10 Classic Balinese Desserts That Locals Love (and You Will Too)
We’re nearing peak season in Bali, when the gorgeous weather and clear blue skies make it a perfect time for a getaway. And what better thing to do on vacation than sample some of the island’s best local treats? While we’ve previously covered the top traditional foods to try in Bali, what about sweet snacks?
We chatted with the local experts at onbali.com, a go-to directory for everything to do and see in Bali, to uncover some of the island’s best-kept culinary secrets—its traditional desserts.
Bali might not be known internationally for its desserts, but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover a world of jaje—local treats made from sticky rice (of course!), palm sugar, and coconut. These traditional sweets are often found in local markets or prepared for ceremonies, not the trendy cafes Bali is famous for. But they’re full of flavor, mostly gluten-free, and offer a delicious glimpse into the island’s food culture beyond the smoothie bowls and avo toast.
These ten Balinese sweets combine rich textures, bold flavors, and time-honored techniques. If you’ve got a curious palate (and a sweet tooth), make room on your Bali checklist—you won’t want to miss them.
1. Pie Susu
Pie susu, or milk pie, is Bali’s go-to sweet treat—and their own version of the Portuguese pastéis de nata. This is no coincidence—the first Europeans to discover Bali were the Portuguese, back in 1512. It’s made with a simple shortcrust pastry and a creamy egg-and-milk filling that’s sweet but not too heavy. It might not look fancy, but trust us—one bite turns into five real quick.
It’s also the only dessert on this list that travels well, so you can actually take a box home. You’ll usually find them packed in tens, and while there are all kinds of new flavors out there—like chocolate, green tea, or even cheese—the original is still the one everyone goes back to.
2. Jaje Dadar (Dadar Gulung)
The easiest way to describe Jaje Dadar is to think of it as a rolled-up crepe stuffed with a mix of shredded coconut and melted palm sugar. It gets its bright green color from suji leaves, but you’ll sometimes spot chocolate versions too. That sweet-and-salty coconut filling? Totally addictive.
It’s probably the easiest Balinese dessert to find—you’ll see it in markets, cafes, and even restaurant dessert menus all over the island. And if you’re tempted to try making one Indonesian treat at home, Jaje Dadar is a great pick. The ingredients are super simple, and it’s almost impossible to mess up.
3. Laklak
Laklak is kind of like the little sister of pancakes—smaller, softer, and with a distinctly Balinese twist. You’ll usually only find them in traditional markets, often in the morning, and part of the charm is how they’re made: cooked over a wood fire in clay pots, which gives them that amazing, toasty aroma.
They’re made with rice flour and coconut milk, so they’re naturally gluten-free. Once they’re cooked, they’re topped with warm palm sugar syrup and a generous sprinkle of grated coconut. Laklak has long been part of Balinese ceremonial offerings, but honestly, they’re best eaten fresh—right off the griddle.
4. Pisang Rai
If you’re a banana lover, you won’t be able to resist Pisang Rai. While you can use pretty much any type of banana, the ones typically used in Bali are pisang kepok or pisang raja. The banana gets wrapped in a rice flour and coconut milk batter, then steamed or boiled until it floats—that’s how you know it’s ready.
Once it cools down, it’s rolled in freshly grated coconut and sliced up. The combo of sweet banana, soft chewy batter, and that salty coconut topping makes this a must-try snack when you’re in Bali.
5. Cerorot
If you’re not sure which dessert to try in Bali to satisfy your sweet tooth, go for Cerorot. You’ll mostly find it in traditional markets—it’s a cone-shaped treat made from rice flour and palm sugar, wrapped in young coconut leaves and steamed until soft and fragrant.
Cerorot is also a staple during Nyepi (Bali’s Day of Silence), and locals know it best as a comforting snack. The ideal way to enjoy it? Pair it with your morning coffee or tea and take your time unwrapping it—it’s all part of the experience.
6. Dodol Buleleng
You probably won’t see Dodol Buleleng on any “must-try” food lists in Canggu, but it’s one traditional sweet that’s definitely worth seeking out. Made from glutinous black or white rice flour, it’s slow-cooked over a wood fire for hours—usually around three—until it becomes thick, sticky, and chewy.
What makes Dodol Buleleng stand out is its wrapping. Instead of banana leaves or plastic, it’s packed in dried corn leaves, which actually help preserve it for up to a month. The flavor is rich and sweet, but not overwhelming. It’s especially popular during Galungan, one of Bali’s most important religious celebrations.
7. Jaje Bendu
Jaje Bendu is a coconut lover’s dream. This traditional Balinese dessert is made from a thin pancake-like dough of glutinous rice flour and water, filled with a mix of grated coconut and palm sugar, then wrapped in banana leaves.
The banana leaves do more than just look pretty—they help keep the texture just right, preventing it from getting soggy. That’s why Jaje Bendu is best enjoyed fresh, right after it’s wrapped, when it still has a slight crunch. You’ll need to hunt it down in traditional markets, but it’s one of those classic Balinese sweets that’s totally worth the effort.
8. Batun Bedil
The name Batun Bedil comes from the shape of the snack, which resembles a bedil—the Balinese word for bullet. It’s made from steamed white glutinous rice flour, but what really makes it special is the thick, sweet syrup that turns it into a true comfort food for many Balinese.
The syrup is made with water, corn starch, palm sugar, and pandan leaves, giving it a rich, fragrant sweetness. Once the rice balls are cooked, they’re briefly simmered in the syrup. The best way to enjoy Batun Bedil? Topped with a bit of grated coconut to add a hint of savory flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.
9. Klepon Bali
Though widely known as one of Indonesia’s best traditional snacks, Klepon Bali holds special significance in Balinese culture—it’s often served during wedding ceremonies as a must-have treat. Made from glutinous rice flour, filled with melted palm sugar, and coated in grated coconut, it’s a sweet, chewy bite with a surprise inside.
What sets Klepon Bali apart is its size and texture—it’s usually thinner and more delicate than regular klepon. When you bite into it, the palm sugar bursts in your mouth, so the proper way to enjoy it? Pop the whole thing in at once!
10. Es Daluman
Es Daluman is a traditional Balinese snack in drink form—and you can find it just about anywhere, even at small roadside stalls. It’s made with green grass jelly (daluman), which isn’t cooked, so it keeps its natural earthy, slightly leafy flavor. It’s usually served with palm sugar syrup and creamy coconut milk.
Refreshing and not too sweet, Es Daluman is the perfect drink for a hot day. The coconut milk adds a rich, savory note, while the soft, slightly chewy grass jelly gives it just the right amount of texture. Simple, satisfying, and super Balinese.
Related: Most Popular Fruits in Bali
Related: Best Indonesian Street Foods in Jakarta, Bali, East & West Java
Related: Best Sweet and Savory Indonesian foods
Related: Most Popular Indonesian Desserts
