Desserts

TOP 7 FAVORITE FILIPINO DESSERTS

There are so many different Filipino sweets and desserts and I enjoy eating just about all of them. Devouring these sweet treats reminds me of being back home in the Philippines. I thought that I would recap and share some of the favorites from the past few years.

1. Puto

Puto is a Filipino snack that is served any time of the year. It is the perfect dish to bring to a gathering or potluck because it’s easy to eat and to transport. It is a steamed sweet cake that is traditionally made from ground rice. It is eaten by itself, with butter or grated coconut.  However, this recipe is an adapted version, using cake flour instead of ground rice. There are many variations of puto that include different flavoring such as ube (purple yam) and pandan. It can also be topped with cheese or salted egg.

2.  Chiffon Cake

Taisan is a popular Filipino chiffon cake topped with melted butter and sugar.  The first time I tried taisan was two years ago when I visited the Philippines. My niece introduced me to it and since then, I always have it every time I return for a visit. I was happy when I saw the recipe for taisan in the Goldilocks bakebook that I got recently and I had to make it. I already made it twice and every time, my family enjoys it. 

3. Cassave Cake

Cassava cake is a popular Filipino dessert that is made from grated cassava, coconut milk, egg, butter and condensed milk or sugar. Others may use vanilla or even grated cheese to add flavor to the cake. This cassava cake recipe is simple and uses the basic ingredients with sweetened macapuno strings added thus giving this cake an added texture. I learned this recipe from a friend who brought it to a potluck one time. It was a big hit at the potluck, so I knew I had to get the recipe. Since then, I have been making this version every time I make this delicious dessert. This wonderful dessert is not only popular to serve during the Holidays but also a favorite all year-round.  Indulge!

4.  Jelly Dessert

This dessert which consists of cubed colored gelatin embedded in creamy mold is made popular by Goldilocks Bakeshop, a popular bakery in the Philippines. Filipinos often serve this dessert during this time of the year, hence the red, green and yellow gelatin. But it does not mean you can’t have it the rest of the year. You can even make it using your favorite gelatin flavor. I used a silicone Bundt pan but you may use any jelly mold you like.

5. Leche Flan

This recipe of leche flan with cream cheese takes this popular Filipino dessert to another level. The sugar was caramelized first in a loaf pan on the stovetop and then set aside to cool for a bit. Creamy custard was afterwards poured over the hardened sugar and then steam baked for one hour and 20 minutes. The creamy and dense custard with caramel glaze was irresistibly delicious. Indulge!

6. Kutsinta

 It is a popular snack amongst Filipino. It is a common sight on the buffet table during holiday season, birthdays or just any gatherings or salusalo.

7. Cheese Ensaymada

Ensaymada is one of the favorite breakfast or snack of most Filipinos.  It can be bought anywhere from a stall in the mall, in a bakeshop or even at a fast food court.  I have tried several times to make ensaymadas. This recipe is the closest to the store bought ensaymadas that I always have  for snack. I am really proud and satisfied with how it turned out. My husband was commenting on how the smell of the freshly baked ensaymadas makes him hungry.  It is best eaten when it’s freshly baked but still good the next day, just warm it up for 20-30 seconds in the microwave.