Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (2024)

BY :Bebs | Published: | Updated: | 4 Comments

RECIPE VIDEO PRINT

5 from 4 votes

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This luscious purple yam-flavored sticky rice cake topped with a generous layer of creamy custard is perfect for any occasion!

Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (1)
  • What is Ube Biko?
  • Ingredients Used
  • Tips When Making Ube Biko
  • No Oven? No Problem
  • Possible Variations
  • How to Store and Reheat Ube Biko
  • Recipe Video
  • Printable Recipe
  • Ube Biko with Custard Topping
  • More Ube Recipes

What is Ube Biko?

Ube Biko is a delectable fusion of two popular Filipino treats- Ube Halaya and classic Biko Kalamay.

To know what this Filipino delicacy is, let us first define Biko and Ube Halaya separately. Biko is a sweet Filipino sticky rice cake made of glutinous rice, coconut milk and condensed milk or sugar. While Ube Halaya is a rich purple yam jam made of mashed or pounded Ube mixed with coconut milk and sugar. The fusion of the two gives rise to a delightful purple sweet sticky rice cake called Ube Biko. In this recipe, I topped it with a custard topping to make it even more special!

If you are fond of the classic Biko, you will love this variation as well as my Biko Kalabasa recipe!

Ingredients Used

For the Biko

  • Glutinous rice – Also known as sticky rice. You cannot use regular rice in this recipe.
  • Coconut milk – Gives the biko a richer taste and creamier texture.
  • Water

For the Ube Halaya

  • Coconut milk and evaporated milk – Makes the mixture thick and creamy
  • Condensed milk – Adds sweetness to the purple yam puree.
  • Ube – The star of the dessert!

For the Custard Topping

  • Egg yolks – are needed to make the custard smoother and aids in making it firmer as it bakes.
  • Flour – Only a small amount will be required for this recipe. Just enough to thicken the mixture.
  • Coconut milk
  • evaporated milk
  • Condensed milk
Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (2)

Tips When Making Ube Biko

  • You might be tempted to just pick purple yam randomly as they can all look the same on the shelf or basket. To make the best Ube Halaya, you have to choose the right ones, though. Check how here. You will also find useful tips on the same link.
  • If you have ready-made Ube Halaya, you may go ahead and use that instead to lessen your cook time. Or you can also make it in advance as it keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for a month or two.
  • Take note that the sticky rice should not be fully cooked when making the biko. It will continue to cook as you bake it.
  • It’s not necessary to constantly stir the sticky rice as it cooks. It’s okay to do so, once or a couple of times to prevent the bottom from burning, but don’t overdo it. It may result in mushy rice.
  • You will know when you Ube Biko is done when the custard is bubbly and golden. It is okay to have slightly charred spots.

No Oven? No Problem

A no-bake alternative for those who do not have an oven:

  1. Combine all the ingredients for the custard in a skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a gravy-consistency. Set Aside.
  2. If you have banana leaves, place a layer or two on a wide skillet or flat pan. Spread the cooked rice with ube evenly over the pan.
  3. Pour the custard over the rice and cover with a lid. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (3)

Possible Variations

Instead of a custard topping, you can also use latik, or latik sauce. These are great alternatives if you do not have an oven. Or you can make it simpler by topping it with grated cheese.

You can also make this recipe using ramekins or other oven-safe bowls instead to make single-serving sizes. If you are planning to make some to give away or to bring to a potluck party, make it in a disposable aluminum baking tray.

How to Store and Reheat Ube Biko

Make sure that it has fully cooked before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store for 2-3 days. Others manage to keep it for an entire week, but it won’t be as moist and appetizing. You may warm the Biko in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it chilled.

Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (4)

Printable Recipe

Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (5)

Print Review

Ube Biko with Custard Topping

5 from 4 votes

Ube Biko is a delectable fusion of two favorite Filipino treats- Ube Halaya and Classic Biko Kalamay. This luscious purple yam-flavored sticky rice cake topped with a generous layer of creamy custard is perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Bake Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course :Dessert, snacks

Servings =12

Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

STICKY RICE:

  • 2 cups glutinous rice - washed and drained
  • ¾ can coconut milk
  • 1 cup water

UBE HALAYA:

CUSTARD TOPPING:

Instructions

  • Generously grease an 8x8-inch square pan or baking dish with oil.

  • ¾ can coconut milk, 1 cup water, 2 cups glutinous rice - washed and drained

    In a large pot over medium heat, mix together the coconut milk and water. Add the glutinous rice. Bring to a simmer then turn heat to low and cover. Let it cook until all liquids are absorbed. The rice should only be almost cooked at this point.

  • 1 can coconut milk, ¾ can evaporated milk, 2 cups ube

    While waiting, make the ube halaya, by putting the ube, coconut milk, and evaporated milk on a large pan or pot and cook over medium heat until fork tender. Use immersion blender or potato masher or wooden fork to mash into a puree.

  • ¾ can condensed milk

    Add the condensed milk and cook while constantly stirring until thick and smooth.

  • Add the half-cooked rice to the pan of ube halaya. Gently fold until completely combined. Transfer the rice into the greased pan and spread out evenly.

  • ¼ can condensed milk, ¼ can evaporated milk, ¼ can coconut milk, 2 pieces egg yolks, 1 tablespoon flour

    Mix all the ingredients for the custard in a bowl then pour this over the rice and bake at 180C for 15-25 minutes or until custard is cooked and turns golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 352kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 15gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 108mgPotassium: 492mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 161IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 193mgIron: 3mg

Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    What do you think?

  1. Ayesa says

    how much ube halaya in a jar does the recipe require if not using home made halaya? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Use about 2 cups of the jarred ube halaya then add a cup or more of coconut milk or evaporated milk to have the same consistency as shown in the video.

      Reply

  2. Erlinda Kearns says

    Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (24)
    will try this recipe..haven't found a store that sells ube root...but I will give comments as soon as I make this.
    Looks very delicious and I love the colors: purple and gold...my University colors and state football.

    Reply

  3. Wilma says

    Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (25)
    Yummy yummy 🤤

    Reply

Ube Biko Recipe - Foxy Folksy (2024)

FAQs

What is the English of biko? ›

Biko (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)

How long to soak sweet rice? ›

Cover rice with cold water and let soak for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

What is purple yam spread dessert? ›

Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Dessert rube Jam)

Mashed purple yam is cooked slowly with butter, evaporated milk and condensed milk which give this colorful dessert such a luscious buttery, creamy and sweet flavor. Great on its own or as topping for halo-halo or as jam for bread or filling for pastries.

How to make sticky rice? ›

Using a microwave-safe container, add your soaked, rinsed rice and cover with an equal amount of boiling water. Cover your container with cling film or a plate, and microwave for three-four minutes on high. Stir your rice and then cook for another two-three minutes.

What does biko mean in Tagalog? ›

Biko is a sweet rice cake from the Philippines.

What country is biko from? ›

Steve Biko (born December 18, 1946, King William's Town, South Africa—died September 12, 1977, Pretoria) was the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa. His death from injuries suffered while in police custody made him an international martyr for South African Black nationalism.

Can I cook sweet rice without soaking? ›

I gave it a shot without soaking the sweet rice beforehand, but I discovered soaking Thai sticky rice is a big deal because my rice didn't stick together, stayed hard and had to be thrown away. Sad day! Soak it at least 4 hours, but even overnight works.

Do I need to soak sweet rice before cooking? ›

Soaking the rice before steaming ensures that it cooks evenly. Rinsing the rice of excess starch keeps it from over-clumping into a solid mass. Steaming the rice in a cheesecloth parcel allows you to adapt the recipe to whatever steamer setup you have in your kitchen.

Do I need to wash sweet rice before cooking? ›

For the best texture, all types of sticky rice should be rinsed, then soaked before cooking: Rinsing helps remove dirt and dust from processing and shipping, while soaking brings some starches to the surface that give sticky rice it's desired texture.

What does purple yam do to the body? ›

Purple yam is good for several reasons. It offers a good amount of dietary fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It can support digestive health, provide antioxidant protection, help regulate blood sugar levels, contribute to weight management, and promote overall well-being.

What is the difference between taro and ube? ›

Taro has a starchy, slightly sweet flavor and is often used as a substitute for potatoes, while ube has a sweet, nutty flavor and is used primarily in desserts and sweet dishes. Last January, we debuted an ube crema to our menu. Just like our regular crema, this adds a hint of ube flavor to any drink you desire.

Which is better purple yam or sweet potato? ›

Yam Nutrition. Although both veggies are very close in fiber, protein, vitamin C, and magnesium, sweet potatoes are the healthier option because they are lower in overall calories, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in beta carotene (vitamin A).

How to make 1 cup of sticky rice? ›

directions
  1. Wash rice several times (until the water is clear).
  2. Let soak for a few minutes in colander.
  3. Put rice in pan with tight fitting lid and add the water.
  4. Cover and bring to a boil.
  5. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove pan from heat and quickly stretch clean tea towel over the pot, cover with lid.

Can I make regular rice into sticky rice? ›

To make sticky rice using regular rice, let the rice soak in water for at least 30 minutes before you cook it, which will help make it stickier in the end. Then, add 2 parts water and 1 part rice to a large pot. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat.

What is the other name for biko? ›

Other names for this dessert include sinukmani or malagkit (in Tagalog, malagkit means sticky). Biko is indeed sticky; to make it, we use glutinous, sweet, sticky short-grain rice and then combine it with coconut milk and sugar. So this cake is not cake-like at all, but rather a bit sticky and chewy.

What is the English of hanging rice? ›

Pusô or tamu, sometimes known in Philippine English as "hanging rice", is a Filipino rice cake made by boiling rice in a woven pouch of palm leaves.

Is biko and Suman the same? ›

Suman is to the Ilonggos as what biko is to Tagalogs and other places. So don't be surprised if you're given this malagkit rice specialty instead of the one wrapped in coconut leaves which is commonly called ibos in this part of the country. Here's a simple recipe for Suman or Biko.

Is sticky rice and sweet rice the same? ›

Glutinous rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa; also called sticky rice, sweet rice or waxy rice) is a type of rice grown mainly in Southeast and East Asia, and the northeastern regions of South Asia, which has opaque grains, very low amylose content, and is especially sticky when cooked.

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