Luscious Biko Recipe: Sweetest Filipino Treat Made Easy

Sweet and sticky rice cakes shine in this traditional Filipino biko recipe that celebrates comfort and nostalgia.

Local kitchens buzz with the aroma of caramelized coconut milk and glutinous rice.

Every bite tells a story of warmth and culinary heritage.

The rich, golden-brown surface hints at generations of cherished cooking techniques.

Coconut and brown sugar blend into a decadent mixture that melts on your tongue.

Generations have perfected this beloved dessert, transforming simple ingredients into a magical treat.

Savor each spoonful and connect with the soul of Filipino sweet traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 8

Inside the Pantry for Biko Recipe

• Glutinous Rice: Sticky, short-grain hero that creates the signature chewy texture of traditional Filipino biko, best sourced from Asian grocery stores or specialty rice sections.
• Water: Essential liquid for perfectly cooking the rice to soft, tender consistency.

• Coconut Milk: Rich, creamy liquid that infuses deep tropical flavor and luxurious smoothness into the dessert.
• Brown Sugar: Caramel-like sweetener that provides deep, molasses-tinted richness and creates the signature golden-brown glaze.

• Coconut Cream: Thick, luxurious layer that adds extra decadence and traditional Filipino dessert finish, creating a silky and indulgent final touch.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Crunchy, golden garnish that brings nutty depth and textural contrast to the soft, sweet biko.

What to Grab for Biko Recipe

• Rice Cooker or Pot: Essential for cooking the glutinous rice perfectly and evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed to combine rice with coconut milk and brown sugar mixture.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without damaging the rice.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: Perfect for spreading and baking the biko evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting the biko into clean, even squares after baking.

Cooking Walkthrough for Biko Recipe

• Prepare Rice Thoroughly

Rinse glutinous rice carefully under running water until liquid becomes crystal clear. Cook rice in a rice cooker or pot until perfectly soft and fluffy. Let rice rest to the side while preparing other components.

• Create Sweet Caramel Base

Melt brown sugar in a large pan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Watch the sugar transform into a rich, golden liquid that will give biko its signature deep flavor.

• Blend Rice and Caramel

Pour cooked rice into the caramel mixture, gently folding and mixing until every grain becomes coated with the sweet, sticky sauce. Ensure even distribution of caramel throughout the rice.

• Transfer and Smooth

Carefully spread the caramel-coated rice into a flat serving dish, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface. Press down gently to compact the mixture.

• Add Coconut Topping

Drizzle coconut milk over the top of the biko, creating a creamy and luxurious finish. Allow the dish to cool and set for a few minutes before serving.

• Serve and Enjoy

Cut the biko into squares or diamond shapes. Serve at room temperature as a delightful Filipino dessert that promises sweet comfort and rich tradition.

Helpful Notes for Biko Recipe

• Sticky Rice Secret: Let the cooked glutinous rice rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to achieve the perfect sticky texture that holds together beautifully.
• Coconut Milk Magic: Choose full-fat coconut milk for a richer, more indulgent flavor that enhances the traditional Filipino dessert's creaminess.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar to half the amount or substitute with coconut sugar for a less sweet version that's friendlier to diabetic diets.
• Vegan-Friendly Twist: Ensure all ingredients are plant-based by using coconut oil instead of butter and checking that your coconut milk is 100% vegan-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Biko can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated in the oven, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.

Serving Suggestions for Biko Recipe

• Festive Filipino Party Centerpiece: Serve biko on a large decorative platter garnished with latik (coconut curds) for a stunning presentation that catches everyone's eye at gatherings.
• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Slice biko into neat squares and pair with hot Filipino coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting morning treat that celebrates traditional flavors.
• Dessert Fusion Delight: Top warm biko slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra coconut caramel sauce to create a modern twist on this classic Filipino dessert that elevates its traditional appeal.
• Potluck Perfect Portion: Cut biko into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing at family reunions, community events, or casual get-togethers where guests can enjoy small, delectable samples.

Storage Advice for Biko Recipe

• Smart Batch Prep: Cook extra rice and store in airtight containers for quick dessert assembly within 3-4 days, keeping refrigerated and reheating gently.
• Fridge Storage Strategy: Transfer cooled biko to sealed containers, maintaining freshness for up to 5 days when kept at consistent cool temperatures between 35-40°F.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Slice biko into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor quality.
• Room Temperature Timing: Leave biko at ambient temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth, ideal for serving during gatherings or potluck events.

Indulgent Biko Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet Filipino coconut rice cake biko delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich caramel glaze and sticky rice texture. Creamy coconut milk and brown sugar create a delectable Filipino treat that connects people through cultural culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups glutinous rice (malagkit)
• 13.5 oz (383 g) coconut milk
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 ¼ cups water
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup coconut cream
• 2 tbsps brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cleanse glutinous rice under cold water until liquid runs clear, removing excess starch completely.
2. Cooking Rice: Transfer rinsed rice to rice cooker or heavy pot, cooking until grains become perfectly tender and fluffy.
3. Caramel Creation: In separate saucepan, combine brown sugar and coconut milk, heating over medium flame and stirring continuously to develop rich, glossy caramel with deep amber hue.
4. Rice Integration: Gently fold cooked glutinous rice into caramel mixture, ensuring each grain becomes thoroughly and evenly coated with luxurious sauce.
5. Baking Process: Transfer caramelized rice into greased baking pan, spreading uniformly to create consistent texture and allowing mixture to absorb remaining caramel essence.
6. Finishing Touch: Optional garnish with latik (caramelized coconut cream solids) for enhanced flavor and traditional Filipino dessert presentation.
7. Serving: Allow biko to cool completely before cutting into classic square or diamond-shaped portions, revealing the luscious, sticky texture characteristic of this beloved sweet delicacy.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Remove excess starch by washing glutinous rice until water runs clear, ensuring perfect sticky texture without clumping.
• Control Caramel Heat: Maintain medium flame while stirring coconut-sugar mixture to prevent burning and achieve smooth, golden-brown consistency.
• Even Rice Coating: Fold rice gently into caramel, ensuring each grain gets completely covered for uniform flavor and rich taste experience.
• Cooling Technique: Allow biko to rest at room temperature, letting it absorb remaining sauce and develop deeper, more intense flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 252
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg