Royal Bibingka is super easy to make in under 30 minutes and so delicious! This Filipino rice cake made of glutinous rice is soft, chewy, cheesy, and gluten-free, too. It's traditionally served on Christmastime but there's no reason not to enjoy it year-round!
If you're looking for the ultimate dessert to round off your Noche Buena feast, this delicious sticky rice cake is for you! Like bibingka and puto bumbong, Royal bibingka is traditionally associated with the Christmas season, but unlike the two, which use regular rice batter, this Vigan version is made of glutinous rice flour for a chewy, mochi-like texture.
This Filipino delicacy is not only delicious, but it's also easy to make for a crowd or anytime cravings. You can have a whole pan ready to enjoy in five simple steps and 30 minutes!
The recipe requires seven simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. There's also no fancy equipment needed, just a whisk to combine the batter.
Cooking steps
- Make the batter. Whisk the glutinous rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and eggsย into a thin, smooth batter.
- Transfer to a baking dish. You can use a baking dish, ramekins, or cast-iron skillet. Grease the inside of the pan with butter to keep the cake from sticking. Or line with banana leaves brushed with butter to add aroma.
- Bake in a 350 F oven. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and bake in the oven. Insert a toothpick in the center to check for doneness; if it comes out clean, the bibingka is cooked. It should take 15 to 20 minutes for the mixture to set if using an 11 x 9 pan. Using an 8 x 8 pan will make the cake thicker and require a longer cook time.
- Add the toppings. Remove the pan from the oven, brush with butter, and sprinkle with sugar and shredded cheese.
- Bake. Return to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before slicing.
Quick tip
The sticky rice cake might puff up during baking. Don't worry, just push down gently to subside.
How to serve and store
- This Vigan royal bibingka is traditionally served during the Christmas season, but there's no reason why you shouldn't enjoy it year-round. It's super easy to make in the oven and makes a tasty snack or dessert treat with coffee or your favorite cold drinks.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic film to store leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- The sticky rice cake tends to harden when cold. To serve, heat in the microwave for a few seconds until soft and warm.
More sticky rice cake recipes
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon for dusting
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ยฝ cup evaporated or fresh milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, 1 cup of the sugar, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and eggs. Whisk together until batter is well-blended and smooth.
- Generously grease an 11ย x 9ย baking dish or 10-inch cast-iron skillet with margarine or butter.
- Transfer batter and bake in a 350 F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is set and aย toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Take out from the oven and carefully push down areas that are puffed up. Generously brush the top with butter or margarine.ย
- Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and shredded cheese.ย
- Return to oven and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and the top is golden.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- If using an 8 x 8 pan, the cake will be thicker and would require a longer cook time.
- The sticky rice cake might puff up during baking. Don't worry, just push down gently to subside.
Video
Nutrition Information
โThis website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.โ
Addie says
My batter was thick. It did not look like yours. ๐ค
Lalaine Manalo says
The batter should be thick but pourable ๐
Susan says
Hello. pwede ba walang eggs?
Lalaine Manalo says
Di ko pa nasubukan without eggs. Baka magiba ang texture kung wala.
Kim Pisco says
What kind of cheese did you use? Just regular American cheese or sharp cheddar or mild cheddar?
Lalaine Manalo says
I like to use sharp cheddar as the stronger flavor goes well with the sweetness of the cake ๐
Mila Ireland says
Noticed the ingredients didnโt include baking powder
Is that right?
Lalaine Manalo says
Hi Mila,
Yes, no baking powder. This kalamay does not puff up; it's very chewy and dense ๐
Laurene Elauria Johnson says
I will try to make this today. Thanks Lalaine I am really hungry for Filipino kakanin . In Pa where I am thereโs no pinoy store.
Lalaine Manalo says
Laurene, hope you were able to try it!!
merian tandingan says
can i put shredded buko on royal bibingka
Lalaine says
I've never tried it but sounds delicious ๐
Marie says
Hi Lalaine. I really want to try this but I dont have 12 inch pan as of the moment. Can I use cupcake pan for this? Is the temp and cooking time be the same?
Lalaine says
I've never tried it in a cupcake pan but I think it would work.
Lalaine says
Kecap manis is an Indonesian sweet soy sauce. If you can't find it, just add brown sugar or molasses to regular soy sauce.
Vine says
Thank u so much for the recipe. I will try it today.
Lalaine says
You're welcome ๐
celestine says
Hi. Is there a chance we can steam instead of using an oven?
Lalaine says
Hi Celestine
I am not sure if this will work in a steamer because you need the heat of the oven to kind of give it a nice top crust. I won't recommend it. ๐
Hyde says
Hello miss Lalaine, thank you for all the recipes you've shared, love ko po talaga etong recipe at favorite ko rin po yung cheese puto ๐
Lalaine says
You're welcome, Hyde. I am glad you like this recipe and the cheese puto ๐
mae says
Hello po.....gusto itry ang recipe nato but can i use glutinous rice talaga hindi flour tapos i papa grind ko nalang......thank you pala don sa coco macaroons......ang sarap ..........
Lalaine says
Hello Mae
Yes pwede. Actually freshly-milled galapong is better talaga for this. I am glad nagustuhan mo yung macaroons ๐
MARIA CARTER says
Can you make this recipe without using evaporated milk?
Lalaine says
Hi Maria
You can substitute regular homogenized milk ๐
edelweiza says
Sarap! Just in time for Christmas! I bet you miss Pinas for its long Christmas celebration. ๐
Mahru says
Will it be possible Lalaine to use a steamer instead of baking?
Lalaine says
Hello Mahru
I don't think this will work in a steamer. Or at least, I've never tried in cooking it that way.
Nova says
Can I use dissolved coconut milk powder instead? What's the measurement? Thanks!
Lalaine says
About 1 to 1-1/2 cups of coconut milk powder for 1 cup of water.