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A pan of traditional Filipino rice cake showing its soft, sticky texture and rich brown toppings.

Sweet Filipino Biko Dessert

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Soak Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours
A classic Sweet Filipino Biko Dessert made with sticky rice, creamy coconut milk, and golden latik. A simple, nostalgic Filipino treat that’s rich, tender, and deeply comforting.
6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups glutinous or sweet rice malagkit
  • 1 8-ounce container or can coconut cream
  • 1 13.5 to 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Soak the Rice

  1. Place the glutinous rice in a bowl and cover it with water by at least one inch. Cover and soak the rice at room temperature for six hours or overnight. This ensures even cooking and a tender final texture.

Prepare the Latik (Coconut Sprinkles)

  1. Transfer the coconut cream to a small saucepan and set it over medium-high heat. Allow the cream to boil, stirring continuously, until it separates and transforms into golden-brown coconut solids in rendered oil. This process typically requires 12–15 minutes.
  2. Once fully browned, remove the saucepan from the heat. Separate the coconut sprinkles from the oil, reserving both components. The oil will be used to grease the baking pan.

Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with the reserved coconut oil. Set aside.

Cook the Rice Mixture

  1. Drain and discard the soaking liquid from the rice. In a large skillet, combine the glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well to incorporate.
  2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice softens and the grains expand to approximately twice their original size. This typically takes about 15 minutes. If the mixture begins boiling too rapidly, reduce the heat to prevent scorching. The finished mixture should be thick and porridge-like.

Bake the Biko

  1. Transfer the cooked rice mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or a silicone spatula, spread the mixture evenly and smooth the surface.
  2. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the rice has set into a firm, cohesive cake. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the biko to cool completely at room temperature before slicing.

Serve

  1. Cut the cooled biko into 2x2-inch squares. Top each slice with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the prepared latik.

Notes

This Sweet Filipino Biko Dessert is naturally gluten-free, as it is made with glutinous rice (which contains no gluten), coconut milk, sugar, and salt. To maintain gluten-free integrity, ensure all canned coconut products are free from additives containing gluten and verify that no cross-contamination occurs during preparation.
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