
California Raisin Rice Cakes: A Sweet and Golden Delight
If you're looking for a unique, flavourful, and visually stunning dessert, California Raisin Rice Cakes (Pulut Kuning California Raisin) are a must-try! This traditional treat combines the rich golden hue of turmeric-infused glutinous rice with the natural sweetness of California Raisins, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Let’s dive into the magic behind this delightful dish and how you can make it at home!


Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔️ Country Farm Organics Raisins originates from California, hence it can be called as California Raisins.
✔️ Beautiful Golden Color – Thanks to turmeric, these rice cakes are naturally vibrant.
✔️ A Perfect Sweet-Savory Combo – The sweetness of California Raisins pairs perfectly with the rich coconut milk.
✔️ Steamed Goodness – No deep-frying, just a healthy and aromatic steam-cooked dessert.
✔️ Traditional Yet Simple – Inspired by Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine, this recipe is easy to follow at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serving: Make 6 cakes
For the Rice Cake:
- 400g glutinous rice (2 cups)
- 200g mature turmeric root, scraped and sliced
- 2 pieces tamarind apple (asam keping)
- 3–4 pandan leaves, tied in a knot
For the Coconut Milk Mixture:
- 100g California Raisins
- 100ml thick coconut milk
- 100ml hot water
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make California Raisin Rice Cakes
1. Prepare the Glutinous Rice
Start by rinsing the glutinous rice multiple times until the water runs clear. Soak it in a bowl of fresh water (about 1 cm above the rice).
2. Infuse with Turmeric
Blend sliced turmeric root with 1 cup of water until fine. Strain the liquid into the rice, then blend the remaining solids again with more water. Let the rice soak in this bright yellow mixture for at least 2 hours.
3. Rinse and Steam
Drain and rinse the rice with plenty of water to remove excess turmeric. Place it in a shallow, heat-proof container. Steam for 15 minutes to partially cook the rice.
4. Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture
While the rice steams, mix coconut milk, water, salt, and raisins in a bowl. Pour this into the steamed rice, mix well, and continue cooking for another 20 minutes.
5. Shape the Rice Cakes
Once fully cooked, transfer the rice to small mold cups with a hollow center. Lightly grease the mold with plastic or cling wrap for easy removal. Fill the center with sweet raisin filling for a stunning presentation.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Unmold the rice cakes and serve warm or at room temperature. These golden treats are not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes!
A Sweet Tradition with a Twist
Pulut Kuning, or yellow glutinous rice, is often served at special occasions in Southeast Asia. By adding Raisins, this recipe gets an extra dose of natural sweetness and a chewy texture that makes each bite even more delightful.
Whether you’re making these for a festive gathering or just to treat yourself, these Raisin Rice Cakes are a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional dish with a modern twist.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! 🍚✨
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