How to make kuih kapit

This is a blog post on how to make Kuih Kapit at home. Kuih Kapit also known as Love Letter is a Malay word that means squeezed cookie. Basically, it is a super light waffle/ pancake made sandwiched/ squeezed in between two metal molds. It’s eaten during Chinese New Year only in countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

As the origins of the waffle-like crisp cookie come to Nyonya (the Chinese settlements going back to the 15th century with Dutch influences). The mold originates from Krumkake but is much lighter made. Krumkake is a Norwegian waffle. So there is I research into this as at one time I was desperately looking for the mold here in the UK. Eventually, I found a traditional krumkake mold online. While it’s possible to use it however it is not the same. It is similar to egg roll cookies in Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year. My 5-year-old calls them waffle.

I remember making it while I was young with my cousins together with my parents in the front garden of the house. Making it brings together a lovely spirit which I dearly miss nowadays living abroad. I remember the times when you find strangers just dropping by to have a chat about Kuih Kapit. Well mostly were asking my mum if she was making to sell them lol!! She never wanted to as it’s just too much work and commitment. She just makes it for her own and family’s pleasure also to give away to friends and family.

Buying kuih kapit mould online

There is now an online baking shop called baking frenzy that sells all things baking and cooking based in Penang, Malaysia. I have bought a few things from them. Their delivery is not exactly fast but the item does arrive in one piece. Their freight charges are weight-based so do try for lighter weight options like plastic-made products to cut down the delivery cost.

Another option is to make a trip to Malaysia and buy the mold from the shops sometime before the Chinese New Year period. I got mine bought by a friend that got them for me on a trip back to Malaysia.

As I am living abroad, there is no fresh coconut available I use tinned coconut milk and they come in tins. Well, there is fresh coconut available abroad, it is possible to just homemade extracted coconut milk. Here is one of my blog posts on it. However, it would take a lot more time. Therefore, I tend to use low-fat options due to the fat content in coconut milk. It is possible to use the even very low fat Alpro version called coconut drink. but it makes the batter much harder to handle. It’s something in the Alpro mixture that doesn’t make it a success for making Kuih Kapit.

Update 2022, it is now possible the buy kuih Kapit molds online that are advertised on Facebook groups. Do be aware that they aren’t cheap to buy abroad due to postage fees as the mold does weigh quite a bit.

How to make kuih kapit

The recipe makes about a small square biscuit box. Cooking time at least 2 hours depending on how moulds and helpers you have.

Equipment

• Kuih Kapit Krumkake moulds

Ingredients

• 400 mls low fat coconut milk
• 100 grams caster sugar
• 125 grams rice flour
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 3 medium eggs

Instructions

• Mix all the ingredients to make the kuih kapit batter till it’s well mixed.Then prepare the moulds by oiling them with some kitchen towel dip in cooking oil. Heat the mould on the stove till it is warm. Then start cooking by pouring the mixed batter in moulds. Cook on low heat till golden brown.
• Keep in an airtight container. It will store for up to one month. Although I reckon it wouldn’t last that long.

Once cooked quickly take them off the heat and fold them quickly. I find that the folded version is much easier to handle than the rolled version. For the rolled version just roll it using a chopstick.

Thank you for dropping by. do have a look at my other Chinese New Year bakes like pineapple tart recipe.