Royal Bibingka

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Filipino

Royal Bibingka is a traditional Filipino rice cake with rich flavors of coconut and cheese, perfect for festive occasions and loved for its moist, tender texture.

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Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • banana leaves, wilted
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs until light and creamy.
  2. Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.
  3. Sift flour and baking powder together.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and coconut milk to the batter, beating until smooth.
  5. Pour batter into greased 9-inch layer cake pans lined with wilted banana leaves.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove pans from oven and sprinkle with grated cheese.
  8. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
  9. Brush the top twice with margarine during baking.
  10. When done, brush again with margarine and sprinkle with sugar.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated coconut.

Tips & Substitutions

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter. If you don't have banana leaves, parchment paper can be a suitable alternative for lining the pans. For a unique twist, consider adding flavors such as coconut extract or vanilla to the batter. If you want a richer flavor, use fresh grated coconut instead of the packaged variety.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Royal Bibingka warm as a delightful snack or dessert. It pairs beautifully with freshly grated coconut on top, enhancing its tropical flavor. Consider serving it alongside a cup of hot chocolate or a comforting tea. For a festive touch, it can be included in a spread with other Filipino delicacies, creating a delightful dessert table.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Royal Bibingka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring it does not dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Royal Bibingka contains roughly 304 calories, with 6g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

304 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 5.6g 7% DV
Carbs 59.7g 22% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 2.5g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 510.2mg 22% DV
Potassium 449.9mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 157.5mg 53% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 46.8mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 8.4mg 9% DV
Calcium 316.9mg 24% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 make Royal Bibingka ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just ensure to bring it back to room temperature before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on the day you plan to serve it.

What can I use instead of coconut milk?

If you're looking for a substitute for coconut milk, you can use whole milk or almond milk for a lighter version. For a richer flavor, mix equal parts of whole milk and cream. However, this will alter the traditional taste of the bibingka, so choose based on your preference.

How do I know when the bibingka is done baking?

The bibingka is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should also start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.

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).

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