Soft and slightly bouncy two-layer steamed cake consisting of sweet corn layer and coconut layer is a popular snack in Southeast Asia. This kue talam jagung manis recipe is naturally gluten-free.
You can use 6 x 6 inch square pan or a loaf pan. I use 8 1/2 x 3 1/2 loaf pan like I did with some leftover that I poured into cups or you can use all cups too. This recipe can yield about 18-20 cups, depending on the size of your cups
Prepare the sweet corn layer:
Bring the water in a steamer to a boil and then lower the heat to medium to let it simmer. Brush oil all over your pan or cups
Put the corn kernels, sugar, coconut milk, salt, rice flour, tapioca flour in a blender. Blend into a smooth mixture. Strain the mixture and discard the solid if you want a really smooth texture. If you want some sweet corn bits, you don't need to strain the mixture (the kuih talam will be a bit firmer in texture in this case)
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan or cups. If using cups, fill up only halfway
Steam the sweet corn layer:
Put the pans or arrange the cups in the steamer. Cover the lid with a cloth to prevent condensation from dripping on the surface of the kue talam. Steam for 20 minutes if using pan and about 10 minutes if using cups
Prepare the coconut layer:
Mix all ingredient for the coconut layer and whisk to combine
Steam the coconut layer:
Uncover the lid and you will see that the top layer of the sweet corn layer is set and no longer watery, but still not fully cooked through. Very gently spoon the coconut layer on top of the corn layer all over. I use a spoon so it won't "break" the sweet corn layer. Cover and steam again for the next 25 minutes if using pan and about 15 minutes if using cups
There might be a bit of water pooling on top after steaming, they will dry up as they cool down at room temperature
Cool down:
Remove from the steamer and cool down completely for at least 2-3 hours or so if using a pan. If using cups, allow at least 30 minutes before unmolding
Serving:
As the cake cools down, it will pull from the side of the pan. Simply loosen the edge and then gently flip the cake out. You shouldn't have a problem doing so if you oil the pan earlier
Rub some oil on the knife to prevent sticking when you cut the cake. Cut the cake into desired sizes
Video
Notes
You can use canned corn (not the creamed style) or if you use fresh corn kernels, steam them for 15 minutes to cook before using