Filipino Coconut Rice Cake for Noche Buena
Allergens: Eggs | Coconut | Dairy-Free Option | Gluten-Free (traditional) | Nut-Free
Cuisine: Filipino
Follow on Instagram: @simplycookingx

Bibingka is one of the most iconic Filipino Christmas foods, traditionally eaten during Simbang Gabi—the nine-day dawn masses leading up to Christmas. Outside churches and markets, the smell of banana leaves and toasted coconut signals the season. Bibingka is made from rice flour and coconut milk, baked hot (often with coals above and below), then topped with salted egg and grated coconut for that sweet-salty holiday magic. It’s comfort, tradition, and nostalgia in one warm slice.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

Batter

• 2 cups rice flour (or glutinous rice flour for chewier texture)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup sugar (or coconut sugar; reduce to ½ cup for less sweet)
• 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
• ½ cup water (or more coconut milk)
• 2 tbsp melted vegan butter or coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla (optional but nice)

Toppings (Traditional)

• 2 salted eggs, sliced (optional but classic)
• ½ cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 2–3 tbsp vegan butter or butter (for brushing)
• Optional: grated cheese (use dairy-free cheese if needed)

Lining

• Banana leaves, softened over flame and cut to fit pan (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat & prep pan
   • Heat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
   • Line an 8×8-inch pan (or round cake pan) with banana leaves if using. Lightly grease.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   • In a bowl: rice flour, baking powder, salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients
   • In another bowl: whisk eggs + sugar until dissolved. Add coconut milk, water, melted butter/oil, and vanilla.
4. Combine
   • Add dry into wet. Mix until smooth (don’t overmix).
5. Bake
   • Pour into pan. Top with salted egg slices (and cheese if using).
   • Bake 25–35 minutes, until set and lightly browned.
6. Finish
   • Brush top with butter/vegan butter.
   • Sprinkle with grated coconut. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk + spatula
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Baking pan (8×8 or 9-inch round)
• Parchment paper (backup if no banana leaves)
• Oven mitts
• Brush (for butter)

Dietary Substitutions & Allergen Swaps

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter; skip dairy cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
• Egg-Free: Replace eggs with 3 flax eggs (3 tbsp flaxseed meal + 9 tbsp water, rest 10 min). Texture becomes slightly denser.
• Low-Sugar: Use ½ cup sugar or a monk fruit blend; skip cheese topping and rely on coconut aroma.
• Nut-Free: Bibingka is nut-free, but verify packaged coconut products and add-ons.
• Low-Carb: Bibingka is rice-based, so not low-carb by nature. For a low-carb “bibingka-inspired” bake, use coconut flour + almond flour (not nut-free) and sweetener—tell me if you want that variant.

Chef’s Tips

• Banana leaves = real bibingka aroma. If you can, use them.
• Don’t overbake. Bibingka should stay moist, not cakey-dry.
• More “char” flavor: Finish 1–2 minutes under the broiler for light scorching (watch closely).
• Best served warm with hot coffee or salabat (ginger tea).

Wine Pairing

• Wine: Moscato, sparkling rosé, or late-harvest Riesling.
• Non-alcoholic: Tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate), salabat, or coconut latte.

Nutrition Facts (Estimate)

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pan)
Servings Per Recipe: 8

(Varies with toppings, coconut milk brand, and sugar level.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of rice flour?
A: You can, but it won’t be bibingka anymore—rice flour gives the signature texture and keeps it gluten-free.

Q: Where do I find salted eggs?
A: Asian supermarkets typically carry them. If not available, you can skip and just use coconut + butter + cheese.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently (microwave 15–20 seconds or oven 5–7 minutes).

Q: Can I freeze bibingka?
A: Yes—wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.

If you bake this holiday classic, tag @simplycookingx and use #GlobalChristmasSeries so we can feature your Christmas table.