cakes – Lapis Legit! Been living in Indonesia my whole life, I’ve had countless lapis legit and love them all! And I know that you will love this delicious thousand layers cake too.

Traditional recipes use 40 egg yolks (I know that’s a lot!), but thanks god this recipe has simplified your life a bit by using only 12 eggs (including 12 egg yolks and 6 egg whites) and simple ingredients like unsalted butter, cake flour, and sugar.

Perfect for special celebrations such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Eid, this totally tender and rich thousand layers cake won’t disappoint. (Via Daily Cooking Quest)

2. Chinese Fruit Sponge Cake

If you’ve ever tried a Chinese sponge cake, then you know how totally different it is from American-style cakes, which are often dense and super sweet.

Also known in western bakeries as chiffon cakes, this soft sponge cake is super light and fluffy and usually is served with fresh fruit and a very light whipped cream frosting at Chinese bakeries. Really perfect if you prefer cakes that aren’t too sweet and rich. (Via What to Cook Today)

3. Japanese Cheesecake

Instead of buying that soft and jiggly Japanese cheesecake at your favorite cake shop, you can make it at home yourself! And the good news is you only need a few simple ingredients and materials like a cake pan and a large bowl.

This moist yet airy and soft cake is best served after resting in the fridge overnight. You’ll fall in love in just one bite! Oh-so satisfying. (Via Chopstick Chronicles)

4. Sfouf (Turmeric Cake)

Have you ever heard of sfouf before? Or turmeric cake? Then I’m glad to be the one to present this yellow cake to you!

Has a unique name, sfouf is a Middle Eastern semolina turmeric cake that uses simple ingredients such as milk, cane sugar, canola oil, all purpose flour, turmeric, and semolina.

Full of mild flavors and not sweet at all, this cake makes a perfect light dessert or quick sweet treat to go with your cup of coffee! (Via Feel Good Foodie)

5. Lotus Mooncakes with Salted Egg Yolks

If you live in China, Taiwan, Hongkong, or other countries in South East and East Asia, then you know this traditional Chinese pastry. Maybe you always tried the store-bought ones but have you ever thought of making them yourself?

Homemade mooncakes are fresh, soft, and a lot more flavorful. However, it’s not beginner-friendly as this recipe consists of six-part! And requires quite a lot of your time, but they are definitely worth it especially if you love these mooncakes. (Via The Woks of Life)

6. Persian Love Cake

Let’s transport to Iran, make this cake and a prince of Persian will come to you. Hopefully, the latter will come true, but if it isn’t at least you’ve got the whole cake for yourself!

Made with almond meal and semolina, this cake is soaked with lemon-rosewater syrup, with a hint of citrus and spice flavors. The best part about making this cake is jabbing lots of holes in it and then pouring the syrup over the cake when it’s fresh out of the oven so it soaks right through, adding sweetness as well as moisture.

Great for afternoon tea or to finish off a Persian or Middle Eastern-themed meal. You’re going to love this Persian Love cake! (Via Recipetin Eats)

7. Vietnamese Steamed Banana Cake (Banh Chuoi Hap)

If you’re a fan of all things banana, this is the next cake you have to try. To make this delightful steamed cake you only need ripe bananas, tapioca starch, sugar, rice flour and corn starch, coconut milk, and sesame seeds for the creamy coconut sauce. And steamed over medium heat – high heat.

Another fun thing is this cake is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and also made on the stovetop so this recipe could be your first time making a cake without an oven. You seriously will addicted to this soft-chewy cake. (Via Delightful Plate)

8. Korean Lunchbox Cake

Are you bored with that same lunchbox you always bring to picnics? Or want to surprise your friends with a simple and small birthday cake? This adorable Korean dessert is your perfect option.

Made with fluffy sponge cake, often decorated with dreamy embellishments, and make in classic circular-shaped or heart-shaped, this simple yet pretty bento-sized cake will surely sweeten up your day. (Via Sugar Yums)

9. Indian Milk Cake

This Indian milk cake is easy to make from scratch and calls for only five ingredients such as milk powder, rose water, pistachio, cardamom, and ricotta cheese, and the best part it only takes 15 minutes from start to finish.

Decadent, yummy, and delicious, this will be the rich milk fudge cake you’ve ever had! (Via Spice Cravings)

10. Sans Rival (Layer Cashew Cake)

If you like cashews and need a classy dessert to serve at your dinner or birthday party, a beautiful homemade Filipino cake fits the bill for the most special occasions.

Some basic tools from the pantry like an electric mixer, rubber spatula, parchment paper, and an incredible Sansrival icing made with egg yolk mixture and butter are some main things you’ll need to make this incredible cake. I guarantee there won’t be any left! (Via Baking Like a Chef)

11. Thai Mango Cake (Khek Ma-Muang)

This Asian-style mango cake is made up of soft fluffy sponge cake, layered with simple and rich cream, then all topped with fresh or canned mangoes. Be it for a casual dinner or a little celebration, your family will love it! This is what sweet summer dreams are made up of. (Via The Spruce Eats)

12. Taiwanese Castella Cake

It may look slightly similar to Japanese sponge cake or Chinese steamed sponge cake that you may have seen at Chinese bakery cake or dim sum restaurants, but this sponge cake is baked in a water bath resulting in a super jiggly and pillow soft cake.

Super easy to make, this cotton soft cake is great for afternoon tea, breakfast, or any time of the day when you need a quick sweet treat. (Via Two Plaid Aprons)

13. Honey Cake (Rosh Hashanah)

This Honey Cake is a traditional treat for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, but can definitely be enjoyed year-round by anyone!

Calls for simple ingredients, always remember to use room temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the cake batter. This sweet and tender cake is a perfect autumn dessert. (Via Rich and Delish)

14. Hong Kong Egg Tarts

Are you familiar with egg tarts? You must have to try the Hong Kong version.

Made with flaky circular pastry and filled with smooth sweetened egg custard, these light desserts are ideal for any celebration! For the best results, eat these Hong Kong egg tarts while they are still warm. (Via The Woks of Life)

15. Burmese Semolina Cake (Shwegyi Sanwei Mankin)

Not a sweet tooth? This traditional Burmese dessert will become one of your new favorite cakes.

Deliciously crispy crust and soft fudgy center with a mixture of toasty semolina and subtle coconut flavor, It’s a simple plain cake and not overly sweet. Perfect to enjoy as a tasty snack to go with your hot cup of tea or coffee! (Via Wandercooks)

16. Bika Ambon (Honeycomb Cake)

Another Indonesian cake you have to add to your must-try recipes list! This cake is not like any regular cake you see in western countries, because the texture of the cake is like a honeycomb, which makes this cake very bouncy, squishy, and unique.

To make this, firstly, you have to prepare the starter and coconut milk mixture, add them to the batter and let it rest for a few hours, the batter will have lots of large bubbles. Set the oven temperature to 330 F, preheat the oven, then bake the batter. (Via What To Cook Today)

17. Ube Cake (Filipino Purple Yam Cake)

Look at this pretty purple cake! I bet you’ve never heard of this cake before until this post or you have? If never, then we’re the same!

Layered with creamy purple buttercream, this meringue-based sponge cake recipe is pure dessert decadence. You can also add a small amount of gel food color to give more a vibrant purple color.

Surely will be gone from a table once it is served! The sweet, earthy, and purple cake is definitely will impress your guest! (Via The Unlikely Baker)

18. Zaatar Cake

If you ever wondered what is an Arabian cake called, then wonder no more!

All it takes is 7 simple ingredients, most of which are a staple in most kitchens to make this moist, tender, and exploding with spice flavors cake. The best part is that it takes less than an hour to make and with no special preparations!

If you love savory cakes, this super moist and tasty cake is up your alley then! (Via Fufu’s Kitchen)

19. Square Pandan Cake with Gula Melaka Buttercream

Step up your baking skill by making this totally delicious pandan cake.

Firm peaks meringue (or stiff peaks if you want) mixture with the pandan batter creates a sweet cake you’ll want to whip up again and again. This simple and elegant cake is perfect for celebrating all occasions. (Via Bake With Paws)