Puto Cheese is a soft, fluffy Filipino steamed rice cake topped with melted cheese. This Goldilocks-style puto recipe creates a light and airy texture with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a perfect snack or side dish. Whether served alone or with savory dishes like dinuguan, puto cheese is a beloved treat in Filipino cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Fluffy – Achieves the perfect airy texture.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Goldilocks-Style – Replicates the famous Filipino bakery’s puto.
- Sweet & Savory Combo – The sweetness of the cake pairs beautifully with the salty cheese topping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup cake flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated cheese (for mixing)
- Cheese toppings (sliced or grated, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add water, evaporated milk, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
- Combine – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
- Fold in Cheese – Gently mix in the grated cheese.
Step 2: Steam the Puto
- Prepare the Steamer – Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Lightly grease puto molds or silicone cupcake liners.
- Fill Molds – Pour the batter into each mold, filling about ¾ full.
- Steam – Place molds in the steamer and cover with a clean kitchen towel before placing the lid (this prevents water droplets from falling onto the puto). Steam for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Add Cheese Topping – Place a slice or sprinkle grated cheese on top of each puto. Cover and steam for another 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 3: Cool & Serve
- Remove from the steamer and let cool for a few minutes.
- Carefully unmold and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18 puto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Ube Puto – Add ube flavoring or ube halaya for a purple yam twist.
- Pandan Puto – Add pandan extract for a fragrant, tropical flavor.
- Coconut Milk Puto – Replace water with coconut milk for extra richness.
- Savory Version – Omit sugar and top with salted egg slices for a unique variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- Reheating – Steam for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but cake flour gives a softer texture. If using all-purpose flour, replace 1 cup with 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
What type of cheese works best for puto?
Cheddar cheese is traditional, but you can also use quick-melt cheese for a gooier topping.
Why is my puto dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the batter can cause dense puto. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
Can I use a rice cooker or microwave to make puto?
Yes! Steam in a rice cooker for 12-15 minutes or microwave in silicone molds for 1-2 minutes (check every 30 seconds).
Can I make this without a steamer?
Yes! Use a large pot with a metal rack and cover tightly to create a homemade steamer.
How do I prevent water from dripping onto my puto?
Wrap the steamer lid with a clean kitchen towel to absorb condensation.
Can I add food coloring to the batter?
Yes! A few drops of yellow or pink food coloring give a fun look.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free cake flour as a substitute.
What can I serve with puto cheese?
It pairs well with Filipino dishes like dinuguan, pancit, or sopas.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure not to overcrowd the steamer to allow even cooking.
Conclusion
This Puto Cheese (Goldilocks-Style) recipe creates soft, fluffy, and cheesy steamed cakes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a snack, side, or party treat, these little delights bring a taste of the Philippines to your home. Try them today for an easy and delicious homemade treat!
Print
Puto Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Puto Cheese, a popular Filipino steamed rice cake, is soft, fluffy, and topped with melted cheese for a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. This Goldilocks-style Puto Cheese recipe replicates the famous bakery’s version using cake flour, sugar, evaporated milk, and butter, giving it that signature light and airy texture. Enjoy this easy homemade puto recipe for breakfast, snacks, or as a side to savory Filipino dishes like dinuguan!
Ingredients
Puto Cheese, a popular Filipino steamed rice cake, is soft, fluffy, and topped with melted cheese for a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. This Goldilocks-style Puto Cheese recipe replicates the famous bakery’s version using cake flour, sugar, evaporated milk, and butter, giving it that signature light and airy texture. Enjoy this easy homemade puto recipe for breakfast, snacks, or as a side to savory Filipino dishes like dinuguan!
Instructions
- Prepare the steamer: Boil water in a steamer and grease puto molds with butter or oil.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, evaporated milk, water, and melted butter.
- Make the batter: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and lump-free.
- Fill the molds: Pour the batter into the greased puto molds, filling them about ¾ full.
- Steam the puto: Place the molds in the steamer, cover with a clean cloth under the lid (to prevent water droplets from falling), and steam for about 10-12 minutes or until the puto is firm.
- Add cheese topping: Place a slice or grated cheese on top of each puto and steam for another 2-3 minutes until melted.
- Cool and serve: Let the puto cool slightly before removing from molds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a softer texture, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Substitute evaporated milk with fresh milk if unavailable.
- Ensure the steamer lid is wrapped with a cloth to prevent water from dripping onto the puto.
- You can also use queso de bola, cheddar, or quick-melt cheese for topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Filipino
