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Martabak manis pancake topped with peanuts
Sweet Indonesian honeycomb pancake with peanuts

Indonesian Honeycomb Pancake with Peanuts (Martabak Manis)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes
Martabak Manis (or Terang Bulan, meaning 'Full Moon') is the star of Indonesian night markets. This isn't a thin crepe but a thick, spongy pancake with a honeycomb texture, loaded with sweet toppings. The secret is the 'honeycomb' effect created by baking soda and proper heat, forming vertical bubbles that soak up melted butter and condensed milk.
🕒 Prep Time 45 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 580 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Indonesian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Heavy-bottomed skillet (Cast iron is best)
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Allergen Information

⚠️ Egg
⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Wheat
⚠️ Peanuts

Instructions

1 ✓

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, yeast, eggs, milk, and water. Whisk until smooth and bubbly. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

Tip: Resting allows gluten to develop, which will hold the gas bubbles structure.
2 ✓

Right before cooking, stir in the baking soda (dissolved in a teaspoon of water) and melted butter.

Tip: Baking soda reacts with heat to create a sudden burst of gas, forming the honeycomb holes.
3 ✓

Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Pour in the batter. Use the ladle back to swirl batter up the sides (creating a crispy crust).

Tip: Heat control is key: too cool = no bubbles; too hot = burnt bottom.
4 ✓

Wait until many bubbles appear and pop on the surface. Sprinkle with sugar, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low.

Tip: Sugar helps keep the holes open, and the lid traps steam to cook the top.
5 ✓

Once the top is dry, remove from pan. Immediately spread with condensed milk and sprinkle with peanuts.

Tip: The hot sponge absorbs the toppings instantly.
6 ✓

Fold in half like a sandwich, butter the outside crust, and slice.

Tip: Folding keeps the gooey filling warm in the center.

Recipe FAQ

Why no bubbles?
Either the pan wasn't hot enough, or your baking powder/soda was old and inactive.
When do I flip it?
You DON'T! Martabak is only cooked on the bottom; the top steams through under a lid.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 cup Sugar (for batter)
  • 1 1/4 cups Warm Milk
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 tsp Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda (add before cooking)
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 3 tbsp Melted Butter
  • 4 tbsp Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/2 cup Roasted Peanuts, crushed
  • 3 tbsp Sugar (for sprinkling)