Hosting a Filipino-themed gathering? Why not round it off with some authentic dessert recipes that will leave your guests in awe! As you’d expect, Filipinos have a sweet tooth and take their love for food to the next level. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or even a casual get-together, a delicious meal is always at the heart of social gatherings. And what better way to conclude the feast than with some mouthwatering Filipino desserts that are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings?
With sweet treats like Leche Flan and Mango Float on one end, and creamy Halo-Halo and Buko Salad on the other, you’ll have a selection that will make your guests go home feeling full and content. And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite dessert among them!
Leche Flan
Imagine sinking your teeth into a luxurious, velvety treat that defies expectations with its surprising richness. This is leche flan, a beloved Filipino dessert that has captured the hearts of many. Typically made from a quartet of ingredients – sugar, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract – this creamy delight can be elevated by the addition of lemon zest for an burst of brightness.
While traditional methods involve steaming, adventurous cooks can also achieve success by baking their leche flan in a water bath, making it accessible to all, regardless of kitchen setup.
Ginataang Bilo Bilo (Filipino Coconut Rice Pudding)
The creamy texture of coconut milk is a standout feature in this beloved Filipino dessert, and I think the inclusion of cooked tapioca pearls provides a delightful conclusion. Additionally, a harmonious blend of glutinous rice balls, plantain bananas, and sweet potatoes comes together to form the recipe. Whether served as a decadent dessert or a satisfying afternoon snack (merienda), this treat is sure to impress!
Ube Halaya
For those not familiar with the vibrant purple color and nutty flavor of ube (also known as purple yam), let’s introduce you to the sweet delight that is ube halaya. This popular Filipino jam is a masterful blend of ube, dairy, sugar, and vanilla, which skillfully amplifies the floral notes of the yam, resulting in a creamy, sweet, and utterly irresistible dessert.
Biko (Filipino Sweet Rice Cake)
In many parts of the Philippines, sweet rice cake, or as locals call it, biko, is a staple dessert served at special occasions such as holidays and family gatherings. This beloved treat requires constant stirring, attention to detail, and a great deal of patience when preparing. Nonetheless, the end result is well worth the effort, especially when topped with latik (coconut curd), which elevates the biko to an extraordinary level of flavor.
Suman Malagkit
The iconic Filipino sticky rice dish gets an extra layer of delight when paired with a rich and creamy coconut milk-based sauce infused with the deep flavor of brown sugar. This match-made-in-heaven combination is sure to elevate your Filipino-inspired gathering to new heights.
But suman malagkit’s charm doesn’t stop there – it also pairs exquisitely with a warm beverage like hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, as well as the sweet and tangy taste of fresh mango.
Yes, you read that right – the unconventional pairing of sticky rice and juicy mango is surprisingly a winning combination that will leave your guests craving for more.
Ube Ice Cream (Purple Yam Ice Cream)
In the world of Filipino cuisine, ube – pronounced with a delightful ‘ooo-beh’ tone – is a beloved ingredient that often takes center stage in sweet treats. Its vibrant purple hue makes it a standout feature in desserts such as brownies, macarons, and even ice cream! But what might surprise you is just how straightforward it is to whip up your own ube ice cream at home.
Simply combine grated ube with butter, coconut milk, brown sugar, and sweetener, then let your trusty ice cream maker take over the rest of the process.
Cassava Cake
As you read this, Filipino readers are likely transported back to their childhood days with the mere mention of cassava cake. The sweet treat’s nostalgic charm is undeniable. Typically found near schools or streets, its humble appearance belies a rich, creamy, and coconut-infused flavor profile, wrapped in banana leaves for an authentic touch. What’s more, this versatile dessert can be prepared in various ways – baked, steamed, or broiled – making it a delight to suit any palate.
Maja Blanca
Maja Blanca, a beloved Filipino treat, combines the creamy richness of coconut pudding with the natural sweetness of sweet corn kernels and the satisfying crunch of toasted coconut flakes. Each bite is a masterclass in textures and flavors, with the velvety pudding, crunchy topping, and subtle corn sweetness harmonizing in perfect symphony.
Typically served as a dessert or snack on special occasions, including holidays like Christmas, Maja Blanca’s allure knows no bounds, making it a staple at gatherings and celebrations alike.
Mamon (Filipino Sponge Cake)
In the Philippines, another sweet treat that has captured hearts is the Filipino sponge cake, also affectionately known as mamon. This classic dessert is a staple in most local bakeries, but it’s just as easy to whip up at home using basic ingredients. What sets this cake apart from others is its signature light and airy texture, which can be attributed to the clever addition of lemon zest into the batter.
Kamote Cue (Deep-Fried Caramelized Sweet Potato)
In the Philippines, Kamote cue is a beloved merienda or sweet course that’s gained popularity for its unique flavor and texture. The dish consists of skewered deep-fried sweet potatoes that are carefully sliced and coated with a rich, caramelized brown sugar glaze. This sweet treat is often found alongside banana cue, another popular street food that’s also drizzled with the same sweet and sticky sauce, typically sold by vendors in busy streets and markets.
Buko Pandan
To craft this delightful Filipino sweet treat, combine pandan-infused gelatin with coconut and sweetened cream. This refreshing dessert is ideal for your upcoming gathering or summer celebration. What’s more, its recipe allows for advance preparation. Simply store the buko pandan in the refrigerator overnight and serve it the following day or within three days.
Mais Con Yelo
Indulge in the delightful mais con yelo, a Filipino summer treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This creamy concoction features layers of sweet corn, shaved ice, and crunchy corn flake cereal, topped with a scoop of homemade corn ice cream. To elevate this dessert, consider adding mix-ins like leche flan, sweet beans, or creamed corn for added texture and flavor. Finish it off by drizzling a little sweetened condensed milk over the ice cream for a sweet and indulgent treat.
Mango Float
Mango float, also known as icebox cake, is a no-bake treat that requires minimal effort. To create this dessert, you’ll need to layer graham crackers with whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and ripe mangoes in a large square or rectangular dish. The key to success lies in the assembly process, where all the ingredients are chilled before being brought together. This step is crucial as it allows each component to meld seamlessly into one another.
Once assembled, the dessert is typically served chilled or frozen, making it an excellent match for a variety of beverages, including dessert wine, cocktails, coffee, and even tea.
Filipino Carioca
Indulge in the delightful Carioca, a ball-shaped treat that’s hard to resist as a sweet dessert or satisfying snack. The recipe’s simplicity is its greatest charm, requiring only four main ingredients: sweet rice flour, shredded coconut, milk, and cream. Once combined and shaped into bite-sized balls, they’re fried to perfection before being carefully threaded onto wooden skewers.
But the true pièce de résistance is the drizzle of rich caramel sauce that adds a velvety smoothness, making it impossible to stop at just one.
Buko Salad
Buko salad, a Filipino twist on traditional fruit salad, is a staple at festive gatherings like fiestas and birthday parties. What’s more, it’s typically served chilled to perfection.
The star ingredients of this indulgent treat include an assortment of mixed fruits, nata de coco for added texture, kaong or sugar palm for its natural sweetness, coconut for creaminess, thickened cream for richness, and condensed milk for that signature smoothness – all working harmoniously together to create a delightful, creamy, and dreamy sensation in every bite.
Ube Puto (Steamed Rice Cake)
In the Philippines, Ube Puto – also affectionately referred to as steamed rice cake – is a beloved dessert that’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The ingredients are deceptively simple: all-purpose flour, a touch of sweetness, and a splash of dairy, topped off with a generous helping of melted cheese. But what truly sets this treat apart is its striking purple hue, courtesy of the star ingredient, ube or purple yam.
This delicate rice cake is often enjoyed on its own, but it’s equally delightful paired alongside savory dishes for a delightful textural and flavor contrast.
Minatamis Na Saging (Bananas In Sweet Syrup)
One of the things I appreciate about this dessert is its understated nature. Essentially, all you need are ripe bananas, sugar, and a hint of vanilla to create something truly delightful. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only a few basic ingredients to produce a treat that’s sure to please. To get started, begin by preparing the syrup base.
Simply combine sliced bananas, sugar, and vanilla extract, then cook the mixture until the fruit is tender and the syrup reaches a deep amber color.
Sorbetes (Dirty Ice Cream)
In the Philippines, a unique version of ice cream is enjoyed by many – sorbetes, also known as dirty ice cream. This Filipino treat is typically found along street stalls and markets, where it’s served in small wafers or sugar cones. Some locals, however, prefer to indulge in their favorite flavors with a twist: bread buns. The flavor options are diverse, ranging from fruity mango and sweet strawberry to the more exotic ube and creamy avocado – all of which remain crowd favorites.
Bukayo
When working with unripe coconuts, having them on hand can be a game-changer. With this recipe, you can transform the ingredient into a truly exceptional and delectable treat. To achieve the perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and caramel-like textures, combine the coconut strips with brown and muscovado sugar. The result is a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to please. When it comes to storage, make sure your bukayo is thoroughly dry before placing it in an airtight container.
This ensures the treats remain fresh for a longer period.
Sapin Sapin
In the Philippines, there’s another delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare at home – sapin-sapin. The name ‘sapin’ literally means layers, which aptly describes this vibrant sweet treat’s structure. To make it, you’ll need glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, condensed milk, sugar, and a bit of patience. Simply combine these ingredients into a smooth batter, then divide it into three portions and stack them on top of each other, finishing with a delicious latik crust on top.
With just a few simple steps, you can create this colorful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Halo-Halo
In the Philippines, there’s a beloved summer treat called halo-halo that brings people joy and relief from the scorching heat. The dessert typically consists of shaved ice as its base, topped with an assortment of sweet treats. These include evaporated milk, syrups, sweet beans, sliced banana, nata de coco, garbanzos, jelly, macapuno (a type of coconut sport), sago (edible starch), gulaman (Filipino gelatin), jackfruit, ube halaya, and leche flan.
To give it a delightful finish, a scoop of creamy ube ice cream is served alongside nuts and rice crispies.
The bottom line
When it comes to Filipino desserts, there’s no denying that coconut, fresh fruit, sugar, cream, and rice are the foundation of many sweet treats. If you find yourself with a surplus of these ingredients, why not get creative and whip up one of these delightful desserts? To combat the scorching summer heat, try cooling down with refreshing options like sorbetes, buko pandan, or mais con yelo. For those who can’t get enough of sweet potatoes, ginataang bilo bilo and kamote cue are must-try treats.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t adore the iconic halo-halo? When planning a Filipino-themed gathering, these sinfully delicious desserts are sure to bring your party to life.