Rice
Bibingka with Salted Egg and Cheese

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
grain250 g
Imperial measurement: 2 cups
baking powder
other2 tsp
salt
seasoning1/2 tsp
white sugar
other150 g
Imperial measurement: 3/4 cup
coconut milk
dairy400 ml (1 can)
Imperial measurement: 1 2/3 cups
unsalted butter, melted
fat60 g
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
salted duck egg
protein2 pieces
cheddar cheese, grated
dairy150 g
Imperial measurement: 1 1/2 cups
banana leaves, for lining
other2 large
egg
protein2 large
Method
Prepare the banana leaves
5 minutesSoften 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.
Mix the dry ingredients
5 minutesIn a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add the wet ingredients
5 minutesAdd coconut milk, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
Pour the batter
2 minutesPour the batter into the prepared pan.
Add the toppings
5 minutesSlice the salted eggs lengthwise and arrange on top of the batter. Sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
Bake the bibingka
45 minutesBake 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.
Cool and serve
5 minutesLet 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
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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Recipe by
Miguel Santos
Specialises in Filipino cuisineMiguel 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.