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Side angle of bite shot of traditional filipino dessert Biko sticky rice on white plate.
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5 from 3 votes

Easy Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Dessert)

Discover the joy of homemade Filipino dessert with this easy Biko recipe. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this sweet and sticky rice cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Soaking Time8 hours
Total Time9 hours 20 minutes
Course: Baking
Cuisine: Filipino
Servings: 20 squares
Calories: 232kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups glutinous rice
  • 5 cups full-fat coconut milk divided
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 2 ½ cups dark brown sugar divided
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  • Prepping the Rice: Start by soaking the glutinous rice in water overnight. This ensures a perfectly sticky texture for your Biko. After your rice has finished soaking, drain and rinse.
  • Cooking the Rice: Set aside 3/4 cup of the coconut milk. Add the remaining coconut milk and water to a large pot. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then add soaked rice. Reduce to medium heat, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. This should take 6-8 minutes.
  • Adding Sweetness: Once the rice is cooked, it's time to add the sweetness! Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of your brown sugar and salt until fully dissolved, infusing the rice with that irresistible caramel flavor. Cook for another 4-7 minutes, stirring constantly. Taste test to ensure the rice is cooked through. The rice mixture will be very thick and sticky.
  • Letting It Set: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and transfer the sweetened cooked rice mixture to a greased 9x13" baking dish or pan, spreading it out evenly.
  • Caramel Topping: To a small sauce pot, combine the 3/4 cup coconut milk that was set aside with the remaining 1 cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil until mixture thickens slightly and sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour over the rice mixture, then pop it in the oven and let it bake until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. This will take about 60-65 minutes. 
  • Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, cut your Biko into squares or diamonds and serve it up to eager family and friends. Trust me, they won't be able to resist!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 74mg | Sugar: 22g