There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the first bite of Puto Cake. The lightness of this Filipino dessert bursts with flavor, inviting a delightful surprise in every slice. Picture the fluffy cake topped with rich salted eggs and creamy cheese, creating a harmonious balance between sweet and savory that dances on your palate. I first discovered this indulgent treat at a vibrant family gathering, where laughter intertwined with the enticing aroma wafting through the air.
What truly captivates me about Puto Cake is its versatility—served warm for breakfast or as a festive snack alongside savory dishes, it knows how to make any meal feel special. As I share this recipe with you, I’m excited for you to embark on your own kitchen adventure! Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into this delightful masterpiece that is sure to win the hearts of your family and friends. Grab your steamer, and let’s get started!
Why is Puto Cake a Must-Try?
Uniquely Delicious: The combination of sweet and salty flavors from the salted egg and cheese elevates this dish to a whole new level.
Light and Fluffy: With its airy texture, each slice feels like a treat that melts in your mouth, reminiscent of a soft chiffon cake.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside savory dishes, Puto Cake fits seamlessly into any meal.
Simple Preparation: Easy to make, you can whip up this delightful dessert without complicated steps, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs.
Cultural Experience: This cherished Filipino dessert brings a taste of tradition to your table, allowing you to explore and enjoy authentic flavors.
Indulge in this wonderful recipe and experience the joy of creating something truly special for your loved ones! Don’t forget to check out my tips on keeping it fresh and flavorful when storing for later.
Puto Cake Ingredients
• A delightful blend for your baking journey!
For the Cake
- Cake Flour – Provides structure and fluffiness to the Puto Cake; Substitution: Use all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise and become airy; Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Granulated White Sugar – Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory toppings; Can reduce for less sweetness if desired.
- Fresh Milk – Adds moisture and richness to the batter; Substitution: Evaporated milk can be used for a creamier texture.
- Egg Whites – Creates a light and fluffy meringue that enhances the cake’s texture; Ensure they are at room temperature for better volume.
- Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the meringue, making it fluffy; Substitution: Can be replaced with lemon juice or vinegar.
For the Toppings
- Salted Eggs – Adds a unique salty flavor, making the Puto Cake a delightful contrast to its sweetness; Use fresh salted eggs; can be found in Asian grocery stores.
- Cheese (grated) – Adds creaminess and richness to the cake; Any mild cheese can be used, such as Monterey Jack or cheddar.
How to Make Puto Cake
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Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your steamer and line an 8 or 9-inch round springform or removable-bottom pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal. -
Sift Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, ¼ cup of sugar, and baking powder. This helps incorporate air for a lighter texture—set this aside for later use. -
Beat the Egg Whites:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until bubbly. Gradually stir in sugar and cream of tartar, continuing to whip until medium peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy cake texture. -
Mix the Batter:
Combine your dry ingredients with fresh milk until you reach a pancake-like consistency. Adjust the milk as needed to ensure the batter is smooth and pourable. -
Fold in the Meringue:
Gently fold a portion of the meringue into your batter to lighten it, then carefully add the remaining meringue in batches. Aim for a consistent mix without losing the airiness. -
Initial Steaming:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top. Steam over low heat for 10 minutes—this starts building that fluffy texture. -
Add Final Toppings:
After the first steaming, layer the remaining cheese and arrange sliced salted eggs on top. Steam for an additional 5-10 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow your Puto Cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Transfer it to a serving plate and get ready to enjoy!
Optional: Dust with extra grated cheese before serving for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Puto Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this delightful Puto Cake recipe! The possibilities are as limitless as your culinary imagination.
- Coconut Milk: Substitute regular milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist, adding a rich, creamy flavor to your cake.
- Savory Toppings: Consider adding thin slices of ham or finely chopped scallions to elevate the savory component. This variation introduces a delightful new layer of flavor.
- Rice Flour: For a gluten-free alternative, replace cake flour with rice flour. The texture will be slightly denser, offering a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Sweetener Swap: Experiment with coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness. Adjust to taste for your ideal flavor profile!
- Cheese Variety: Use other mild cheeses like mozzarella or havarti to change the flavor while keeping the creamy fat content. Each cheese brings a different texture to the cake!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor, perfect for cooler days. These spices will lend a comforting aroma as it steams.
- Fruit Infusion: Incorporate mashed ripe bananas or pureed mango into your batter for a fruity burst. This adds a delightful sweetness and moistness!
- Chili Flakes: For a kick of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes into the batter or on top before steaming. It’s an exciting way to blend sweetness with spice.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Fluffy Puto Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and storing them separately from the wet ingredients. Keep the egg whites whipped until you’re ready to bake to ensure a light, fluffy texture. Alternatively, you can steam the cake and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain its quality and flavor, gently reheat the Puto Cake in a steamer or microwave before serving. When ready to impress your family or guests, simply add your toppings and enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Puto Cake?
Puto Cake is a delightful treat that opens the door to a world of flavor possibilities, making it perfect for any meal.
- Savoury Dinuguan: This Filipino pork blood stew offers a bold and rich contrast, balancing the cake’s sweetness beautifully.
- Garlic Fried Rice: The aromatic, buttery warmth of garlic fried rice elevates your meal, providing a satisfying munch alongside the light cake.
- Filipino Longganisa: Sweet, garlicky sausage pairs perfectly, creating a harmonious mix of sweet and savory that’s traditional and deeply satisfying.
- Sweet Coconut Macaroons: Enjoy the added sweetness and coconut texture that complements the Puto Cake’s fluffy lightness, making for a delightful dessert duo.
- Fresh Mango Slices: Juicy, tropical mango adds a refreshing burst that brightens the flavors of the cake while adding a vibrant color to your plate.
- Iced Coffee or Milk Tea: The creamy flavors of these drinks offer a delightful contrast and elevate your dining experience with a refreshing sip.
- Ube Halaya: This sweet purple yam jam adds a unique flavor and stunning visual appeal, making for a fabulous pairing that celebrates Filipino sweets.
- Matcha Green Tea: The subtle, earthy notes of matcha provide a calming balance to the sweetness of Puto Cake, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Indulge in the wonderful combinations and bring a taste of Filipino tradition to your table!
Expert Tips for Perfect Puto Cake
• Room Temperature Egg Whites: Always start with room temperature egg whites for maximum volume and fluffiness in your meringue.
• Gentle Steaming: Use a low and gentle simmer while steaming to prevent the cake from forming a dome; it’s all about that flat top!
• Condensation Control: Wrap the lid of the steamer with cheesecloth or a towel to catch condensation and prevent it from dripping onto your Puto Cake.
• Toothpick Test: To check for doneness, perform the toothpick test. It should come out clean when inserted—this ensures you’re serving a perfectly cooked Puto Cake.
• Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat for optimal texture—this cake is best enjoyed fresh!
Storage Tips for Puto Cake
Room Temperature: Allow the Puto Cake to cool completely before storing at room temperature. It can be kept for up to 1 day, covered to prevent drying out.
Fridge: Store any leftover Puto Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the Puto Cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To reclaim its fluffy texture, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or steam for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Puto Cake!
Fluffy Puto Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for Puto Cake?
For the best results, I recommend using cake flour as it provides the structure and fluffiness essential for the cake. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour; just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How should I store leftover Puto Cake?
Store any leftover Puto Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated to restore its fluffy texture.
Can I freeze Puto Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your Puto Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This way, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or steam for a few minutes.
What can I do if my Puto Cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your Puto Cake doesn’t rise, it might be due to outdated baking powder. Always ensure that your baking powder is fresh for optimal results. Additionally, be gentle when folding in the meringue; overmixing can deflate the airiness needed for a fluffy texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for Puto Cake regarding allergies?
Yes, if you’re serving Puto Cake to others, be mindful of potential allergens. The cake contains eggs, dairy from milk and cheese, and gluten if using wheat flour. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute cake flour with rice flour. Always check for allergy concerns when serving to pets, as certain ingredients like cheese may not be suitable for them.
How can I tell if my Puto Cake is done?
You can check for doneness by performing the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your Puto Cake is ready! This usually happens after the second steaming phase, which takes about 5-10 minutes.
Fluffy Puto Cake Recipe: Sweet Meets Savory Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your steamer and line an 8 or 9-inch round springform or removable-bottom pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, ¼ cup of sugar, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until bubbly. Gradually stir in sugar and cream of tartar until medium peaks form.
- Combine your dry ingredients with fresh milk until you reach a pancake-like consistency.
- Gently fold a portion of the meringue into your batter, then carefully add the remaining meringue in batches.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top. Steam over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Layer the remaining cheese and arrange sliced salted eggs on top. Steam for an additional 5-10 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow your Puto Cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Transfer it to a serving plate and enjoy!