6 Best Cambodia Desserts
Cambodian desserts are a feast for the senses, filled with tropical flavors, silky textures, and just the right amount of sweetness. These treats often include ingredients like coconut milk, rice, and pandan, making each bite creamy, fragrant, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to try something new or bring a taste of Southeast Asia to your kitchen, these Cambodian-inspired desserts are a must. Here are six incredible recipes you won’t want to miss.
This coconut sticky rice cake from Made with Sabrina is a delightful combination of creamy coconut milk and chewy rice flour, creating a dessert that’s comforting yet unique. I love how this cake is just the right balance of sweetness and subtle flavor—it’s simple but addictive. If you’re a fan of coconut desserts or chewy textures, this one will be right up your alley!
Anncoo Journal’s kuih lapis, or steamed layer cake, is a visually stunning dessert with colorful, alternating layers. Each layer is soft and bouncy with a light coconut flavor that keeps you coming back for more. I admire the artful layers that make it look as impressive as it tastes, and there’s something so satisfying about peeling each layer off. This is a fun recipe to try if you want to impress guests or add a pop of color to your dessert table!
Kuih talam pandan from What to Cook Today is a two-layered dessert with a pandan layer on top and a coconut layer below. It’s creamy, fragrant, and each bite is a mix of pandan’s herbal sweetness with rich coconut. I’m drawn to the vibrant green hue of the pandan layer, which feels like a tropical escape in each bite. This recipe is ideal for anyone wanting to experiment with pandan or coconut milk in their desserts.
If you’re looking to add a bit of crunch to your dessert table, these almond lace ice cream cups from Cutterlight are a must-try. These delicate, crispy cups are perfect for holding a scoop of your favorite ice cream, adding a nutty twist with a bit of elegance. What I love about this recipe is how simple ingredients transform into such a beautiful presentation, making it the ideal pairing for creamy ice cream.
This unique recipe from Prey World’s Mother’s Food features sticky rice cakes with a rich peanut filling. The filling is warm, nutty, and slightly sweet, while the outer layer is chewy and satisfying. The name “Husband Killers” might raise eyebrows, but it’s said to come from how irresistible these cakes are! I can’t get enough of the combination of textures and flavors here—it’s one of those treats you just have to try for yourself.
Culinary writer Kitchen Frau shares her recipe for noum kong, Cambodian donuts that are fried to perfection with a sesame-studded exterior. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and have a nutty flavor that makes them so addictive. I love the simplicity of this recipe, plus they’re perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. If you’re in the mood for something crispy and lightly sweet, these donuts are an absolute treat.