Description
Biko is a traditional Filipino sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. It’s a rich, chewy, and naturally gluten-free dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or as a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
2 cups glutinous rice (malagkit)
2 cups water
2 cups coconut milk (full fat)
1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar (packed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon coconut oil (for greasing)
Optional topping: Latik (coconut milk curds) or extra coconut cream
Instructions
- Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and combine it with water in a pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the water is absorbed and the rice is just cooked but not mushy (about 10–15 minutes).
- In a separate large nonstick pan, combine the coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well and cook over medium heat until slightly thickened (around 5–8 minutes).
- Add the partially cooked rice to the coconut mixture and stir until fully coated.
- Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until very thick and sticky, and the mixture pulls away from the pan (about 15–20 minutes).
- Lightly grease a square or rectangular baking dish with coconut oil.
- Transfer the sticky rice mixture into the dish and press it down evenly with a spatula.
- Optionally, top with latik or drizzle with thick coconut cream for extra flavor.
- Let cool slightly before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Notes
For a traditional touch, line the baking dish with banana leaves before adding the rice mixture.
Reduce brown sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
For a fun twist, mix in ube halaya or ube extract.
Best reheated in the microwave or steamed for a softer texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temp or up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
