How many calories are in lapis legit? A detailed guide to this rich Indonesian cake

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

Depending on the recipe and portion size, a single slice of the Indonesian layered cake, lapis legit, can contain anywhere from 150 to over 300 calories. This buttery and spice-infused delicacy, also known as spekkoek, is made with a high concentration of egg yolks, butter, and sugar, which contributes significantly to its high-calorie nature.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for lapis legit varies widely, with rich, buttery recipes yielding upwards of 200 calories per slice due to its key ingredients. Serving size and preparation methods, such as using less sugar, also greatly impact the final nutritional information.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A single slice of lapis legit can contain anywhere from 150 to over 300 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size.
Rich Ingredients: Its high-calorie content is due to large quantities of butter, egg yolks, and sugar; a single cake can contain dozens of egg yolks and 500g of butter.
Mindful Portions: Serving the cake in very small slices, as is traditionally done, is crucial for portion control.
Baking Method Affects Nutrition: The labor-intensive, layer-by-layer baking process concentrates the rich ingredients, contributing to the high calorie density in every piece.
Homemade Modifications: For a lighter version, consider reducing the sugar content by up to one-third or experimenting with other ingredient substitutions, though it may alter the authentic texture.
High-Quality Ingredients Matter: Recipes often call for premium butter like Dutch Wisjman, which contributes significantly to the richness and flavor.

Why Lapis Legit is a Calorie-Dense Dessert

Lapis legit, which translates to "rich layers," earns its name and reputation for being a high-calorie indulgence from its intensely rich ingredient list. Unlike many standard cakes that rely on a balance of eggs, flour, and butter, traditional lapis legit prioritizes richness, resulting in a dessert that is moist, dense, and full of flavor. The unique preparation method, involving baking the cake layer by layer, further contributes to its distinct character and, consequently, its nutritional profile.

High-Calorie Ingredients

The primary reason for lapis legit's high-calorie content lies in the abundance of butter, egg yolks, and sugar used in the recipe. A standard 8x8 inch cake can contain as many as 30 egg yolks, 500 grams of butter, and 400 grams of sugar, showcasing the sheer richness packed into each slice. Premium versions often use high-quality canned butter, like Dutch Wisjman butter, which adds to the decadent flavour.

The Layer-by-Layer Baking Process

Making lapis legit is a labor-intensive process, with bakers meticulously building the cake layer by layer. This involves pouring a thin layer of batter, grilling or baking it until golden, and repeating the process multiple times. This technique, where each layer is baked with intense heat, gives the cake its signature appearance and firm texture but also concentrates the rich ingredients in every stratum, ensuring every bite is packed with calories.

Lapis Legit Calorie Breakdown by Serving Size

Because of the variations in ingredients and slice sizes, the calorie count for lapis legit can differ significantly. It is important to note that the figures below are estimates based on various reported values.

Small Slice (33g): Some commercial versions of kueh lapis, such as those from Bengawan Solo, report a calorie count of around 157 kcal per 33-gram slice. This is a good baseline for a smaller portion.
Typical Piece (Estimated): Another source suggests a single piece of kueh lapis could be around 237 calories, indicating that a slightly larger serving size can push the calorie count higher.
Recipe-Specific Portions: Facebook recipe posts for homemade versions suggest around 250 kcal per slice based on dividing a cake into 12 servings, while a more general recipe with rich ingredients suggests 345 kcal for an unspecified portion. This variation highlights the importance of recipe-specific data for accurate counting.

Comparison Table: Lapis Legit vs. Other Desserts

To put the calorie count of lapis legit into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular treats based on information from search results.


Dessert	Estimated Calories (Per Piece)	Key Calorie Sources
Lapis Legit (Kueh Lapis)	150-300+ kcal	Butter, sugar, egg yolks
Pineapple Tart	~100 kcal	Butter, sugar, jam
Bak Kwa	~300 kcal (per slice)	Sugar, fat, meat
Angel Food Cake	~75 kcal (per slice)	Egg whites, sugar

How to Enjoy Lapis Legit Mindfully

Given its rich and calorie-dense nature, moderation and mindful eating are key to enjoying lapis legit without overindulging. Here are some practical tips:

Cut Smaller Portions: As is the practice in Indonesia, cut the cake into very small, "teeny tiny" portions. Some serve an 8-inch cake in up to 40 pieces. A small piece allows you to savor the rich flavour without a large calorie commitment.
Focus on the Flavour: Instead of eating it quickly, take the time to appreciate the complex spice profile and buttery texture. Slowing down can lead to greater satisfaction with a smaller amount.
Bake a Lighter Version: If you're baking at home, consider modifying the recipe. You can try slightly reducing the amount of sugar, as some recipes suggest a reduction of up to a third without significant flavor loss. You can also experiment with substituting some of the butter or egg yolks, though this will alter the traditional texture and taste. For tips on managing the ingredients and process, consider consulting expert bakers like those at Foodie Baker.
Pair with Calorie-Free Beverages: Enjoy your small slice with unsweetened tea or coffee to balance the sweetness and richness, rather than with a sugary drink that would add more calories.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in lapis legit? The answer is not simple, but it is clear that this layered cake is high in calories due to its rich composition of butter, sugar, and numerous egg yolks. Calorie counts can range from approximately 150 to over 300 kcal per slice, depending heavily on the recipe and serving size. While delicious, it is a celebratory dessert best enjoyed in small, mindful portions. By understanding the factors that contribute to its calorie density, you can make informed decisions and enjoy this Indonesian delicacy responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lapis legit is high in calories because traditional recipes use a large amount of butter, sugar, and numerous egg yolks. These are all calorie-dense ingredients, and the laborious baking process concentrates them into a dense, moist cake.

To reduce the calories, you can slightly decrease the amount of sugar (some experts say by up to one-third without losing much flavor) or experiment with some lower-fat substitutions, though this will likely change the texture and taste. Using smaller portions is the most effective method.

No, lapis legit is generally not healthier than most other cakes. Its rich ingredients make it more calorie-dense than many desserts. For example, angel food cake is a much lower-calorie alternative.

While the method doesn't add calories directly, the traditional layer-by-layer baking and grilling process ensures each thin layer is rich and flavorful, effectively concentrating the high-calorie ingredients evenly throughout the cake.

There is no single standard, but given its richness, a very small slice is typical. For example, some bakeries may cut an 8-inch cake into 40 tiny portions, so a little goes a long way.

The main ingredients responsible for the high calories are butter, sugar, and egg yolks. A single cake can use hundreds of grams of each, contributing to its density and caloric value.

Yes, there can be. Calorie counts can vary significantly depending on the recipe used. Homemade versions allow for ingredient control, but bakery versions like Bengawan Solo report specific calorie information for their slices.