Bibingka or Coconut Rice Cakes are a Filipino specialty, made with rice flour and coconut milk. These gluten free cakes are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. A tasty treat for Breakfast or snack.
Coconut Rice Cakes – Bibingka
Coconut Rice Cakes – BibingkaWhen my friend Abigail from Manila Spoon asked me if I would like to make a recipe from her just released Cookbook “Rice. Noodles. Yum” I couldn’t resist.
I decided to give these Coconut Rice Cakes, or known as Bibingka in the Philippines a try.
One because we love dessert and two because they are gluten free. My eldest daughter was coming for a visit and she loves anything gluten free, so I knew they would be perfect for her.
As Abigail says in her book, these are wonderful with a cup of tea or coffee. Perfect for Breakfast. Light and not overly sweet.
What are the ingredients in Bibingka?
- Banana Leaves, these are actually optional
- Rice Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Granulated Sugar
- Coconut Milk
- Unsalted Butter (I can’t get unsalted in Italy for I used regular salted and I cut down on the salt)
- Vanilla
Why are Banana Leaves used?
Banana leaves are optional but traditionally the cakes are baked in the softened banana leaves, they give the cakes added aroma and a subtle sweetness.
The leaves can be purchased frozen from Asian stores. They should be defrosted first, then cleaned by wiping them with moistened paper towels.
The leaves are then softened by running each leaf over a flame or an electric stovetop until the whole leaf is a deep green.
If you can’t find banana leaves (like me) then lining the tins with parchment paper works too.
How to make Bibingka
- In a medium bowl sift together the rice flour, baking powder and salt.
- In a large bowl beat the eggs, then add the sugar, coconut milk, butter and vanilla and combine well.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared tins.
- Bake, serve warm or room temperature.
These are a delicious treat, whether you are looking for a gluten free recipe or not. Warm from the oven with a cup of tea make the perfect Breakfast idea. Enjoy!
Bibingka - Coconut Rice Cakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice flour (firmly packed) (230 grams)
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 eggs (room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (250 grams)
- 1 can (13.5 ounces ) coconut milk (400 ml)
- 2 tablespoons butter* melted / cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
*if using unsalted butter then add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease and flour 12 (6 large and 6 small) muffin tin or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl sift together the rice flour, baking powder and salt.
- In a large bowl beat the eggs, then add the sugar, coconut milk, butter and vanilla and combine well.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until well combined and smooth. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared tins. Bake, for approximately 18-23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Leave in the pan for 10 minutes then remove to wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or room temperature. Enjoy!
Cindy says
Can I use all purpose flour instead of rice flour?
Rosemary says
Hi Cindy, I really don’t think so, since rice flour is gluten free.
Sue Christensen says
Delicious, and easy to make. My daughter-in-law is on a gluten free diet – anxious to share with her.
Rosemary says
Hi Sue, thanks so much, I hope she enjoys them. Take care.
Kay says
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Looks fantastic?
Rosemary says
Hi Kay, thanks let me know how it goes.
Ellize says
Two tablespoons baking powder? Is that right? Or is it supposed to be teaspoons?
Rosemary says
Hi Ellize, yes it is 2 tablespoons. Hope you like them.
ashley says
super moist and tastes like coconut! perfect sweetness level.
Rosemary says
Thanks Ashley, glad you enjoyed them.
Ryann says
This recipe seems so simple and super tasty. I am a little baker at home and want to try making cakes, cupcakes and other goodies from scratch and these recipes just seem perfect.
Rosemary says
Hi Ryann, thanks so much, so glad you are baking, good for you! Take care.
Rai says
I just discovered your blog, like yesterday. Followed you on Instagram coz Toronto + Italy + food!. Came back to your blog and saw bibingka! I love you even more! And I’m trying to lose weight! hahahaha
Rosemary says
Hi Rai, haha thanks so much. I hope you enjoy the recipes. And let me know which ones you try. 🙂