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Indonesia · Dessert

Klepon

45 min
410 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Klepon🇮🇩

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

7 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Klepon. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Glutinous dumpling20 recipes from 11 countriesSee all 7 matches

Sweet, chewy pandan-infused glutinous rice balls filled with molten palm sugar and coated in fresh coconut. A classic Indonesian treat that bursts in your mouth.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Klepon from another cuisine is Onde Onde (Malaysia): the two share 100% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Mix 200g of glutinous rice flour with 150ml of water slowly until it forms a smooth, pliable dough that doesn't stick to your fingers.

  • 2

    Chop the 100g palm sugar into small, fine cubes to ensure they melt quickly once cooked.

  • 3

    Take a small amount of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a cube of palm sugar in the center, sealing it tightly into a smooth ball.

  • 4

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 2 pandan leaves to infuse a delicate, floral aroma into the cooking liquid.

  • 5

    Gently drop the rice balls into the boiling water; they are ready when they float to the surface, which takes about 3-5 minutes.

  • 6

    While the balls boil, steam 150g of grated coconut with 1/4 tsp of salt for 5 minutes to sanitize and enhance the flavor.

  • 7

    Remove the floating balls with a slotted spoon, shake off excess water, and immediately roll them in the steamed coconut until thoroughly coated.

  • 8

    Serve these beauties at room temperature; be careful when biting as the hot palm sugar liquid inside can be quite intense!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Klepon?

Klepon is an Indonesian dessert consisting of glutinous rice flour balls filled with liquid palm sugar and coated in grated coconut. These bite-sized treats are typically served as a snack or during traditional gatherings.

Can I use brown sugar instead of palm sugar?

While palm sugar is authentic for its smoky profile, you can use dark brown sugar as a substitute if necessary.

Why did my Klepon burst in the water?

This usually happens if the balls aren't sealed properly or if the dough is too thin; ensure no sugar is leaking out before boiling.

How long can I store these?

They are best consumed on the same day as they tend to harden when refrigerated due to the glutinous rice.

Should I use fresh or dried coconut?

Fresh grated coconut is essential for the authentic texture and moistness, so avoid using desiccated coconut if possible.

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