Authentic Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Recipe: Sweet Island Delight

Sweet and chewy, this traditional sticky rice cake enchants Filipino dessert lovers with its irresistible texture and rich cultural heritage.

Generations have savored this delectable treat passed down through family kitchens across the Philippines.

Glutinous rice forms the heart of this beloved delicacy, creating a soft and pillowy base that melts in your mouth.

Each bite carries a subtle sweetness balanced by delicate coconut notes and a hint of caramelized sugar.

The recipe celebrates simple ingredients that come together in a magical culinary dance of flavors and traditions.

Crafted with love and patience, this sticky rice cake connects you to the warm, vibrant spirit of Filipino cuisine.

Dive into this delightful dessert and experience a taste of tropical comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You Need For Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• Glutinous Rice: Provides the signature sticky texture and foundation of the dessert, select short-grain variety for best results.
• Coconut Milk: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps cook rice with luxurious smoothness, choose full-fat version for intense taste.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness, opt for dark brown sugar for deeper flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall dessert taste, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Coconut Cream: Creates luscious, glossy topping with intense coconut essence, select premium quality for superior results.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces subtle aromatic complexity, pure extract recommended over artificial versions.

• Banana Leaves: Offers traditional cooking method and imparts subtle earthy aroma, select fresh, pliable leaves without tears.
• Water: Helps cook rice and provides initial moisture, use filtered water for cleanest taste.

Gear For Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking sticky rice and creating the creamy base.
• Baking Dish (8×8 inch): Perfect for assembling and baking the rice cake.
• Spatula: Helps smooth out the rice layer and spread the coconut glaze evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate for measuring rice, water, and coconut milk.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring rice and preventing sticking during cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for clean, precise cutting of the rice cake after cooling.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of salt and vanilla extract.

How To Cook Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• Rice Preparation

Combine sticky rice with creamy coconut milk and sweet brown sugar in a large pan. Gently simmer the mixture, stirring often until the liquid disappears and rice transforms into a soft, luscious texture.

• Coconut Caramel Magic

Create a rich, golden glaze by heating coconut cream and brown sugar. Watch the mixture transform into a velvety caramel-like sauce with deep, luxurious flavors. Add a hint of vanilla for extra warmth.

• Layering Delights

Select a baking dish and generously coat with cooking spray. Carefully spread the cooked rice into an even, smooth layer. Pour the glossy coconut caramel over the top, ensuring complete coverage.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the dish into a preheated oven. Allow the heat to work its magic, caramelizing the glaze and developing rich, complex flavors. The edges will turn slightly crispy while the center remains deliciously tender.

• Serving Invitation

Allow the rice cake to cool completely. Slice into beautiful squares that reveal layers of golden rice and glistening caramel. Serve at room temperature for the most incredible taste experience.

Helpful Tips For Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• Pro Baking Secrets for Filipino Sticky Rice Cake
• Sticky Rice Precision: Rinse glutinous rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring a perfectly chewy texture without clumping. Use short-grain sticky rice specifically designed for this dessert for best results.
• Coconut Cream Magic: Select full-fat coconut cream for a richer, more luxurious glaze that caramelizes beautifully and provides deeper flavor complexity. Stir continuously while cooking to prevent burning.
• Banana Leaf Technique: Line your baking dish with fresh banana leaves for an authentic Filipino touch that imparts subtle fragrance and prevents sticking. If unavailable, parchment paper works as an excellent alternative.
• Gluten-Free Delight: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with wheat sensitivities. Double-check coconut cream ingredients to ensure complete gluten-free status.
• Vegan-Friendly Adaptation: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener. Verify all ingredients are plant-based to create a completely vegan version of this traditional dessert.

Serving Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Simply

• Tropical Island Party Platter: Arrange slices on a vibrant wooden board surrounded by fresh mango chunks, toasted coconut flakes, and a sprinkle of edible flowers for a stunning tropical presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair each slice with a hot cup of ginger tea or Filipino barako coffee, creating a perfect mid-afternoon sweet and rich treat that celebrates local flavors.
• Dessert Fusion Twist: Top each piece with a scoop of coconut ice cream or drizzle with extra caramel sauce, transforming this traditional Filipino rice cake into a decadent modern dessert experience.
• Breakfast Indulgence: Serve warm slices alongside fresh tropical fruits like papaya or passion fruit for a luxurious weekend breakfast that brings a touch of Filipino culinary magic to your morning.

How To Store Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Allow the sticky rice cake to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, ensuring the glaze sets perfectly and flavors meld together beautifully.
• Smart Storage Solution: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days without losing texture or taste.
• Freezing Friendly Tip: Slice the rice cake into serving portions before freezing, which allows easier thawing and prevents potential texture breakdown when defrosting individual pieces.
• Reheating Recommendations: Gently warm slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or briefly in a low-temperature oven to restore the cake's original soft consistency and enhance the caramel-like glaze's richness.

Heavenly Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Bibingka, a traditional Filipino rice cake, delights taste buds with its rich coconut and banana leaf flavors. Warm, sweet comfort emerges from this cultural dessert that connects generations of Filipino culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) glutinous rice
• 1 cup (237 ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (237 ml) coconut cream
• ¾ cup (170 g) brown sugar (for sticky rice layer)
• ¾ cup (170 g) brown sugar (for coconut glaze)
• 2 ½ cups (591 ml) water
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Meticulously rinse glutinous rice under cold water until liquid turns transparent, then thoroughly drain to eliminate excess moisture.
2. Rice Cooking: Combine rice with coconut milk, water, brown sugar, and salt in a large cooking vessel, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking until liquid is fully absorbed and rice achieves a tender, sticky consistency.
3. Coconut Glaze Creation: In a separate saucepan, craft a luxurious glaze by blending coconut cream with brown sugar, heating and stirring continuously to develop a rich, caramel-like texture. Once the glaze reaches a thick, glossy state, infuse with vanilla extract for aromatic depth. Remove from heat and let rest momentarily.
4. Dish Assembly: Prepare a baking dish by greasing or lining with banana leaves to prevent rice cake from sticking. Carefully transfer cooked sticky rice into the prepared dish, using a spatula to spread and compress the mixture evenly across the surface.
5. Glaze Application and Finishing: Generously pour prepared coconut glaze over the rice, ensuring complete and uniform coverage. Optional: Preheat oven and bake to caramelize the glaze and create a slightly crisp exterior. Allow the rice cake to cool completely to facilitate setting and easier cutting.
6. Serving: Slice into elegant squares or rectangular portions. Serve at room temperature or gently warmed, showcasing the delightful texture and rich flavors of this traditional Filipino delicacy.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Ensure clean, transparent water when washing glutinous rice to remove excess starch and achieve perfect sticky texture.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain moderate, consistent heat while cooking rice to prevent burning and ensure even, tender consistency.
• Grease Wisely: Use banana leaves or cooking spray to prevent sticking and add authentic flavor to the rice cake.
• Balance Moisture Precisely: Drain rice completely after rinsing and monitor liquid absorption during cooking to achieve ideal sticky, not mushy, texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg