Iwel-iwel, steamed cassava and palm sugar cakes

Iwel-iwel, steamed cassava and palm sugar cakes

Desserts

Steamed cakes from Eastern Java: a cassava and coconut dough, with a palm sugar filling, cooked in a banana leaf for 35 to 45 minutes.

Enlarge photo
↓ Jump to recipe

Iwel-iwel is a traditional cake from eastern Java, combining salty-sweet coconut and palm sugar, all wrapped in banana leaves. It is cooked using the steaming method.

Ingredients and directions

  • Prep time30 min
  • Cook time40 min
  • Total1 hr 10 min
  • DifficultyMedium
  • CostBudget
  • Cooking methodsteam
  • Estimated cost$1.78 $0.18 / serving Estimated price; varies by store. Converted from euros at the ECB rate of October 7, 2026.
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free

Ingredients

10 people
  • $0.66
  • $0.80
  • $0.28
  • $0.04

Prices from US supermarkets for 3 of 4 ingredients; Belgian prices for the rest.

Directions

  1. Combine the tapioca starch, cassava flour, shredded coconut, and salt in a large mixing bowl. ≈ 4 min
  2. Thoroughly mix these ingredients. ≈ 4 min
  3. Add 1 glass of water and knead until a smooth dough forms. ≈ 10 min
  4. Take a banana leaf and shape it into a cone, or fold it as you like. ≈ 10 min
  5. Place 2 tablespoons of dough, then put a slice of palm sugar in the center, and cover with a little more dough. ≈ 3 min
  6. Wrap it securely and secure the end with a skewer or toothpick. ≈ 3 min
  7. Heat a steamer until the water boils.
  8. Steam the iwel-iwel for 35 to 45 minutes over medium heat.
  9. Remove them and serve them warm. ≈ 2 min

The bill

Iwel-iwel, steamed cassava and palm sugar cakes

  • 500 g of dried cassava flour (gaplek)$0.66
  • 100 g of tapioca starch$0.80
  • 250 g of palm sugar$0.28
  • 1 tablespoon of salt$0.04

Total$1.78

that's $0.18 per person

Estimated price; varies by store.

Before you start

Ingredients

  • 500 g of dried cassava flour (gaplek)
  • 100 g of tapioca starch
  • 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
  • 250 g of palm sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 200 ml of water
  • Banana leaves

The screen stays on while cooking mode is open.

🎬 Have a video of this recipe? Suggest a YouTube link

Did you film this recipe, or do you know a video that shows it? Axelle watches it before adding it to the page.

Nothing is published before approval.

✏️ A mistake, an idea for this recipe? Suggest a correction

Reviews (0)

Rate this recipe Be the first to rate it!

Your rating

On our Facebook page

0 reactions · 0 comments

Comment on Facebook ↗