How to Make Puto Cheese: A Delightful Filipino Dessert

Puto cheese is a beloved Filipino dessert that combines the soft, fluffy texture of puto (a type of rice cake) with the creamy richness of cheese. It’s a perfect treat for those who have a sweet tooth and appreciate the unique flavors of Filipino cuisine. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to make your own homemade puto cheese, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious dessert anytime you desire.

Ingredients

To make puto cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Cooking oil, for greasing the molds

Instructions

1. Grease your puto molds with cooking oil and set them aside. This will help the puto cheese to release easily from the molds after cooking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. In a separate saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, gradually pour the hot water into the dry ingredients while stirring constantly. This will help to prevent lumps from forming.

4. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient.

5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once cooled, add the shredded cheese and vanilla extract. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill each puto mold with the cheese mixture, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.

7. Place the filled molds on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the puto cheese is golden brown and cooked through.

8. Once done, remove the puto cheese from the oven and let it cool slightly. Carefully remove the puto cheese from the molds and serve warm.

Enjoy Your Homemade Puto Cheese

Now that you have learned how to make puto cheese, you can indulge in this delightful Filipino dessert whenever you want. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet. So go ahead and try this recipe, and let the flavors of puto cheese bring joy to your taste buds!