Mak Engku’s layer cake (250g) by Modal Ciput Enterprise

The layer cake, known as kek lapis Sarawak is a layered cake from the state of Sarawak in Malaysia.

This cake can be found almost everywhere in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Usually, Kek Lapis Sarawak will be served on special occasions. They are often baked for religious or cultural celebrations such as Eid ul-Fitr, Christmas, Deepavali, Gawai, birthdays and weddings.

People in Malaysia practice an open house tradition during any festival day, and modern layered cakes may be served almost everywhere in Sarawak.

Modern layered cakes can be divided into two categories: cakes with ordinary layers and cakes with patterns, motifs, or shapes. All must have at least two colours. The cake can be baked in an oven or microwave. The batter uses butter, margarine or vegetable oil, milk and eggs, and requires a strong arm or electric mixer to be properly prepared. The baked cake has a high, firm texture and the layers are fastened together with jam or a similarly sticky sweet substance. More detailed cakes often require special moulds to maintain the perfect layer thickness.