Puto Bumbong? Yes please! It's no secret that Filipinos love to make sticky rice cakes. This Filipino steamed rice cake is one of them! It's a classic made with rice flour and coconut milk. Anyone who craves something sweet, chewy, and festive will love it. It's beginner-friendly because we use banana leaves and violet food color to give it its look and charm.
Loving Filipino merienda treats? You’ll also enjoy making Putong Bigas or indulging in a quick Chocolate Mug Cake for a twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Puto Bumbong is a naturally vegan, dairy-free, and very easy-to-make dessert, even if you're a beginner to Filipino desserts. There are no fancy tools or complicated steps. It is warm, comforting, and nostalgic.
Coconut milk adds richness without the need for dairy. Coconut is also a healthy fat that contributes to brain function. The glutinous rice flour gives it a chewy texture that is just as pleasing to the taste buds.
The Story Behind Puto Bumbong
The Puto Bumbong is thought to have begun during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. The name comes from the fact that it was originally made using bamboo tubes called bumbong, hence the name.
Street vendors used these tubes to steam the rice mixture inside these tubes over charcoal. Eventually, people changed the method, but the tradition remained.
Where Puto Bumbong Comes From
This dish shines during the Christmas season, especially after Simbang Gabi from December 16–24. It’s a holiday staple in Filipino homes and church courtyards. While it’s iconic at Christmas, many enjoy it year-round as a nostalgic merienda.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
Celebratory or snack-time, this recipe is perfect for both!
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Glutinous rice flour
- Coconut milk
- Violet food color
- Grated coconut
- Margarine
- Brown sugar
- Grated cheese
- Banana leaves
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Banana Leaves:
1. Cut banana leaves into 6x8 inch sheets.
2. Briefly pass each sheet over an open flame to make it soft and pliable. Set aside.
Make a Dough:
3. In a bowl, combine the coconut milk and violet liquid food color. Mix well.
4. In a large bowl, pour the glutinous rice flour and gradually add the colored coconut milk.
5. Mix with your hands, breaking up any clumps, until a sticky dough forms.
Assemble the Puto Bumbong:
6. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the dough in the center of each banana leaf sheet.
7. Roll tightly into a log shape and fold both ends to seal.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Steam the Logs:
9. Arrange the wrapped logs in a steamer.
10. Steam for 20 minutes over medium heat.
11. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes without opening the lid to finish cooking.
Add Toppings and Serve:
12. Carefully remove each log from the banana leaf and place onto a serving platter.
13. Brush with margarine, then top with freshly grated coconut, brown sugar, and grated cheese!
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
No violet food color? You can skip it or use ube extract for flavor and color.
Can’t find banana leaves? Use parchment paper for steaming. - Variation
Want it fully plant-based? Swap margarine with vegan butter and skip the cheese. - Mistake to Avoid
Don’t overfill the banana leaves! Too much mixture makes it hard to roll and steam evenly. - Storage Tips
- Best served fresh and warm.
- If storing, wrap in foil or cling film and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat by steaming for 5–7 minutes or microwaving for 30 seconds with a damp paper towel.
FAQs
Puto Bumbong
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons violet liquid food color
- 1 cup freshly grated coconut
- ⅛ cup margarine
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup grated easy-melt cheese
- Banana leaves cut into rectangular sheets (approx. 6x8 inches)
Instructions
Prepare the Banana Leaves:
- Cut banana leaves into 6x8 inch sheets.
- Briefly pass each sheet over an open flame to make it soft and pliable. Set aside.
Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the coconut milk and violet liquid food color. Mix well.
- In a large bowl, pour the glutinous rice flour and gradually add the colored coconut milk.
- Mix with your hands, breaking up any clumps, until a sticky dough forms.
Assemble the Puto Bumbong:
- Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the dough in the center of each banana leaf sheet.
- Roll tightly into a log shape and fold both ends to seal.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Steam the Logs:
- Arrange the wrapped logs in a steamer.
- Steam for 20 minutes over medium heat.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes without opening the lid to finish cooking.
Add Toppings and Serve:
- Carefully remove each log from the banana leaf and place onto a serving platter.
- Brush with margarine, then top with freshly grated coconut, brown sugar, and grated cheese.
Watch The Recipe Video!
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Recipes for Every Moment
Want something festive and cozy for Christmas? This Puto Bumbong recipe carries the holiday spirit and taste you need!
Lizzy L says
LOVE this recipe, Lainey! It's great to bring for my Thanksgiving dinner!
Ani says
Thank you so much for this beautiful recipe, Lainey!
Shen says
This looks absolutely amazing! Puto Bumbong always brings that cozy Christmas nostalgia, and your version looks so soft, vibrant, and perfectly steamed. Can’t wait to try this at home—thank you for sharing such a comforting Filipino favorite!
Maisaci says
I haven't tried this during Christmas yet; I should give it a try! 🙂
Thank you, SimplyBakings
Kian Cablinda says
Reminds me of life in the mountain provinces with my grandparents 🙂 this is delicious and memorable!
Cheng says
This is so perfect for the Christmas season. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jen says
Lainey, this was so delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Clara says
Perfect for the best time of the year!
Elie says
Hi Lainey, my mom said this tasted so good and she asked for seconds! haha, thank you!
Sweet says
Creamy recipe! It's perfect for the New Year's. I'm going to make this for my family!
Dimple says
Here for the Filipino delicacies!