Bibingka
A traditional Filipino sweet rice cake, often baked in a clay pot lined with banana leaves, especially popular during the Christmas season. It has a slightly spongy texture and a subtly sweet, coconutty flavor, typically enhanced with toppings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Rice flour(Use glutinous rice flour for a chewier texture, or regular rice flour for a slightly drier cake. Some recipes use a mix.)
- 250 ml Coconut milk(Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for richness.)
- 3 Eggs(Large eggs, at room temperature.)
- 50 g Sugar(Granulated sugar. Adjust to your sweetness preference.)
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Butter(Melted, for brushing the batter and topping.)
- 4-6 pieces Banana leaves(Large enough to line the baking vessel. Soften by wilting over a flame or dipping in hot water.)
- 2-3 pieces Salted eggs(Hard-boiled and sliced. For topping.)
- 50 g Cheese(Grated, preferably a mild, meltable cheese like cheddar. For topping.)
- for topping Grates coconut(Optional, fresh or desiccated.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the baking vessel: If using a traditional clay pot, line the bottom and sides with softened banana leaves, ensuring they overlap slightly. If using an oven-safe pot or pan, line it similarly. Lightly grease the leaves with butter or oil.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually pour in the coconut milk while whisking continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter. Whisk in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Add the eggs: Lightly beat the eggs in a separate small bowl, then gradually whisk them into the rice flour mixture until the batter is homogenous and slightly frothy. The consistency should be pourable, similar to pancake batter.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Bake the bibingka: Pour the batter into the prepared baking vessel, filling it about two-thirds full. If using a traditional method with coals, place the pot over a bed of hot coals and cover the lid with more hot coals. If using an oven, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 5
Add toppings: Once baked, remove the bibingka from the heat. While still hot, brush the top generously with melted butter. Arrange slices of salted egg and sprinkle with grated cheese. Add grated coconut if desired.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Serve immediately: Bibingka is best enjoyed warm, directly from the pot.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For authentic flavor and texture, use a traditional clay pot and cook over charcoal. The heat from above and below is crucial.
- ✓Soften banana leaves by briefly passing them over an open flame or dipping them in hot water to make them pliable and prevent tearing.
- ✓Serve hot with a side of butter and grated fresh coconut for an authentic Filipino Christmas experience.
- ✓If using an oven, placing a baking stone or steel in the oven while preheating can help achieve a better crust.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Bibingka Special: Add more generous toppings like sweetened pork floss (chicharon) or even a drizzle of condensed milk.
- Oven-baked Bibingka: Adapt the recipe for a standard oven using a cast-iron skillet or a round cake pan lined with banana leaves.
- Ube Bibingka: Incorporate ube halaya (purple yam jam) into the batter for a vibrant color and distinct flavor.