Rice

Bibingka with Salted Egg and Cheese

Close-up of warm bibingka with melted cheese and slices of salted egg on top of yellow rice cake wrapped in banana leaves
Prep
15 mins
Cook
45 mins
Servings
8
FilipinoEasyBreakfastSnackDessertVegetarian

About this dish

A nostalgic Filipino rice cake that my Lola always made for Christmas morning, this bibingka is soft, slightly chewy, and studded with salty bites of salted egg and gooey cheese. Wrapped in banana leaves and baked until golden, it's a beautiful blend of sweet and savory that brings back memories of family gatherings.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

rice flour

grain

250 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

baking powder

other

2 tsp

salt

seasoning

1/2 tsp

white sugar

other

150 g

Imperial measurement: 3/4 cup

coconut milk

dairy

400 ml (1 can)

Imperial measurement: 1 2/3 cups

unsalted butter, melted

fat

60 g

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

salted duck egg

protein

2 pieces

cheddar cheese, grated

dairy

150 g

Imperial measurement: 1 1/2 cups

banana leaves, for lining

other

2 large

egg

protein

2 large

Method

1

Prepare the banana leaves

5 minutes

Soften banana leaves over an open flame or in the oven until pliable. Line a 9-inch round baking pan with the leaves, letting the edges hang over the sides.

2

Mix the dry ingredients

5 minutes

In a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

3

Add the wet ingredients

5 minutes

Add coconut milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and lump-free.

4

Pour the batter

2 minutes

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

5

Add the toppings

5 minutes

Slice the salted eggs lengthwise and arrange on top of the batter. Sprinkle generously with grated cheese.

6

Bake the bibingka

45 minutes

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7

Cool and serve

5 minutes

Let cool for a few minutes, then lift the bibingka using the overhanging banana leaves. Brush with additional melted butter and serve warm.

Equipment

  • 9-inch round baking pan
  • Banana leaves
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Oven

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
8 g
Protein
52 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
1 g
Fiber
450 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • If you can't find fresh banana leaves, you can use parchment paper, but the banana leaves add a subtle aroma that's essential to authentic bibingka.
  • Make sure your baking powder is fresh to ensure the bibingka rises properly.
  • For a more pronounced salty-sweet contrast, use a strong-flavored cheese like sharp cheddar or even a bit of salted butter on top after baking.
  • Bibingka is best enjoyed warm, so if you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain the texture.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve warm, brushed with butter, and enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate. It's a staple during Christmas in the Philippines.

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Miguel Santos

Recipe by

Miguel Santos

Specialises in Filipino cuisine

Miguel learned adobo from his Lola and added a twist: coconut milk AND cane vinegar. He is now considered a folk hero in Manila.

Describe yourself in three words: Proud, nostalgic, talks about his Lola a lot.