Discovering Lapis Legit: A Guide to the Traditional Indonesian Layer Cake

by Er Rin Tan March 29, 2023

If you're a fan of Southeast Asian cakes, then you've likely heard of the lapis legit.

Also known as Indonesian layer cake, lapis legit is a cake that consists of thin layers of spiced buttery cake.

Lapis cake has a long and interesting history, and it's a beloved treat in many parts of the world.

It is believed to have originated in Indonesia during the Dutch colonial period, where it was a popular treat among the upper classes.

The name "lapis legit" literally means "legitimate layers," and it refers to the fact that the cake has a precise number of layers that are painstakingly assembled by hand.

Some of the most common alternative names for lapis legit include:

1. Spekkoek - This is the Dutch name for lapis legit, which translates to "bacon cake" because the layers resemble the stripes on a piece of bacon.

2. Kueh Lapis - In Malaysia and Singapore, lapis legit is often referred to as kueh lapis, which means "layered cake" in Malay.

3. Thousand Layer Cake - This is the literal translation of the Chinese name for lapis legit, qianceng gao. It's called this because of the many thin layers that make up the cake.

4. Spiku - In Indonesia, the Kueh Lapis Surabaya is sometimes called spiku, which is a combination of the Indonesian words for "layer" and "cake." This is another variation of Kueh Lapis.

5. Layer Cake - This is a simple and straightforward name for lapis legit that is used in many English-speaking countries.

Types of Indonesian Layer Cakes

At Amour Desserts, we are proud to offer our customers a selection of delicious lapis legit cakes including:

1. Original Lapis Legit

Our original lapis legit cake is made with the traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations. Each slice of this cake is rich and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness.

If you're looking for a lapis legit cake with a twist, our prune lapis legit is the perfect choice. This cake features the same layers of buttery cake and spiced, condensed milk, but we've added pieces of juicy, plump prunes to give it a fruity flavor.

3. Layer Cake with Hawflakes

Lapis cakes with hawflakes are a popular variation of the traditional lapis legit cake. Hawflakes are small, disc-shaped candies made from the fruit of the Chinese hawthorn tree. These candies have a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that complements the rich, buttery layers of the lapis cake.

4. 3 in 1 Indonesian Lapis

For those who can't decide on just one flavor, our 3 in 1 Indonesian lapis cake is the perfect solution. This cake consists of one-third original lapis, one-third prune lapis, and one-third hawflake lapis, so you can enjoy a little bit of everything in every bite.

Our lapis cakes are made with only the highest-quality ingredients, and they are baked fresh to ensure that they taste their best.

Whether you're looking for a classic original lapis legit, or you want to try something a little different, we have a cake that will satisfy your cravings.

Why are Indonesian Layer Cakes expensive?

Lapis legit cakes can be much more pricey as they are notoriously difficult cakes to make - it requires a lot of time, patience, and precision. Here are some of the reasons why lapis legit can be so challenging to bake:

Time-consuming Production

Lapis legit is a time-consuming cake to make due to each layer being baked separately, which takes several minutes per layer. With 15-20 layers in a traditional lapis legit, this adds up to a 6-8 hour labour-intensive baking process. Cooling and resting time between layers are also necessary to avoid cracks and collapse.

Specialized Baking Skills

To make lapis legit, specialized baking skills & experience is required to mix the batter evenly and spread each layer with consistent thickness. Proper baking temperature and time are also crucial to prevent burning, drying out or even collapse. Achieving the desired cake texture consistent thickness requires practice and skills.

In summary, lapis legit is a challenging cake to make due to its many thin layers, high-fat content, and heat management requirements. Making this cake takes a lot of time, skill, and experience to get it just right, hence making its price more expensive than other cakes.

Lapis Legit Delivery in Australia

At Amour Desserts, we offer delivery of Indonesian Layer Cakes throughout selected Melbourne suburbs. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also choose to pick up your cake from us.

We also offer cake postage for our lapis legit cakes, which means that you can enjoy our delicious cakes no matter where you are in Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth.

Whether its delivery, pickup or postage, all you need to do is place your order online, and we will take care of the rest.

We look forward to serving you the best kueh lapis experience in Australia.

FAQs about Amour Desserts' Indonesian Kueh Lapis Legit in Australia

1. What is Lapis Legit?
A: Lapis Legit, also known as Indonesian layer cake, is a rich and buttery cake made up of dozens of thin layers. Each layer is baked separately and stacked one on top of the other to create a stunning and delicious cake.

2. Why is Lapis Legit difficult to make?
A: Lapis Legit is a time-consuming cake to make due to each layer being baked separately. Additionally, the cake batter needs to be mixed correctly and each layer needs to be spread evenly. Proper cooking temperature and time are crucial to prevent burning or drying out. Getting all of these factors right requires practice and skill.

3. What variations of Lapis Legit does Amour Desserts offer?
A: We offer a range of Lapis Legit cakes, including the classic original, prune, and hawflake variations. The cakes are made with the highest quality ingredients and a dedication to traditional baking methods.

4. Does Amour Desserts offer Indonesian Kueh Lapis cake delivery in Melbourne?
Yes, Amour Desserts offers cake delivery in Melbourne, making it easy to enjoy their delicious Lapis Legit cakes from the comfort of your own home.

5. Does Amour Desserts offer Lapis Legit cake postage Australia-wide?
A: Yes, Amour Desserts offers cake postage Australia-wide, so you can share the joy of Lapis Legit with loved ones all across the country. Contact us with to get a courier quote based on quantity and delivery address