Puto Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes  

   Prep Time: 10 minutes

Puto Ingredients

Puto Instructions

  1. Grease puto molds or silicone muffin cups lightly with melted butter and set up a steamer with enough water to steam for 20 minutes. Bring the water to a gentle simmer.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, lemon zest, and nutmeg until well combined and free of lumps.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add coconut milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and pandan extract (if using). Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined and a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Fill each prepared mold about 3/4 full with the batter. Tap the molds gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  6. Top each filled mold with a sprinkle of grated sharp white cheddar cheese and a few young coconut strips if desired.
  7. Arrange the molds in the steamer, making sure they are not touching. Cover the steamer with a clean kitchen towel under the lid to prevent condensation from dripping onto the puto.
  8. Steam over medium heat for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops look set and slightly glossy.
  9. Remove the molds from the steamer and let the puto cool for 5–10 minutes. Carefully unmold and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Estimated Calories: 120, Servings: 12

Recommended Dishes

About Puto Recipe

Making a homemade Puto recipe is one of my favorite ways to connect with my Filipino-American roots. The first time I tried to make this delicious treat, I was amazed at how easy and quick the process was. With just a few simple ingredients like rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk, you can create the best, fluffy steamed cakes that are perfect for any occasion. The aroma that fills the kitchen while steaming is absolutely irresistible, and it instantly brings back memories of family gatherings and celebrations.
What I love most about this authentic Puto recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, the step-by-step instructions make it easy to learn how to make these tasty treats. I remember inviting friends over for a Filipino-American brunch, and everyone was impressed by how soft and delicious the Puto turned out. The best part is that you can customize the recipe by adding cheese or salted eggs on top, making each batch unique and even more flavorful. Sharing these homemade delights with loved ones always sparks joy and conversation.
If you’re searching for the perfect Puto recipe, don’t hesitate to try this one. The tips I’ve learned along the way—like using fresh ingredients and not over-mixing the batter—ensure that every bite is light and moist. Making Puto at home is not just about the food; it’s about creating memories and celebrating culture. This quick and easy recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the best of Filipino-American cuisine. Give it a go, and you’ll see just how simple and rewarding it is to make these authentic, tasty treats from scratch!

Puto History

You know, the cultural origins of puto are a great example of how the best things in life come from mixing it up. I mean, the Philippines took rice, which is already a good thing, and said, “Let’s make it into a cake, but not just any cake, a cake that confuses everyone at the potluck!” Then Filipino-Americans brought it to the States, and suddenly, you’ve got people at PTA meetings asking, “Is this a muffin? Is it a cupcake? Is it a marshmallow that went to college?” It is the only food that can make you question your entire understanding of baked goods, and that’s a delicious kind of confusion.
Now, let’s talk about how the recipe evolved. Back in the day, making puto was not exactly a quick or easy process. You had to grind rice by hand, which is a great workout if you want biceps like a tuba player. But now, Filipino-Americans have turned it into a fast, almost instant treat. You can find recipes online that use Bisquick, and I’m pretty sure somewhere out there, someone’s tried making it in an air fryer. That’s the American dream, right? Take something healthy and traditional, and figure out how to make it in under ten minutes while watching Netflix. If that’s not progress, I don’t know what is.
Regional adaptations are where things get really wild. In the Philippines, every region thinks their puto is the best, and they’re not afraid to tell you. “Oh, you like that puto? That’s cute. But have you tried my Lola’s recipe? It’s so good, it’ll make you call your ex just to brag.” Then you come to the US, and suddenly, people are adding cheese, ube, even chocolate chips. It’s like puto went to America and got a makeover on a reality show. I’m just waiting for the day someone makes a gluten-free, keto, vegan puto and calls it “Puto 2.0: The Reboot.” Because nothing says tradition like a dessert that’s been through more changes than a pop star’s hairstyle!

Puto FAQ

So, you want to jazz up your Filipino-American Puto recipe, huh? Let’s talk about the best ways to remix this classic, because who says you can’t have your Puto and eat it too? I mean, it’s so easy and quick, you could probably make it during a commercial break. But hey, let’s get into those FAQs before your ingredients start judging you for not being authentic enough.
First up: “Can I swap out the flour in my homemade Puto for something gluten-free?” Absolutely! Rice flour is the OG, but if you want to keep it simple and still get that perfect, tasty texture, try gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just don’t blame me if your Puto ends up looking like a pancake with an identity crisis. That’s the risk of being a Filipino-American in the kitchen—sometimes you get delicious, sometimes you get... experimental.
Next question: “How do I make my Puto recipe extra moist and fluffy?” Oh, you want the best, huh? Here’s a tip: add a little coconut milk to your ingredients. It’s like giving your Puto a spa day—suddenly it’s soft, glowing, and everyone wants a piece. That’s how you make your easy, quick, and authentic Puto the star of the party.
“Can I make this recipe vegan?” Of course! Just swap out the eggs for a flaxseed mix and use plant-based milk. Your Filipino-American Puto will still be delicious, and your vegan friends will finally stop giving you that look. You know the one—like you just served them a plate of sadness.
“What if I want to add cheese or salted egg on top?” Oh, you fancy! That’s the best way to make your homemade Puto recipe go from simple to ‘wow, who brought the tasty snacks?’ Just slice up some cheese or salted egg, plop it on before steaming, and boom—authentic Filipino-American Puto with a twist. It’s like the mullet of snacks: business on the bottom, party on the top.
“Any tips for making the perfect Puto every time?” Here’s my secret: don’t overmix your ingredients. Seriously, treat that batter like it’s your Filipino-American auntie’s feelings—gentle, or you’ll end up with something tough and unrecognizable. And always steam with a towel under the lid to avoid soggy tops. That’s how you get the best, most delicious, and easy Puto every single time.
So, whether you’re going for authentic, homemade, or just trying to impress your Filipino-American in-laws, remember: the best Puto recipe is the one you actually make. And if it flops? Just call it “fusion cuisine” and watch everyone nod like they totally get it.

Storage Tips

Let us talk about storage, because if you have ever tried to hide puto from your family, you know it is like trying to keep a secret in a group chat. The best way to store this delicious treat is in an airtight container, unless you want it to turn into a science experiment faster than you can say "quick snack." Seriously, if you just leave it out, it will dry out and get as hard as your resolve to eat healthy during the holidays. So, do yourself a favor and keep it sealed up tight, unless you want to use it as a hockey puck for some fast indoor sports.
Now, shelf life is a funny thing, because puto is like that friend who says they will only stay for a quick visit but ends up hanging around for days. If you store it properly, it can last in the fridge for about three days, which is great if you are into meal prepping or just want to stretch out the joy of a good recipe. But let us be honest, in most Filipino-American households, shelf life is more of a theoretical concept, because this stuff disappears faster than your willpower at a buffet. If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, just remember: after a few days, it is probably time to say goodbye, unless you are into living dangerously.
Reheating puto is an art form, and if you do it right, it is almost as good as fresh—almost. The best method is to steam it for a few minutes, which keeps it soft and fluffy, like a cloud that went to culinary school. Microwaving is the easy and fast way, but be careful, because it can turn your delicious treat into a rubbery mess that even your dog would question. So, if you want to keep that great flavor and texture, take the extra minute to steam it. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and you will look like a kitchen genius, even if you just followed the instructions on the back of the box.

Puto Story

You know, the first time I tried making this, I thought, “How hard can it be? The recipe says it is easy and quick!” Famous last words, right? I ended up with something that looked like a science experiment gone wrong. It was supposed to be fluffy and delicious, but instead, it was dense enough to use as a doorstop. My family took one bite and gave me that look, you know, the one that says, “We love you, but not enough to eat this.” I learned that just because something is supposed to be fast does not mean you can skip reading the instructions. Apparently, “winging it” is not always the best approach in the kitchen.
The second time around, I thought I was being clever by making it “healthy.” I swapped out half the ingredients for things I found in the back of my pantry. I figured, if it is good for you, it has to taste great, right? Wrong. It turns out, there is a reason people do not use kale in everything. My friends tried to be supportive, but I could see them eyeing the trash can like it was their best friend. I learned that sometimes, the best way to make something healthy is just to eat a smaller portion of the delicious original.
Now, after all those disasters, I finally got it right. I followed the recipe, took my time, and did not try to reinvent the wheel. The result? A batch that was actually edible and even got a few compliments. It was a good reminder that patience and practice pay off, and that sometimes, the fastest way to a great dish is not to rush. Now, whenever someone asks for my secret, I just say, “Trial, error, and a lot of hungry, forgiving friends.”