Malaysian Peanut Pancake Turnovers (Apam Balik)

Every year, I travel back to my beautiful home country of Malaysia to be with my family. I wish to share my experience with readers!

What Is Apam Balik?

Apam balik is a sweet Malaysian pancake turnover stuffed with peanuts, creamy corn, and butter. The name reflects the way the pancake is folded or turned over.

I have fond memories of eating slices of warm apam balik with my siblings. It was our favorite snack that my father would regularly bring home after his return from work. I miss these memories.

Popular Snack in Malaysia

In Malaysia, apam balik is a popular treat that is sold at the night market, or pasar malam. Nowadays, you can find apam balik with a variety of fillings; sometimes, it's hard to decide which one I want to buy! Popular fillings include chocolate, peanut butter, Nutella, jams, banana, red beans, cheese, and much more.

Generally, there are two types of apam balik: thick and thin. The thin type has just a small amount of filling, and it's crispier. In contrast, the thick type has more filling and is moist and fluffy. I prefer the thick type.

Original Apam Balik

Over the weekend, I was craving apam balik. My husband had never tried it before, so I was excited to make it for him to try! I decided to go with the original, authentic filling of peanuts, creamy corn, and butter.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup crushed peanut
• 5 tablespoons creamy corn (or more, if desired)
• 1 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon yellow food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, egg, baking soda, baking powder, and water. Mix with a whisk or hand-mixer until well-combined.
2. Heat a non-stick medium or small-sized pan. Brush on some oil or butter. Use a paper towel to wipe off the excess.
3. Spoon the batter and spread into a round circle onto the pan.
4. Cook until the surface of the pancakes have some bubbles.
5. Sprinkle the crushed peanut, creamy corn, sugar, and butter evenly on the pancake.
6. Fold the pancake in half like a moon shape with a spatula (see photo below).
7. Continue cooking the remaining batter until it's all done.
8. Transfer to a cutting board. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting.
9. Serve immediately with coffee or tea. Enjoy!

Photo Guide

© 2020 Liza

Comments

Liza (author) from USA on July 04, 2020:

Really? Interesting to know that. I have to look up for the recipe. Yea, if you visited to Malaysia, you have to try apam balik. Thanks for commenting, Danny. Have a great weekend.

Danny from India on July 04, 2020:

It looks similar to Indian dosa, but it's thicker in texture. Thanks for writing about it. Will surely try it If I visit Malaysia.

Liza (author) from USA on July 03, 2020:

You're welcome, Peggy. This year, I have to forgo my trip to Malaysia. Therefore, cooking Malaysian food makes me feel better, and I hope to share Malaysian dishes with all my family and friends here.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on July 03, 2020:

Thanks for introducing me to a Malaysian treat of which I had never even heard the name. It looks easy enough to make. Your photos show the step-by-step process beautifully.

Liza (author) from USA on July 03, 2020:

I'm happy every time I shared recipes here. One of the things I like about sharing the recipes, they remind me of my childhood memories with my mother in the kitchen. I hope to preserve her recipes by cooking and sharing them with people. Yes, Linda, apam balik is a delicious snack! Thanks for your kind comment :)

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on July 02, 2020:

I love to see your recipes, not only because they look delicious but also because I've never heard of many of them before. Apam balik sounds and looks very tasty.

Liza (author) from USA on July 02, 2020:

Hi Lisha, nice to hear your mom was brought up in Malaysia :) I wonder if she has tried some other dishes that I have cooked and shared the recipes here. Say hi to your mom! I hope she is going to like it! Thanks for commenting :)

Liza (author) from USA on July 02, 2020:

Hi Anupam Mitu, you're welcome. I hope you will try to make this delicious turnover pancake!

Lisha C on July 02, 2020:

This is certainly new to me. I must ask my mother if she has ever eaten this. (she was brought up in Malaysia) If so, I will try this recipe for her. Thank you for sharing.

Anupam Mitu from MUMBAI on July 01, 2020:

Delicious! Will try! Thanks for sharing

Liza (author) from USA on July 01, 2020:

It was delicious, Liz. My husband had it for the first time last weekend, and he loved it. The best part of this pancake, it can be substituted with different filling according to your preference.

Liza (author) from USA on July 01, 2020:

Yes, I agree. If you don't prefer the original filling, it can be substituted with different fillings, Sp Greaney. Exactly, it will be a perfect and yummy treat for a family breakfast on the weekend!

Liz Westwood from UK on July 01, 2020:

This sounds good. Your step by step guide looks very professional with a great result at the end.

Sp Greaney from Ireland on July 01, 2020:

Looks exactly like a giant fluffy pancake. Be a nice as a treat for breakfast at the weekend.