Indonesian & Malaysian Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Martabak Manis
Indonesia's thick, pillowy sweet pancake, bronzed and buttery, loaded with chocolate, cheese, or crushed peanuts — a nighttime street-food obsession.
Contains common allergens
In the app, Listahan checks these against your household automatically.
Good to know
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Matched from this dish's own ingredients and timing. Browse more: 30-minute meals
Instructions
6 steps- 1
Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda together in a bowl.
- 2
Whisk in the eggs and milk gradually until you have a smooth, thick batter with no lumps; let it rest for 30 minutes.
- 3
Heat a small, heavy skillet over medium-low heat, pour in the batter to about 1/2 inch thick, and cook without flipping until bubbles form all over the surface and the edges pull away, 8 to 10 minutes.
- 4
Cover the pan for the last few minutes so the top cooks through and turns spongy.
- 5
While still in the pan, spread the softened butter over the top, followed by the condensed milk and your chosen toppings.
- 6
Fold the pancake in half, slice into wedges, and serve warm.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
75/100
Good fit for most families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving165
Calories
5 g
Protein
12 g
Carbs
11 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
Martabak manis is a thick, sweet pancake cooked slowly in a heavy pan until small holes open up across the entire surface of the batter, a sign the leavening has fully worked through. Once flipped and cooked through, it's folded over a generous layer of toppings — commonly chocolate, cheese, and condensed milk — and finished with butter or margarine brushed over the crust.
Listahan note
This version lets the batter rest before cooking so the leavening agent has time to fully activate, since a batter poured into the pan too soon after mixing won't develop the same even, sponge-like network of holes across the top.
Technique cues
- Rest the batter for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking, giving the leavening time to build bubbles throughout rather than just at the surface.
- Cook the batter in a heavy, thick pan over low to medium heat with the lid on, which traps steam and heat evenly so the holes open up across the whole surface rather than just the edges.
- Watch for the surface to turn from wet and shiny to matte and fully riddled with small holes before adding the toppings; adding them too early means the pancake underneath is still undercooked.
- Fold the pancake in half only after the toppings are added and the base is fully cooked through, pressing gently so the layers meld together without squeezing out the melted fillings.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- While Martabak Manis is in the oven, measure out any garnish or topping — like the sweetened condensed milk — so it's ready the moment the bake finishes cooling. Everything else is quick — the cook is the one step that takes real time.
- Make-ahead
- Martabak Manis's dough or batter (built around sweetened condensed milk) can usually be made a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked fresh — many doughs actually improve with an overnight rest. The cook step is what sets the pace here.
- Leftover move
- Leftover Martabak Manis freezes well — wrap individual portions tightly and thaw at room temperature, or crumble it over ice cream for a quick second life. This one leans on the sweetened condensed milk. Plan around the cook; that's the slow part.
- Cleanup rhythm
- Soak the mixing bowl and beaters for Martabak Manis right away — sugar and butter residue hardens fast once it cools. This one leans on the sweetened condensed milk. The cook step is what sets the pace here.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
Batter
Flavor support
Purpose: Batter supports the balance of Martabak Manis and should taste integrated.
Handling: Prep before heat is high so the cooking step can move without rushing.
Adaptation: Use the closest fresh equivalent and expect a modest shift in flavor or texture.
chocolate
Sweetness and aroma
Purpose: chocolate adds aroma, sweetness, or warmth without needing extra garnish.
Handling: Prep before heat is high so the cooking step can move without rushing.
Adaptation: Use the closest fresh equivalent and expect a modest shift in flavor or texture.
cheese
Main protein or body
Purpose: cheese gives Martabak Manis its main substance and carries the seasoning.
Handling: Prep before heat is high so the cooking step can move without rushing.
Adaptation: Use unsweetened dairy-free alternatives only where they still provide enough fat and body.
Technique notes
- Brush the finished pancake generously with butter or margarine right after it's folded, while it's still hot enough to melt into the crust.
- Slice into wedges for serving, similar to a cake, rather than leaving it as one large folded piece, since the toppings can be quite rich and heavy.
- Serve warm shortly after cooking; the pancake's texture firms up and the folded toppings cool and separate somewhat once it sits for a while.
Ingredient swaps
- Dairy-free direction
- Swap the unsalted butter for a neutral dairy-free butter and a full-fat plant milk (oat or coconut give the closest richness) — the texture shifts slightly but the dish holds together. This one leans on the chocolate sprinkles.
- Lower-sodium direction
- Hold back roughly a third of the salt at first; taste once everything else has had time to come together. This one leans on the chocolate sprinkles.
- Weeknight shortcut
- Get the batter or mix-ins ready and refrigerated the day before; all that's left the night of is the oven. This one leans on the chocolate sprinkles.
Serve alongside
- Fresh berries
- Citrus fruit salad
- Mint leaves
- Black coffee
- Hot tea
- Sparkling water with lemon
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Store covered for 3 to 4 days, refrigerated when dairy, eggs, custard, or fresh fruit are involved.
- Reheat gently only when warmth improves the texture.
- Freeze sturdy baked portions up to 2 months; avoid freezing delicate fresh toppings.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish or pan
- Cooling rack
Make this household-aware
Listahan Pro checks this recipe against your household's allergens, finds pantry-aware swaps, builds the shopping list, and helps you plan the week around it.
Plan it in Listahan
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