Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (2024)

BY :Bebs | Published: | Updated: | 183 Comments

RECIPE VIDEO PRINT

4.95 from 112 votes

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Get that perfect sticky chewiness all the time with this easy Biko recipe. Topped with delicious coconut caramel sauce or latik that will make you want for more.
Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (1)

  • What is Biko?
  • What do you need to make Biko Kalamay?
  • How to make Biko?
  • Printable Recipe
  • Biko Recipe (Filipino Rice Cake)

What is Biko?

Biko (pronounced bee-koh), a rice cake, is a native Filipino delicacy or 'kakanin' where glutinous rice is cooked withcoconut milk and brown sugar then topped Latik. The latik can be either in curd form or syrup. Traditionally, biko isserved ona bilao, a round wooden bamboo tray, linedwith coconut-oiled banana leaves, and is a popular dessert for every special occasion like birthdays, reunions and fiestas.

It is well-loved throughout the country and known different names. Bibingkang malagkit is one and it isSinukmani to the Southern Tagalog regions. We grew up calling it simply kalamay.

Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (2)

What do you need to make Biko Kalamay?

You will need only 4 basic ingredients to make this delicacy: glutinous rice, coconut milk, water, and brown sugar. You can either top it with latik curds or latik syrup, that is made by combining coconut and brown sugar.

The color of your biko will depend mainly on the brown sugar used. If you are trying to get that rich brown color then use a really dark brown sugar or muscovado. Brown sugar also varies in sweetness so you might have to adjust according to your preference.

Adding pandan leaves while cooking the rice will give it nice aroma and flavor. I also added a bit of vanilla extract to the latik syrup to make it extra delicious. Believe me, it is spoon-licking good, I could eat it on its own.

Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (3)

How to make Biko?

I found that there are several ways to cook it. The most common way is bycooking the glutinous rice first like you do regular rice. Then it will be added to the coconut caramel later.

There is also another way that an old friend taught me. He simply put the ingredients for the biko together in a rice cooker and that is it. Practical if you do not have time and just want a quick snack.

For this recipe I went with the more traditional way. But instead of just boiling the sticky rice in water, I boiled it in coconut milk with water and pandan leaves so it can absorb the flavors right from the beginning.

Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (4)

Here are some tips to make a perfectly chewy biko with perfect latik topping

Making this sticky rice cake is really very easy. But one simple mistake and it can turn mushy or uncooked.

  • When you steam the rice make sure that you do not add too much water. It is not supposed to be completely cooked at this point. Doing so may result in the grains to break when cooked later which will give you a paste-like consistency instead of chewy whole grains.
  • It is fine to give it a stir or two in the first part of cooking the rice to prevent the bottom from burning. However, avoid over stirring because, again, it will result in mushy rice.
  • When the rice is added to the latik syrup, gently fold the rice to coat them completely. Let the rice absorb the liquid while stirring from time to time. Do this until all grains are cooked and have expanded and very sticky.
  • The length of time to bake the biko depends on how thick the latik caramel topping is, it might take more than 20-30 minutes if it is a thick layer. Just wait that it turns bubbly and no longer gooey.

Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (5)

Printable Recipe

Biko Recipe (Filipino Rice Cake)

4.95 from 112 votes

Get this easy Biko recipe, a Filipino rice cake made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and brown sugar topped with caramelized coconut milk.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course :Dessert, Snack

Servings =9 squares

Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

TO COOK RICE

  • 2 cups glutinous rice - washed and drained
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 pieces pandan leaves

LATIK SYRUP

  • 2 cups canned coconut milk
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
  • vegetable or coconut oil - for greasing the pan

Instructions

  • Generously grease an 8x8-inch square baking pan and set aside.

  • In a large pot over medium heat, mix together the 1 cup coconut milk and 1cup water. Add the glutinous rice and pandan leaves. Bring to a simmer then turn heat to low and cover. Let it cook until all liquids are absorbed. The rice should only be almost cooked at this point.

  • While waiting, prepare the latik syrup by combining the 2 cups coconut milk and 1 cup dark brown sugar on a large pan or pot. Cook over medium heat while constantly stirring until the liquid thickens into a camarel.

  • Scoop and reserve ½ cup of the latik syrup for the topping later. Add the cooked rice without the pandan leaves to tha pan with the remaining latik syrup. Gently fold the sticky rice and the syrup until completely coated. Cook while stirring from time to time until the rice completely absorbs the syrup and the rice is fully cooked.

  • Transfer the rice into the greased pan and spread out evenly. Pour the reserved latik syrup on spread evenly on top of the rice. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F/180°C for 20-30 minutes or until the latik is reduced and becomes bubbly.

  • Remove from oven and let it cool down. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 24mgPotassium: 291mgFiber: 3gSugar: 28gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg

Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

This biko recipe was originally published on August 2016. Updated on May 2020 to include new photos and recipe video and improve the recipe itself.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    What do you think?

  1. Tami Fox Sherman says

    Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (19)
    Delicious! I also used coconut sugar.

    Reply

  2. Mimosa Mey says

    Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (20)
    The sweetness and consistency were just right. My family finished Biko in one sitting ☺️

    Reply

  3. Eve Santiago says

    Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (21)
    I think the recipe is great! The taste is there but I will make some modifications my next batch. Definitely using dark brown sugar, cook Latik longer, use more latik sauce on top and maybe even add a little more sugar for extra sweetness, and use quality coconut milk (mine must’ve been in the cabinet for too long- solidified and super oily). Overall, the taste sure brought my husband back to his childhood and helped us remember how Lola’s tasted.

    Reply

  4. Aurora Lozada says

    Can I make the Biko the day before store in the fridge and bake it the day I want to serve it

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      I am not a big fan of refrigerating cooked rice, because it tends to dry up and harden but if covered properly and only overnight, I think it should be fine.

      Reply

  5. Anacleta Milani says

    Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (22)
    I almost make the same,going to try the Carmel version ‼️ We call this Kakanen 😋🤙😇

    Reply

  6. Yuu says

    Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (23)
    I always follow your recipes and try to make use of what I can access here in Germany. Thank you. I grew up in the Philippines and it takes me back home to make kakanin.

    Reply

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Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake) - Foxy Folksy (2024)

FAQs

Does biko need to be refrigerated? ›

Make-ahead and Storage. To store biko, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 15-second intervals. You can also slice and freeze biko on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm.

What is the famous rice cake in the Philippines? ›

Suman. Suman is the country's quintessential rice cake. It is a name shared by many different variants that are all made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, wrapped tightly in palm leaves, and then steamed. It's quite delicious on its own, but those who like to up the ante enjoy it with a sprinkling of sugar.

What is biko in English? ›

Biko is a sweet rice cake from the Philippines.

What is the English of Espasol? ›

Espasol is a cylinder-shaped Filipino rice cake.

How much water do you put in sticky rice? ›

How to Make Sticky Rice. Soak rice for 15 minutes prior to cooking it for an additional 10 minutes. This rice requires a ratio of 1:1, meaning 1 cup of rice to every cup of 1 cup of water. It's as easy as that!

Should sticky rice be refrigerated? ›

Sticky rice, like other cooked rice, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 days. It is important to properly store it to maintain its quality and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Why do people eat sticky rice cake? ›

Rice cakes (nian gao) – southern China

The word nian gao sounds like “higher year,” representing a better year to come. “People eat rice cake because in Chinese, the cake carries the meaning of height, so if you eat cake, it means that in the new year, you will have good luck,” Xiu said.

What is another name for Biko? ›

Biko (pronounced bee-koh), a rice cake, is a native Filipino delicacy or 'kakanin' where glutinous rice is cooked with coconut milk and brown sugar then topped Latik.

What rice cake is traditionally sold during Christmas season in the Philippines? ›

Puto bumbong is a Filipino purple rice cake steamed in bamboo tubes. It is traditionally sold during the Christmas season. It is a type of puto (steamed rice cake).

When should I eat biko? ›

Biko is often served as merienda (snack) but it is also common as breakfast or dessert. It's sometimes topped with latik, a coconut caramel.

What is the difference between suman and biko? ›

On Panay Island where I was raised, we have at least three different kinds of suman: ibus (eeh-boos), which is the same sticky rice cake but wrapped in buri (palm leaves) and boiled; biko (bee-koh) made with whole rice kernels (not ground rice or rice flour) and cooked with coconut milk and brown sugar, then slathered ...

Can I cook sticky rice in a rice cooker? ›

When making sticky rice in a rice cooker, the amount of water you use is super important. No matter if your sticky rice is long grain or short grain, you'll need to follow a simple rule: for every 1.5 parts of sticky rice, add 1.25 parts of water. This works perfectly for up to 6 cups of rice.

What is the name of the glutinous rice flour? ›

What's the difference between glutinous rice flour and regular rice flour? Glutinous rice flour, also known as sweet rice flour, is ground from long- or short-grain glutinous rice (aka sticky rice).

What is glutinous rice in Filipino language? ›

In the Philippines, glutinous rice is known as malagkit in Tagalog or pilit in Visayan, among other names such as diket in Ilocano. Both mean "sticky".

Is glutinous rice same as flour? ›

The main differences between rice flour and glutinous rice flour are the type of rice used and the texture when cooked. Rice flour is made from medium or long-grain non-glutinous rice, while glutinous rice flour is made from short or long-grain cooked and dehydrated sticky rice.

Do rice cakes need to be refrigerated after opening? ›

The most convenient way to store Korean rice cakes in the short term is by putting them in the refrigerator. When doing so, it's best to either keep them in their original packaging or place them in an airtight container.

Does rice pudding need refrigeration? ›

How long does the rice pudding last? On average, it lasts five to seven days. It is perishable, so for maximum freshness keep your rice pudding covered and refrigerated.

Does black rice need to be refrigerated? ›

Refrigeration enhances the shelf life of black rice by keeping it in a cool environment that discourages the growth of any microbial life. Black rice maintained under refrigeration can last significantly longer than when stored at room temperature.

How long does Suman last without refrigeration? ›

Suman is a traditional Filipino food made of glutinous rice, sugar, and coconut milk as its main ingredients and wrapped in banana or coconut leaves before being cooked by steaming. The delicacy spoils in two days if stored at room temperature and lasts for a week if refrigerated.

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