Emerald Swirls: Kueh Dadar with Gula Melaka Coconut Filling
Delicate pandan-infused crepes embrace a sweet and savory coconut filling, creating a textural delight.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Kueh Dadar, also known as Kuih Ketayap, is a beloved traditional snack found throughout Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. These vibrant green crepes are naturally colored and flavored with fragrant pandan leaves, a staple in Southeast Asian desserts. The sweet and slightly salty grated coconut filling, infused with the rich caramel notes of Gula Melaka (palm sugar), makes it an irresistible treat that's perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet ending to any meal.
- •Aromatic Pandan Essence - The crepes are infused with real pandan extract, lending a unique floral aroma and vibrant green hue.
- •Gula Melaka Magic - The filling features Gula Melaka, a type of palm sugar with a distinctive smoky caramel flavor that elevates the coconut.
- •Soft and Chewy Texture - The crepes are thin, tender, and slightly chewy, providing a delightful contrast to the moist filling.
- •Perfectly Balanced Sweetness - The filling is sweet but balanced with a touch of salt, preventing it from being overly cloying.
- •Authentic Southeast Asian Flavor - Experience a genuine taste of Malaysian and Indonesian culinary heritage with this traditional treat.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Coconut milk
- 1 tsp Pandan extract (or 5-6 pandan leaves blended with water)
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 1/2 cups Grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- 1/2 cup Palm sugar (Gula Melaka) (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Water
- pinch Salt (for filling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Prepare the crepe batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut milk, pandan extract, egg, and salt until smooth. The batter should be thin enough to easily spread on a pan; if it's too thick, add a little more coconut milk, one tablespoon at a time.
~5 min
Tip: For a more intense green color, add a drop or two of green food coloring. - 2
Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium-low heat. It's crucial to use low heat to prevent the crepes from browning too quickly and becoming crispy.
~2 min
Tip: Test the heat by dropping a small amount of batter into the pan; it should sizzle gently and spread easily. - 3
Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of batter onto the hot skillet and immediately swirl the pan to spread the batter thinly and evenly. The thinner the crepe, the better the texture will be.
~2 min
Tip: If you have a crepe spreader, use it for a perfectly even crepe. - 4
Cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to lift and the surface appears set. You'll see tiny bubbles forming on the surface as it cooks.
~2 min
Tip: Avoid overcooking, as the crepe should remain soft and pliable. - 5
Carefully lift the crepe from the pan with a spatula and transfer it to a plate. Do not flip the crepe; it's only cooked on one side.
~1 min
Tip: Stack the cooked crepes on top of each other to keep them moist. - 6
Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining batter, adding a little more oil to the pan as needed. You should have about 8-10 crepes.
~10 min
Tip: If the crepes are sticking, ensure the pan is properly heated and lightly oiled. - 7
Prepare the coconut filling. In a saucepan, combine the grated coconut, chopped Gula Melaka, water, and a pinch of salt. The salt enhances the sweetness.
~3 min
Tip: Adjust the amount of Gula Melaka to your desired level of sweetness. - 8
Cook the filling over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the Gula Melaka has melted and the mixture is slightly thickened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
~7 min
Tip: Be careful not to burn the Gula Melaka; reduce the heat if necessary. - 9
Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle.
~2 min
Tip: The filling should be moist but not overly wet. - 10
Fill the crepes. Place a spoonful of the coconut filling in the center of each crepe.
~2 min
Tip: Don't overfill the crepes, or they will be difficult to roll. - 11
Fold the sides of the crepe inwards, then roll it up tightly like a spring roll. This creates a neat and secure package.
~3 min
Tip: Ensure the roll is tight to prevent the filling from spilling out. - 12
Serve the Kueh Dadar immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
0Tip: For an extra touch, sprinkle the Kueh Dadar with a little extra grated coconut before serving.
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The crepes are done when the edges lift easily and the surface appears set. The filling is done when the gula melaka has melted and the mixture has slightly thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make the crepes a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator with parchment paper between each crepe to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Emerald Swirls: Kueh Dadar with Gula Melaka Coconut Filling as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!