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Husband and Wife Cake (Bánh Phu Thê): A Symbol of Love in Vietnamese Cuisine

Husband and Wife Cake, known as Bánh Phu Thê in Vietnamese, is a traditional Vietnamese dessert often served at weddings and special occasions. This sweet and sticky cake, wrapped in green banana leaves, represents the harmony and bond between husband and wife. Made with a combination of glutinous rice flour, mung bean paste, and coconut, the cake has a delicate chewy texture, infused with a mild sweetness and a fragrant aroma of pandan. Its translucent, glistening surface symbolizes purity and unity, making it a meaningful and delicious treat to celebrate love and togetherness.

At Viet Kitchen, we’ll guide you through creating this iconic cake, from preparing the dough to wrapping it perfectly. With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll soon master this beloved Vietnamese dessert, bringing its symbolic charm to your own celebrations.

How to Make Husband and Wife Cake (Bánh Phu Thê)

Ingredients (Serves 8):

Glutinous rice flour: 200g
Mung beans: 150g (soaked and cooked)
Coconut milk: 200ml
Granulated sugar: 100g (adjust to taste)
Pandan extract: 1-2 teaspoons (for color and aroma)
Shredded coconut: 50g
Sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons (toasted)
Banana leaves: Cut into squares (for wrapping)
Oil: A small amount for greasing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mung Bean Filling:

Cook the soaked mung beans until soft, then mash them until smooth. Add a little sugar to sweeten if desired.
Roll the mung bean paste into small balls, about 2-3 cm in diameter. Set aside.

2. Make the Cake Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour with pandan extract, sugar, and coconut milk. Stir well until a smooth, sticky dough forms.
Add shredded coconut to the dough and mix evenly.

3. Assemble the Cakes:

Lightly grease the banana leaf squares to prevent sticking.
Take a small piece of dough, flatten it, and place a mung bean ball in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and shape into a ball.
Wrap the dough ball with the banana leaf, folding neatly into a square parcel. Secure with string if necessary.

4. Steam the Cakes:

Place the wrapped cakes in a steamer and steam for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes are translucent and slightly firm to the touch.
Remove from heat and let the cakes cool in the banana leaves.

5. Serve:

Once cooled, the cakes are ready to serve. Unwrap the banana leaves to reveal the glistening, chewy cakes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor. Enjoy as a dessert or a special treat during festive occasions.

FAQs about Husband and Wife Cake (Bánh Phu Thê)

1. Can I use a different filling besides mung beans?
Yes, you can substitute the mung bean filling with other options like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or even sweetened coconut flakes for a different flavor.

2. How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the banana leaves?
Lightly grease the banana leaves with a small amount of oil before wrapping the dough. This will help prevent sticking and make unwrapping the cakes easier.

3. Can I make the cakes ahead of time?
Yes, Bánh Phu Thê can be prepared in advance. Store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cakes and re-steam them before serving.

4. What can I use if I don’t have banana leaves?
If banana leaves are not available, you can use parchment paper as a substitute for wrapping the cakes. However, banana leaves add an authentic aroma to the cake that parchment paper cannot replicate.

5. How can I make the cake vegan-friendly?
Bánh Phu Thê is naturally vegan as it doesn’t require any animal products. Make sure the sugar you use is suitable for vegans.

6. What’s the significance of the cake at weddings?
The cake symbolizes unity, love, and harmony in marriage. Its soft texture and sweet flavor reflect the hope for a smooth and happy relationship between the couple.

Tips for a Perfect Husband and Wife Cake

Use Fresh Banana Leaves: Fresh banana leaves add an earthy aroma to the cake and make the presentation more authentic. If the leaves are tough, quickly steam or blanch them to soften before wrapping.
Achieve the Perfect Texture: The balance between the dough and filling is key. Don’t overfill the cakes to ensure the dough fully encases the filling and maintains the chewy texture.
Experiment with Flavors: For a twist, try adding a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for extra depth in flavor. You can modify the sweetness to suit your taste.
Allow Time to Cool: Let the cakes cool completely before unwrapping, as this allows the texture to set and enhances the overall experience.

Conclusion

Husband and Wife Cake, or Bánh Phu Thê, is not just a delicious dessert but also a beautiful representation of love, unity, and cultural tradition in Vietnam. Whether made for weddings, family gatherings, or as a special treat, this cake brings together the subtle sweetness of mung beans and the chewy texture of glutinous rice flour, wrapped perfectly in fragrant banana leaves. By making this cake at home, you’ll not only enjoy its delicate flavors but also honor the deep-rooted traditions of Vietnamese cuisine.

Husband and Wife Cake