--- title: "Malaysian Tapioca Cake – Kuih Binka Ubi" date: 2026-06-10 published: 2023-10-11 author: "Dragos Nistor" featured_image: "https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tapioca-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Recipes" url: "/recipes.md" --- # Malaysian Tapioca Cake – Kuih Binka Ubi HoneyBee & Co. · Recipe ## Malaysian Tapioca Cake: Kuih Binka Ubi By [Dragos Nistor](https://honeybeeandco.uk/about/) · Updated Jun 2026 ![Malaysian Tapioca Cake Kuih Binka Ubi freshly baked and cut into squares](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tapioca-scaled.jpg "1") Prep10 min Cook45 min Total55 min Yield12 squares CuisineMalaysian Malaysia, a land of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, holds a rich tapestry of culinary traditions. One such gem is the beloved Tapioca Cake, locally known as Kuih Binka Ubi. This delightful dessert, originating from the heart of Southeast Asia, has become an integral part of Malaysian culture and cuisine. ## Tapioca Cake: Unravelling the Roots Tapioca, the star ingredient of this delectable treat, is a starchy root plant native to South America. It made its way across the globe, becoming a staple in various cuisines worldwide. In Malaysia, tapioca has found a special place in the hearts and kitchens of its people, and the cake is a fixture at family gatherings and street food markets across the country. ![Tapioca cassava root, the key ingredient in Kuih Binka Ubi](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-zukiman-mohamad-22804-1024x683.jpg "2") ## A Journey from South America to Southeast Asia The history of tapioca’s migration is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange. Introduced to Southeast Asia by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century, this versatile root was quickly integrated into local diets. Its adaptability and high starch content made it a valuable addition to traditional Asian cooking, and within a couple of generations it had become as Malaysian as it had been South American. ## A Symphony of Flavours Kuih Binka Ubi is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Malaysian cooks. The infusion of coconut cream, a common ingredient in Malaysian cuisine, adds a creamy richness that complements the natural sweetness of the tapioca. This is a dessert built around three ingredients and a hot oven. ![Fresh coconut cream, a key ingredient in Malaysian Kuih Binka Ubi tapioca cake](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-niko-cezar-3731615-1024x683.jpg "3") The Recipe ## Malaysian Tapioca Cake: Kuih Binka Ubi Prep**10 min** Cook**45 min** Yield**12 squares**### Ingredients - 1 kg frozen tapioca (cassava), completely thawed - 180 to 200g sugar - 350g coconut cream, plus extra for the top - 3g salt - 1 tablespoon raw HoneyBee & Co. Acacia honey, for drizzling (optional) ### Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan / Gas 6). 2. Squeeze out water from the thawed tapioca. 3. In a large bowl, combine tapioca, sugar, coconut cream, and salt. Stir thoroughly. Place in the microwave at 3-minute intervals, stirring during the intervals until the mixture thickens. Do not worry if the mixture is lumpy. 4. Pour into a greased 8-inch square cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove and lightly coat the top with the reserved coconut cream, then return to the oven for 15 minutes or until the top browns. 5. Cool completely before cutting into slices. Drizzle with raw Acacia honey just before serving for a floral lift that complements the coconut. ![Kuih Binka Ubi Malaysian tapioca cake cut into squares, ready to serve](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tapioca-1024x768.jpg "4") From The HoneyBee & Co. Kitchen The original Malaysian recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free. Drizzling raw Acacia honey on top after baking is an HoneyBee & Co. addition: it adds a clean floral note that complements the coconut without competing. If you want to keep the recipe traditional, simply omit the honey. Our Honey Range ## The right HoneyBee & Co. honey for your kitchen Six raw, single-origin honeys from our family hives in Transylvania and trusted British beekeepers in Yorkshire and the Midlands. Subscribe and save 20% on every delivery. [![HoneyBee & Co. Acacia Honey 280g](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/acacia-honey-600x749-1.avif "5")Light & Floral ### Acacia Light, runny, delicately floral. The default choice for sauces, dressings and delicate desserts.Shop →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/acacia-honey/) [![HoneyBee & Co. Heather Honey 280g](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/heather-honey-600x750-1.avif "6")Bold & Resinous ### Heather Yorkshire Moors heather. The bold note that cuts through cheese, glazes red meat, lifts gingerbread.Shop →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/heather-honey/) [![HoneyBee & Co. Wildflower Honey 280g](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wildflower-honey.avif "7")All-Rounder ### Wildflower British Midlands polyfloral. The everyday all-rounder. Works on a board, on porridge, in baking.Shop →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wildflower-honey/) [![HoneyBee & Co. Soft Set Honey 280g](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/soft-set-honey-600x751-1.avif "8")Spreadable ### Soft Set Creamy, spreadable, holds its shape. The breakfast favourite for toast, crumpets, and scones.Shop →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/soft-set-honey/) Tips ## Things *worth knowing* ### On the tapioca Use frozen, thawed tapioca rather than fresh. Frozen tapioca is sold pre-grated in Asian supermarkets and is far more convenient than processing fresh cassava root yourself. ### Squeeze out the water After thawing, the tapioca holds a lot of water. Wrap it in muslin or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly. The drier the tapioca, the firmer the cake. ### Microwave or stovetop If you do not want to use the microwave, the same effect can be achieved on the stovetop. Stir the mixture in a heavy saucepan over low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until it thickens visibly and pulls away from the sides. Common Questions ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Kuih Binka Ubi gluten-free? Yes. Tapioca is naturally gluten-free, and there is no flour in the recipe. This makes the cake suitable for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, provided you double-check that your coconut cream and sugar are also certified gluten-free. ### Can I use fresh tapioca instead of frozen? Yes, but it is harder. Fresh cassava needs to be peeled, grated, and have the water squeezed out. The recipe quantities still work. Most Malaysian home cooks now use frozen pre-grated tapioca for convenience. ### What does Kuih Binka Ubi taste like? The texture is the headline. The interior is dense, chewy, slightly translucent, and almost custard-like. The flavour is mild and naturally sweet from the coconut cream, with a faintly nutty note from the cassava itself. The browned top adds a contrast of caramelised crispness. ### Why does the recipe use the microwave? The microwave method is a Malaysian home-cook adaptation. It thickens the tapioca-coconut mixture quickly and evenly without constant stirring. The traditional method uses a heavy saucepan over low heat, which takes longer but produces the same result. ### How should I store the cake? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. The texture firms up in the fridge but softens again at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture becomes grainy when defrosted. ![Dragos Nistor, founder of HoneyBee & Co.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Dragos-Nistor-Founder-at-HoneyBee-Co.-.jpg "9")## About the editor **Dragos Nistor** is the founder of HoneyBee & Co., the sixth generation of his family to keep bees. The brand has been featured in Vogue across three consecutive editions in summer 2024 and supplies NHS staff rooms, Premier League clubs and a handful of London hotels he is not allowed to name. He writes about raw honey, beekeeping, and the recipes the family kitchen has developed over six generations. **Founder, HoneyBee & Co.** · [Read his story →](https://honeybeeandco.uk/about/) From The Kitchen Table ## Tried This Recipe? Tell us how it went. Your review helps other home cooks. Loading reviews Recent Reviews ## You might also like [Recipe · Dessert### Honey-Drizzled Apple Puffs Six rings of British apple wrapped in puff pastry, dusted with cinnamon sugar, finished with raw Acacia honey.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/honey-drizzled-apple-puffs/) [Recipe · Baking### Five Raw Honey Flapjacks Five distinct flapjacks from one master method. The British baking classic, properly written.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/raw-honey-flapjacks-5-ultimate-delicious-recipes/) [Range · Acacia### Raw Acacia Honey Light, clean, floral. The honey to drizzle over delicate desserts without overpowering them.](https://honeybeeandco.uk/acacia-honey/)