What is the most famous Filipino dessert?

Leche flan is arguably the most famous Filipino dessert. It’s a rich, steamed custard made with egg yolks , condensed milk , evaporated milk , and caramelized sugar . Served chilled and sliced, it's a staple in birthday parties, holiday feasts, and Noche Buena .

What are the most traditional Filipino desserts?

Traditional Filipino desserts often include: Kakanin (rice-based sweets) like biko , suman , kutsinta Leche flan , ube halaya , and cassava cake Bibingka and puto bumbong during Christmas season

What Filipino desserts are easy for beginners?

Easy Filipino desserts for beginners include: Yema (caramel milk candies) Buko salad (fruit & coconut cream mix) Polvoron (toasted flour and milk candy) Ube halaya (with pre-grated ube) Steamed leche flan

What makes Filipino desserts unique?

Filipino desserts are unique because they: Use native ingredients like ube , coconut , and glutinous rice Combine sweet and savory (e.g., cheese on desserts) Involve creative textures: sticky, creamy, chewy Reflect a blend of cultural influences (Spanish, Malay, Chinese, American)

Are Filipino desserts healthy?

Traditional Filipino desserts are often rich and sweet. However, many use natural plant-based ingredients like: Ube , cassava , saba bananas Coconut milk , brown sugar , mung beans Some are naturally vegan or can be made healthier with small substitutions

What desserts are eaten during Filipino holidays?

During holidays like Christmas and fiestas , popular desserts include: Bibingka and puto bumbong (Simbang Gabi) Leche flan and ube halaya (Noche Buena) Biko and kalamay (fiestas and Undas)

Filipino Desserts: Irresistible Recipes You’ll Crave Forever

Name: Leche Flan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: For the caramel:; ½ cup white sugar; 10 egg yolks; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Description

Leche Flan is a classic Filipino steamed custard dessert made with rich egg yolks, creamy condensed and evaporated milk, and a layer of golden caramel. Silky smooth and melt-in-your-mouth, this beloved sweet is often the star of special occasions—from birthdays to Christmas feasts. Served chilled and sliced, it’s a decadent yet simple indulgence rooted in Filipino heritage.

Ingredients

Scale

For the caramel:
½ cup white sugar

For the custard:

10 egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

Make the caramel: Melt ½ cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat (no stirring) until golden brown; pour into mold and swirl to coat the bottom.
Prepare the custard: Gently whisk 10 egg yolks, add 1 can condensed milk, 1 can evaporated milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Strain the mixture: Pour custard through a fine strainer into the caramel-lined mold for a silky texture.
Steam the flan: Cover with foil and steam over medium-low heat for 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and refrigerate: Let flan cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve: Run a knife along the edges, invert onto a plate, and serve cold.

Notes

For extra smooth texture, strain the custard mixture twice before pouring.
Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture or bubbles.
Use fresh, quality eggs for the best color and flavor.
Leche flan can be made a day in advance and stored chilled.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Steaming
Cuisine: Filipino

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
Calories: 310
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 215mg