Fluffy Puto Cheese: A Step-by-Step Filipino Steamed Cake Recipe
Puto cheese, a beloved Filipino dessert, is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. Known for its cloud-like texture, gooey cheese pockets, and deep cultural roots, this steamed cake is a staple at celebrations and everyday meals. Whether you’re craving a taste of the Philippines or looking for a fun baking project, this step-by-step guide will help you create fluffy, cheesy puto cheese at home. Inspired by Amber Restaurant’s iconic version, this recipe is budget-friendly, easy to follow, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Price and servings on Amber menu:
| Serving Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Box of 6 | ₱ 102.00 |
| Box of 9 | ₱ 153.00 |
| Box of 12 | ₱ 204.00 |
Why Puto Cheese Stands Out?
- Fluffy Texture: The steaming process creates an airy, melt-in-your-mouth cake that’s unlike denser desserts.
- Rich Heritage: Rooted in Filipino culture, puto traditionally uses rice flour, but modern recipes embrace all-purpose or cake flour with a cheesy twist.
- Cheesy Goodness: Every bite offers savory cheese pockets, making it irresistible for kids and adults alike.
Puto Cheese Recipe At Home
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (including 15-minute batter rest).
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (steaming).
Ingredients (Yields About 12 Small Cakes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or cake flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (check expiration for freshness)
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar or quick-melt recommended)
- 1/4 cup cheese strips for topping
Equipment Needed
- Flour sifter
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula
- Cupcake molds (silicone or greased metal)
- Steamer pot
- Thick cloth (to cover steamer lid)
Instructions
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Over a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, and baking powder using a flour sifter. This removes lumps for a smooth, fluffy batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, melted butter, evaporated milk, and water until fully blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until smooth, avoiding lumps. Overmixing can deflate the batter, so be gentle.
- Add Cheese: Fold in grated cheese evenly. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes to activate the baking powder, ensuring a light texture.
- Prepare Molds: Lightly grease cupcake molds or use silicone molds. Fill each mold 3/4 full with batter and top with a small cheese strip.
- Steam the Cakes: Bring water to a boil in a steamer pot. Place molds in the steamer basket, cover the lid with a thick cloth to prevent dripping, and steam over medium heat for 10-12 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove molds from the steamer and cool for 5 minutes. Unmold and serve warm for the best flavor.
Tips for Perfect Puto Cheese
- Fresh Baking Powder: Always check the expiration date for maximum rise.
- Gentle Mixing: Stir just until combined to keep the batter airy.
- Cloth on Lid: Wrap the steamer lid with a cloth to prevent water from dripping onto the cakes, which can make them soggy.
- Cheese Options: Quick-melt cheese creates gooey pockets, while cheddar adds a bold flavor. Experiment to find your favorite!
- Rest the Batter: The 15-minute rest is key to achieving fluffiness.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming for 2-3 minutes to restore texture.
Quick Recipe of Filipino Dessert Pandan Pichi-pichi
Nutritional Profile (Per Piece, Approximate)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 4 grams
- Total Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Conclusion
Puto cheese is more than just a dessert it’s a taste of Filipino heritage and a joy to make at home. With its fluffy texture, cheesy pockets, and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for family bonding, parties, or a cultural adventure. Grab your steamer and whip up a batch today to share with loved ones
