Pandan Yema (Filipino Custard Candy)
Pandan Yema is a reimagined Filipino custard candy made by slowly cooking coconut condensed milk with egg yolks and pandan powder until silky-smooth, then rolling the chilled mixture into bite-sized balls coated with caramel crumbles and more pandan powder for a delicate crunch, offering a dairy-free alternative to the traditional recipe while maintaining its beloved creamy texture and adding a distinctive Southeast Asian pandan aroma.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Cooling Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 10 yema balls
Calories 127 kcal
Difficulty Intermediate
Heavy-bottomed saucepan (makapal na kawali) Ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning
Silicone spatula (panghalo) For constant stirring without scratching the pan
Candy thermometer (optional) To monitor temperature
Small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon For consistent portioning
Mixing bowls (mangkok) For preparing ingredients
Airtight container (lalagyan) For storage
Microplane or zester For citrus zest
Parchment Paper For preventing sticking
For the Yema Base:
- 1 can 7 oz Coconut Condensed Milk
- 3 Egg Yolks dilaw ng itlog
- 1 Tablespoon Pandan Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Kalamansi Zest
For the Coating:
- ¼ Cup Caramel Crumbles
- 1 Tablespoon Pandan Powder
Begin by gathering all ingredients and measuring them out. Set a heavy-bottomed saucepan on your counter. In the saucepan, combine the coconut condensed milk, egg yolks, pandan powder, and kalamansi zest. Whisk everything together until completely smooth with no streaks.
Place the saucepan over very low heat. This is important - the heat must be low to prevent burning. Start stirring continuously with a silicone spatula. You'll need to keep stirring without stopping for about 15-20 minutes. The mixture will gradually thicken as you stir. Watch for when the mixture becomes shiny - this is your signal that it's almost ready. Stop cooking before any oils start to separate, as this means it's overcooked. The mixture will still seem a bit runny, but this is normal.
Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool completely to room temperature. Once it reaches room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour until firm.
After chilling, scoop out portions using a teaspoon (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into small balls with your hands. If the mixture sticks to your hands, you can lightly wet them with cool water.
In a small bowl, mix together the caramel crumbles and remaining pandan powder for the coating. Roll each yema ball in this mixture until evenly coated. Place the finished yema in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days, though they rarely last that long.
For the best taste, let the yema sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating. This allows the texture to soften slightly, making them perfectly chewy.
- Use room temperature egg yolks for smoother mixing
- Never stop stirring
- Look for the shiny stage before removing from heat
- If mixture becomes grainy, add 1 teaspoon warm water
- Wet your hands slightly when rolling to prevent sticking
- Keep a bowl of ice water nearby to test consistency
Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 42mgPotassium: 6mgSugar: 15gVitamin A: 78IUCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.1mg