Filipino Sweet Rice
A luscious, caramelized Filipino sweet rice cake that blends sticky mochiko rice, rich condensed milk, and toasted coconut for a warm, comforting dessert perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and cook 2 lb mochiko (sweet) rice until fluffy.
- Transfer cooked rice into a large mixing bowl.
- Cut 1/2 cup butter into the hot rice and mix until melted and incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 box dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 can Eagle Brand condensed milk; whisk until smooth.
- Add 1 pkg coconut flakes to the sugar mixture and stir.
- Pour the coconut-sugar-condensed mixture over the rice and mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until a crust forms around the edges.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure to wash the mochiko rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a fluffier texture. If you want to add a twist, consider incorporating some toasted nuts or dried fruits into the mixture for added flavor and texture. This dish can also be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This Filipino Sweet Rice can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with Heavenly Strawberries for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of coconut cream for an indulgent treat. For a complete meal, consider serving it with grilled meats or a light salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Filipino Sweet Rice contains roughly 745 calories, with 2g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular rice instead of mochiko?
Mochiko is a glutinous rice flour that gives this dish its unique texture and flavor. Using regular rice will alter the consistency significantly. However, if mochiko is unavailable, you might try using sweet rice flour if you can find it in Asian grocery stores.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of dark brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors, which can enhance the overall taste without increasing sweetness.
Can I add flavors like vanilla or coconut extract?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or coconut extract to the coconut-sugar-condensed mixture can enhance the flavor profile. This will add a lovely aroma and depth to the dish, making it even more delightful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).