The Sweet Joy of Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Recipe: Easy & Homey

A delectable Filipino sticky rice cake that whispers stories of tradition and comfort.

Sweet memories dance through every sticky, golden-brown bite.

The rich aroma filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

Generations have cherished this beloved dessert, passing down secrets from one cook to another.

Coconut and caramelized sugar intertwine, creating a symphony of flavors that speaks directly to your soul.

Ancient culinary techniques blend seamlessly with modern ingredients in this irresistible treat.

You’ll fall in love with every single morsel of this magical dessert that connects past and present.

Grab a plate and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Is A Sweet Classic

• Indulge in Creamy Coconut Comfort: This Filipino sticky rice cake delivers a luxurious blend of rich coconut flavors that wrap you in pure tropical warmth, creating a dessert that feels like a comforting culinary hug.
• Master a Simple Exotic Technique: With just a few easy steps, home cooks can transform basic ingredients into an authentic Filipino delicacy, making complex cultural cuisine surprisingly accessible and foolproof.
• Customize Your Sweet Adventure: The recipe offers flexible preparation methods – stovetop or oven-baked – and optional ingredients like vanilla, allowing personalization while maintaining the traditional essence of this beloved dessert.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Moments: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy afternoon treat, this sticky rice cake transitions effortlessly between casual snacking and elegant dessert presentations.

What You’ll Need For Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

Main Ingredients:

• Glutinous Rice: A special sweet rice that creates a chewy, sticky texture perfect for Filipino desserts. Short-grain and highly recommended for authentic results.
• Coconut Milk: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps cook the rice with a smooth consistency. Best when using fresh or high-quality canned coconut milk.

• Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and aromatic depth to the rice cake. Choose dark brown sugar for more intense flavor.

• Coconut Cream: Creates a luscious, glossy glaze that covers the rice cake. Thick and rich, providing a luxurious topping.

• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert. Just a small amount needed.
• Water: Helps cook the rice to the right consistency.
• Banana Leaves (Optional): Traditional lining that adds subtle fragrance and authentic presentation. Fresh leaves preferred if available.

How To Make Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Sticky Rice Blend

• Glutinous rice
• Water
• Coconut milk
• Brown sugar
• Salt

Stir everything together and cook over medium heat. Keep stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the liquid disappears and the rice becomes perfectly tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Set the cooked rice mixture aside.

Step 2: Create Luscious Coconut Topping

• Coconut cream
• Brown sugar

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously. Watch as it transforms into a rich, caramel-like sauce. This process takes around 8-10 minutes. Once the consistency is perfect, add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble Delightful Rice Cake

Prepare your baking dish by greasing it thoroughly. For an authentic touch, line the dish with banana leaves if available. Gently press the cooked sticky rice into the dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Pour the luxurious coconut glaze over the rice, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 4: Enhance With Baking

Warm your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide the rice cake into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a slightly caramelized top that promises delicious crispy notes.

Step 5: Cool And Slice

Allow the rice cake to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into beautiful squares or rectangular pieces. Serve at room temperature or warm for a comforting treat that celebrates Filipino culinary traditions.

Helpful Tips For Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Wash glutinous rice multiple times to remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner and less sticky texture for your Filipino sticky rice cake.
• Monitor Liquid Absorption: Stir frequently while cooking rice to prevent burning and achieve even cooking, creating a perfectly soft and creamy consistency.
• Choose Authentic Lining: Use banana leaves instead of a regular baking dish to infuse traditional Filipino flavor and enhance the overall aroma of the dessert.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Watch the coconut caramel carefully while cooking, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, rich sauce that complements the rice.
• Serve at Optimal Temperature: Allow the rice cake to cool completely before cutting to help it set properly, ensuring clean and neat slice presentation.

How To Store Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sticky rice cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain its soft texture.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm the rice cake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Wrap the cake loosely in aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve its moisture.
• Microwave Option: Quickly reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of coconut milk to keep the rice cake moist and restore its original softness.
• Room Temperature: Allow refrigerated rice cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and texture. The glaze will soften and become more luscious as it warms up.

Tasty Pairings For Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• Pair with Tropical Fruit Fusion: Serve alongside fresh mango slices, passion fruit, or rambutan to complement the rich coconut flavors and add a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet sticky rice cake.
• Match with Warm Spiced Beverage: Enjoy with traditional Filipino salabat (ginger tea) or a creamy chai latte that echoes the cake's warm, sweet profile and enhances its comforting texture.
• Combine with Creamy Coconut Smoothie: Blend a cool coconut smoothie with a hint of vanilla to mirror the dessert's coconut glaze, creating a harmonious and refreshing accompaniment.
• Elevate with Philippine Coffee Pairing: Serve with a strong, dark roast Filipino coffee like Barako, which cuts through the sweetness and provides a robust counterpoint to the rich, sticky dessert.

Try These Versions Of Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Fold diced mango, pineapple, or passion fruit into the sticky rice before baking for a vibrant tropical flavor profile that brings fresh sweetness and texture.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, chopped macadamia nuts, or sliced almonds on top of the coconut glaze to add a delightful crunch and rich, nutty undertones.
• Spiced Coconut Adventure: Incorporate ground cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger into the rice mixture for a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the traditional Filipino dessert with complex spice notes.
• Chocolate Drizzle Version: After cooling, create a light chocolate ganache by melting dark chocolate with a touch of coconut cream and drizzle over the rice cake for an indulgent, decadent finish.

FAQs For Filipino Sticky Rice Cake

• What makes Filipino sticky rice cake different from other desserts?

This unique dessert combines glutinous rice with rich coconut flavors, creating a traditional Filipino delicacy that’s both sweet and creamy, unlike typical Western-style cakes.

• Is glutinous rice the same as regular rice?

No, glutinous rice is a special type of sticky rice with a higher starch content that becomes very chewy and cohesive when cooked, perfect for creating dense, sweet desserts like this rice cake.

• Can I make this recipe without an oven?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rice cake on the stovetop by cooking the rice and glaze, then simply letting it set at room temperature instead of baking, which still produces a delicious result.

• What does the coconut glaze do for the rice cake?

The coconut glaze adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that seeps into the rice, creating layers of flavor and a beautiful glossy finish that makes the dessert both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.

Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet and sticky bibingka delights palates with its rich coconut essence, blending traditional Filipino bakery magic. Warm, golden slices invite you to savor a delectable slice of cultural culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup coconut cream

Sweeteners:

• ¾ cup brown sugar (for sticky rice layer)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (for coconut glaze)

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the glutinous rice by rinsing thoroughly under cold water until the liquid becomes transparent. Drain excess moisture completely.
2. Transfer the cleansed rice into a large cooking vessel, combining it with coconut milk, water, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir the mixture to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Simmer the rice mixture over moderate heat, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking. Continue cooking until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice reaches a tender, sticky consistency.
4. While the rice cooks, create the luxurious coconut glaze in a separate saucepan. Blend coconut cream with brown sugar, heating and stirring continuously to develop a rich, caramel-like texture.
5. Once the glaze reaches a thick, glossy state, incorporate vanilla extract for an aromatic enhancement. Remove from heat and let it rest momentarily.
6. Prepare a baking dish by either greasing its surface or lining it with traditional banana leaves for an authentic touch. This will prevent the rice cake from adhering to the container.
7. Carefully transfer the cooked sticky rice into the prepared dish, using a spatula to spread and compress the mixture evenly across the surface.
8. Generously pour the prepared coconut glaze over the rice, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
9. Optional baking step: Preheat the oven and place the rice cake inside, allowing the glaze to caramelize and develop a slightly crisp exterior.
10. Allow the rice cake to cool completely, which helps it set and makes cutting easier. Slice into elegant squares or rectangular portions.
11. Serve the Filipino sticky rice cake at room temperature or gently warmed, showcasing its delightful texture and rich flavors.

Notes

• Choose glutinous rice specifically for achieving the signature sticky and chewy texture essential to this traditional Filipino dessert.
• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner and more distinct grain structure during cooking.
• Experiment with coconut cream variations by using different brands or homemade versions to customize the richness and depth of flavor.
• Adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets by confirming all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if using store-bought coconut products.
• Create a vegan-friendly version by using alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of traditional brown sugar.
• Enhance moisture retention by covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking stage to prevent excessive drying.
• Elevate presentation by garnishing with toasted coconut flakes, sliced almonds, or a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg