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Bibingka

Prep 15 min
Cook 30 min
Servings 8
Difficulty Medium
Recipe by Nanay Rosa |

Bibingka

Traditional Filipino Coconut Rice Cake

Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 30 min
Servings 8
Difficulty Medium
Bibingka

About This Recipe

Bibingka is the quintessential Filipino Christmas treat, traditionally sold outside churches after Simbang Gabi (dawn masses leading up to Christmas). Made with rice flour and coconut milk, then baked in clay pots lined with banana leaves, bibingka has a uniquely Filipino flavor that evokes warm holiday memories.

The banana leaves impart a subtle fragrance while the salted egg and cheese toppings add savory contrast to the sweet, slightly dense cake. While traditional bibingka requires clay pots and charcoal, this recipe adapts beautifully to a home oven while keeping all the authentic flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rice flour (galapong)
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Banana leaves for lining

Toppings:

  • 2 salted duck eggs, sliced
  • 1 cup kesong puti or queso de bola, grated
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated coconut (niyog)
  • 2 tbsp sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pan

    Wilt banana leaves over open flame until pliable (or use oven at 350°F for a few seconds). Line a 9-inch round pan with the leaves, letting them come up the sides. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  2. 2

    Make the Batter

    Whisk eggs and sugar until light. Add coconut milk and melted butter. In another bowl, combine rice flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until smooth.

  3. 3

    First Bake

    Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until top is set but not fully cooked.

  4. 4

    Add Toppings

    Remove from oven. Brush top with softened butter. Arrange salted egg slices and sprinkle cheese. Sprinkle sugar over top.

  5. 5

    Final Bake and Serve

    Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve warm topped with freshly grated coconut and more butter.

Tips & Variations

Banana Leaves

Frozen banana leaves from Asian stores work well. Wilt them to make pliable and prevent cracking.

Salted Eggs

Salted duck eggs are traditional, but regular salted eggs or even quail eggs work too.

Cheese Options

Use kesong puti for authenticity, or substitute with mozzarella or queso de bola.