Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for traditional white puto with cheese – a versatile Filipino treat perfect for dessert, breakfast, or as a party snack!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cheddar cheese strips for topping
Equipment Needed
- Steamer or large pot with steamer insert
- Puto molds or small ramekins
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel
Instructions
- Prepare the steamer: Fill your steamer or large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Line the steamer rack with cheesecloth to prevent water droplets from falling on the puto.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add coconut milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Create the batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Fill the molds: Grease your puto molds or ramekins lightly with oil. Fill each mold about 3/4 full with the batter.
- Add cheese: Place a strip of cheddar cheese on top of each filled mold.
- Steam the puto: Arrange the filled molds in the steamer, leaving some space between each for the puto to expand. Cover and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the puto from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the molds.
Serving Suggestions
- As a dessert: Serve warm puto alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- For breakfast: Pair your puto with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting start to your day.
- As a party snack: Arrange bite-sized puto on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color at your next gathering.
Tips and Variations
- For extra fluffy puto, sift the dry ingredients before mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter – a few small lumps are okay!
- Experiment with different cheese toppings like queso de bola or kesong puti for unique flavors.
- Try adding a drop of food coloring to create colorful puto perfect for themed parties.
With its pillowy texture and subtle sweetness, this traditional white puto with cheese is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a party snack, this versatile Filipino delicacy is bound to impress. Happy steaming!
