Easy Puto Cheese Recipe
I. Introduction
Fluffy steamed rice cakes topped with melted cheese—simple, kid-friendly, and perfect for breakfast or snacks. This Easy Puto Cheese Recipe combines the traditional Filipino rice cake with a modern twist of cheese, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
II. Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar or quickmelt cheese)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
III. Equipment
- Steamer with lid
- Muffin tin or puto molds
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
IV. Instructions
- Prepare the steamer with about 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
- In a large bowl, mix rice flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, coconut milk, water, and vanilla.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and lump-free.
- Strain the batter if necessary to remove any lumps for a smoother texture.
- Fill each mold about 3/4 full with the batter.
- Cover molds with banana leaves or aluminum foil before steaming.
- Steam over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Top with grated cheese in the last 2 minutes of steaming, until cheese melts.
- Let cool slightly before removing from molds.
V. Tips
Don’t overmix—batter should be lump-free but not overworked; use banana leaves for aroma. The key to good puto is proper steaming and not overfilling the molds. Make sure the water in the steamer is boiling before adding the molds. If you don’t have banana leaves, parchment paper or aluminum foil works as a substitute. The cheese helps the puto develop a slightly different flavor and texture.
VI. Serving
Warm, as merienda or breakfast with hot chocolate. These soft, cheesy rice cakes are particularly appealing to children and make a great afternoon snack. They pair wonderfully with a warm, sweet drink like champorado (chocolate rice porridge) or coffee.
VII. Storage
Best eaten fresh; re-steam leftovers to restore softness. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is possible but steaming maintains the traditional texture better.
