The Philippines is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, but its desserts are equally as impressive. From traditional rice cakes to decadent custards, there are plenty of sweet treats to try in this Southeast Asian country. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, here are 12 mouthwatering Filipino desserts to try.
1. Halo-Halo
Halo-halo is a popular dessert in the Philippines that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The name “halo-halo” means “mixed together” in Tagalog, which perfectly describes the dish.
This dessert is made up of various ingredients that are mixed together in a glass or bowl. The main ingredients include shaved ice, evaporated milk, and sugar. Other ingredients that are added can include sweetened beans, coconut strips, jelly, fruit slices, and a scoop of ube (purple yam) ice cream. It is then topped with a drizzle of condensed milk and some crushed or whole peanuts.
Halo-halo is a refreshing treat that is especially enjoyed during the hot and humid summer months. It is a perfect way to cool down and indulge in something sweet. Because of its unique combination of flavors and textures, every spoonful of halo-halo is a delightful surprise.
In the Philippines, halo-halo can be found in various restaurants, street vendors, and even in fast-food chains. It is a dessert that is loved by many, and its popularity continues to grow. If you ever find yourself in the Philippines, be sure to try this delicious and iconic dessert.
Check out this Halo-Halo recipe.
2. Leche Flan
Leche flan is a popular dessert in the Philippines that is often served during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and Christmas. The name “leche” comes from the Spanish word for milk, and “flan” refers to a sweet custard dessert.
This dessert is made with only a few simple ingredients, including egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar. The mixture is then poured into a mold and steamed until it sets. The result is a smooth, creamy dessert with a caramel-like syrup on top.
Leche flan is often served chilled, and it can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for other Filipino desserts like halo-halo. It is a favorite among Filipinos because of its rich and creamy texture and sweet taste. In fact, many Filipinos consider leche flan to be the ultimate dessert.
While leche flan is a staple in many Filipino households, there are also variations of this dessert that can be found in other countries. For example, in Spain, it is known as “flan de leche” and is often served with whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Overall, leche flan is a delicious and decadent dessert that is loved by many Filipinos. Its popularity has spread throughout the world, and it is definitely worth trying if you ever have the opportunity.
Check out this Leche Flan recipe.
3. Ube Halaya
Ube halaya, also known as ube jam, is a sweet dessert that is popular in the Philippines. It is made from ube, which is a purple yam that is native to Southeast Asia. The yam is boiled, mashed, and mixed with coconut milk and sugar to create a smooth and creamy texture. The mixture is then cooked over low heat until it thickens and becomes a jam-like consistency.
Ube halaya is a popular dessert during special occasions such as fiestas, weddings, and other celebrations. It is often served on its own or as a topping for other Filipino desserts like halo-halo and ice cream. The vibrant purple color of ube halaya makes it a visually stunning dessert, which adds to its appeal.
In recent years, ube has gained popularity outside of the Philippines, and ube-flavored desserts can now be found in many parts of the world. Some popular ube desserts include ube cake, ube cheesecake, and ube-filled pastries.
Overall, ube halaya is a beloved Filipino dessert that is enjoyed by many. Its unique flavor and color make it a standout among other Filipino desserts, and it is definitely worth trying if you ever have the chance.
Check out this Ube Halaya recipe.
4. Buko Pie
Buko pie is a popular Filipino dessert that originated from the province of Laguna in the Philippines. It is made with a filling of young coconut meat mixed with sweetened condensed milk and a flaky crust made from flour, butter, and sugar. The pie is baked until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is set and fragrant.
Buko pie is a beloved dessert in the Philippines and is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations such as fiestas and holidays. It is also a common pasalubong or souvenir for travelers visiting Laguna and other provinces in the Philippines.
The young coconut meat used in making Buko pie is known for its soft and juicy texture and sweet flavor, which perfectly complements the rich and creamy condensed milk. The crust of the pie is also an important element, as it provides a crispy and buttery contrast to the soft and sweet filling.
While Buko pie is traditionally made with only a few ingredients, some variations include adding other ingredients such as cheese, nuts, and fruits like mango and pineapple. Regardless of the variations, Buko pie remains a favorite among Filipinos and a must-try dessert for anyone visiting the Philippines.
Check out this Buko Pie recipe.
5. Puto
Puto is a traditional Filipino dessert that is enjoyed both as a snack and a dessert. It is a steamed rice cake that is made from rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and baking powder. Puto can come in different shapes and sizes, but it is typically served in small, round, and bite-sized pieces.
Puto is a popular dessert in the Philippines and is often served during special occasions like fiestas, weddings, and birthdays. It is also a favorite snack among Filipinos and can be found in many local markets and street food stalls.
What sets Puto apart from other rice cakes is its light and fluffy texture. The addition of coconut milk and baking powder gives the Puto a soft and airy texture, making it melt in your mouth.
Puto can also be flavored with different ingredients like cheese, ube (purple yam), pandan (screwpine leaves), and cocoa powder. Some variations also include toppings like grated coconut or salted egg.
Puto is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It can be eaten on its own or paired with other Filipino snacks like dinuguan (pork blood stew) or pancit (noodles). Whether you have it for dessert or as a snack, Puto is a delicious and beloved dessert in the Philippines.
Check out this Puto recipe.
6. Bibingka
Bibingka is a traditional Filipino dessert made from rice flour and coconut milk, and is often enjoyed during the Christmas season. It is typically cooked in a clay pot lined with banana leaves, which imparts a subtle aroma and flavor to the dessert.
The rice flour and coconut milk batter is poured into the banana leaf-lined pot and then topped with salted egg, cheese, and coconut shavings before being baked in an oven or over hot coals until the top is golden brown and the inside is soft and slightly sticky.
The resulting dessert is sweet, creamy, and slightly salty, with a unique texture that is both chewy and fluffy at the same time. It is often served hot, with a generous drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar on top.
Bibingka is not only a delicious dessert, but also holds a special place in Filipino culture and tradition. It is often served during the “Simbang Gabi” or midnight mass that takes place during the nine-day novena leading up to Christmas Day, and is enjoyed as a communal treat by families and friends.
Overall, Bibingka is a beloved dessert in the Philippines that represents the country’s rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions.
Check out this Bibingka recipe.
7. Mango Float
Mango Float is a popular Filipino dessert that is made from layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and fresh ripe mangoes. It is a no-bake dessert that is easy to assemble and perfect for hot summer days.
To make Mango Float, graham crackers are arranged in a single layer at the bottom of a dish, and then topped with a layer of whipped cream that has been sweetened with condensed milk. Sliced mangoes are then placed on top of the whipped cream layer, and the process is repeated until the desired number of layers is achieved.
The dessert is then chilled in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing the graham crackers to soften and absorb the flavors of the whipped cream and mangoes. The result is a creamy, fruity, and refreshing dessert that is a crowd-pleaser at any Filipino gathering.
Mango Float has become a staple dessert in the Philippines and is often served at special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. It is a versatile dessert that can be customized with different fruits or flavors of whipped cream, and can even be made into a cake by stacking the layers high and garnishing with additional fruit and whipped cream.
Overall, Mango Float is a delicious and easy-to-make Filipino dessert that is loved by many. Its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients has made it a beloved classic in Filipino cuisine.
Check out this Mango Float recipe.
8. Turon
Turon is a popular Filipino dessert made from sliced ripe bananas and brown sugar, wrapped in spring roll wrappers and then deep-fried until crispy. It is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that can be enjoyed as a snack or as a sweet ending to a meal.
To make Turon, sliced bananas are sprinkled with brown sugar and then wrapped tightly in a spring roll wrapper along with a strip of jackfruit. The edges are sealed with a bit of water or egg wash, and the wrapped banana is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
The resulting dessert is sweet, crunchy, and flavorful, with the caramelized banana and jackfruit providing a delicious contrast to the crispy wrapper. Turon is often served with a sprinkle of sugar on top or drizzled with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Turon is a popular street food in the Philippines and is often sold by vendors along with other fried treats like banana cue and kamote cue. It is also a favorite dessert at Filipino parties and gatherings, and can be made in large batches to feed a crowd.
Overall, Turon is a delicious and versatile Filipino dessert that is loved by many. Its simple yet flavorful ingredients and crispy texture make it a classic Filipino treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Check out this Turon recipe.
9. Kakanin
Kakanin is a popular dessert in the Philippines that is made from various types of rice, coconut milk, and sugar. It is typically served during special occasions such as fiestas, weddings, and birthdays.
One of the most well-known types of kakanin is called “bibingka,” which is a rice cake made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. It is traditionally cooked in clay pots over hot coals and topped with salted egg slices, grated coconut, and butter.
Another popular kakanin is called “suman,” which is a type of sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. It can be plain or flavored with ingredients such as pandan leaves, ube (purple yam), or coconut.
Other varieties of kakanin include “kutsinta,” which is a chewy rice cake colored with annatto seeds and topped with grated coconut and sugar; and “puto,” which is a steamed rice cake that can be sweet or savory.
Kakanin is a delicious and filling dessert that is enjoyed by Filipinos of all ages. It is not only a sweet treat but also a cultural tradition that brings people together during celebrations and special occasions.
10. Maja Blanca
Maja Blanca is a traditional Filipino dessert that is made from coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, and sweet corn kernels. It is a popular dessert that is often served during special occasions such as fiestas, holidays, and family gatherings.
The dessert is relatively easy to make, and it is often prepared in large batches to serve a crowd. To make Maja Blanca, the ingredients are combined in a saucepan and cooked over medium heat until the mixture thickens. It is then poured into a greased baking dish or mold and left to cool until it sets.
Maja Blanca has a creamy, delicate texture and a sweet coconut flavor. It is usually topped with toasted coconut flakes or latik, which is a sweetened coconut cream that is cooked until it turns golden brown. The combination of the soft, smooth Maja Blanca with the slightly crunchy texture of the coconut flakes or latik creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Maja Blanca is a beloved Filipino dessert that has become a staple in many households. Its simple yet delicious taste, along with its cultural significance, has made it a favorite among Filipinos of all ages.
Check out this Maja Blanca recipe.
11. Brazo de Mercedes
Brazo de Mercedes is a popular Filipino dessert that is loved for its sweet, creamy filling and delicate meringue crust. The name “Brazo de Mercedes” translates to “Mercedes’ arm” in Spanish, and it is said to have been named after a woman who created the recipe.
The dessert is made by first baking a thin sheet of meringue made from egg whites and sugar until it is golden brown. The meringue is then rolled up with a rich custard filling made from egg yolks, condensed milk, and vanilla.
The custard filling is cooked until it thickens, then allowed to cool before being spread onto the meringue sheet. The meringue is then rolled tightly around the custard filling, creating a log-shaped dessert that is sliced into portions before serving.
Brazo de Mercedes has a light and fluffy texture, with a delicate sweetness from the meringue and a rich creaminess from the custard filling. It is a popular dessert for special occasions such as Christmas, weddings, and birthdays, and is often served alongside other Filipino desserts like leche flan and ube halaya.
Brazo de Mercedes has become a beloved dessert in the Philippines and has also gained popularity in other countries where Filipino cuisine is enjoyed. It is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines and its ability to create unique and delicious desserts that are loved by people around the world.
Check out this Brazo de Mercedes recipe.
12. Silvanas
Silvanas is a Filipino dessert that is popular for its unique and delicious taste. It is a frozen dessert made from buttercream sandwiched between two cashew-meringue wafers, then coated with cookie crumbs.
Silvanas is said to have originated from the city of Dumaguete in the province of Negros Oriental in the Philippines. The dessert is believed to have been inspired by the French dessert called “sylvanas,” which is made from buttercream sandwiched between two meringue wafers.
To make Silvanas, the meringue wafers are first made by whipping egg whites and sugar until they form stiff peaks. Ground cashew nuts are then folded into the mixture, and the batter is piped onto a baking sheet and baked until golden brown.
The buttercream filling is made by creaming butter, sugar, and milk until it is light and fluffy. Once the meringue wafers are cooled, they are sandwiched together with the buttercream filling and coated with cookie crumbs.
Silvanas has a delicate, buttery flavor that is balanced by the nuttiness of the cashews and the crunchiness of the cookie crumbs. It is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that is perfect for a hot day or as a sweet treat after a meal.
Silvanas has become a popular dessert not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world where Filipino cuisine is enjoyed. It is a dessert that is well-loved by many, and its unique taste and texture make it a must-try for anyone who loves sweet treats.
Check out this Silvanas recipe.
In conclusion . . .
The Philippines has a rich and diverse dessert culture that is definitely worth exploring. Whether you’re a fan of fruity treats, creamy custards, or chewy rice cakes, there’s something for everyone in this country. So why not get a taste of the Philippines with these 12 mouthwatering Filipino desserts?
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