’Tis the season to be jolly. And that can be done by indulging in any—or all—of these different bibingka-inspired desserts.
The Classic: Bibingka Galapong from Adie’s Delight
Made with pure glutinous rice flour and three kinds of cheese (cheddar, cream cheese and kesong puti), this bibingkang galapong is the real deal. The texture is ideal—not cakey but more custardy in body.
Trendy Treat: Ube and Cheese Bibingka from Bibingka Manila
Many pastries and desserts this year were influenced by the popular ube-cheese combination. Bibingka is no exception. This mini rice cake is crowned with melted cheese and filled with ube halaya.
The Import: Bibingka Basque Burnt Cheesecake from The Workshop at The Grid
Inspired by the popular burnt cheesecake of La Viña in San Sebastian, Spain, this rich and dense cake is coconut flavored, and dotted with salted egg and kesong puti.
Frozen Dessert: Bibingka Espesyal Ice Cream from Sebastian’s Ice Cream
Always coming up with the most creative flavors, Sebastian’s releases this limited edition variant in time for Christmas. Bibingka ice cream with salted egg, kesong puti, queso de bola crisp, and grated coconut.
Light and fluffy: Bibingka Souffle Cake from The Cravings
Here’s one bibingka the whole family can share. A coconut-based cake with salted egg custard is finished with queso de bola shavings and salted egg slices. It comes with salted egg cream sauce.
Sweet Surprise: Dulce de Leche Bibingka from Astoria Cafe
The cakey bibingka is delicious and filling. Befitting the season, it unravels a gift within—chunks of leche flan are lodged inside the bibingka.
Angelo Comsti writes the Inquirer Lifestyle column Tall Order. He was editor of F&B Report magazine.
