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Bangladeshi Date Molasses Cakes (Handesh)

Bangladeshi · Snack · Hard

Bangladeshi Date Molasses Cakes (Handesh)

Total
3 hr
Prep
2 hr 20 min
Serves
12
Calories
230
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Rice-flour batter sweetened with date palm molasses puffs in hot oil into small brown cakes with frilled edges and soft centers.

Resting lets the rice flour hydrate in Bangladeshi Date Molasses Cakes (Handesh), helping the batter puff evenly in the oil. The molasses supplies both sweetness and a deep brown color.

Use Bangladeshi date palm molasses and add water gradually because its thickness varies. The batter should fall in thick ribbons; a thin mixture spreads out before it can rise.

SweetRichPartyVeganVegetarianDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Whisk date palm molasses with the measured warm water. Add rice flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon and cardamom and whisk for until completely smooth. Cover and rest for .

  2. Whisk again, lifting settled flour from the bottom. Add extra water only as needed for a thick ribboning batter. Heat vegetable oil in a deep wok to 340°F (170°C), keeping it no more than one-third full.

  3. Pour 3 tbsp batter in one steady stream into the center. Fry one cake at a time for total, turning halfway, until puffed, brown and cooked through without wet batter in the center.

  4. Drain each cake on a rack and repeat, keeping the oil temperature steady. Make about 20 to 24 small cakes and serve warm, roughly two per portion.

Forkue tips

  • Fry a small test cake first. If it spreads and breaks, whisk in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour before continuing.

Storing and reheating

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm in a low oven or dry skillet to soften the centers and refresh the edges.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

230Calories
3gProtein
40gCarbs
6gFat

Bangladeshi Date Molasses Cakes (Handesh): FAQ

Why are my cakes flat?

The batter may be too thin or the oil too cool. It should fall in thick ribbons and rise steadily after entering the oil.

Can I use ordinary blackstrap molasses?

It has a much stronger, bitter flavor. Date palm molasses is the intended sweetener and gives the characteristic mellow taste.

How do I store and reheat Bangladeshi Date Molasses Cakes (Handesh)?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm in a low oven or dry skillet to soften the centers and refresh the edges.

How long does Bangladeshi Date Molasses Cakes (Handesh) take?

About 3 hr in total: 2 hr 20 min prep and 40 min cooking.

What do I need to make Bangladeshi Date Molasses Cakes (Handesh)?

The key ingredients are date palm molasses, rice flour, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon and ground cardamom, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Bangladeshi Date Molasses Cakes (Handesh)?

Fry a small test cake first. If it spreads and breaks, whisk in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour before continuing.

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