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Home > Filipino Recipes

Puto Cheese

BY :Bebs | Published: 03/25/ 2020 | Updated:03/25/ 2020 | 363 Comments

RECIPE VIDEO PRINT
4.93 from 117 votes
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I so love this Puto Cheese recipe. So soft and fluffy and definitely better tasting than the Puto mix you buy in a box but equally easy to make.  You will never think of buying ready mix Puto after trying this!  

Steamed rice cake with cheese on top.

  • What is Puto?
  • What Cheese to Use?
  • Printable Recipe
  • Puto Cheese

What is Puto?

Puto is a Filipino steamed rice cake delicacy normally eaten as snack.  Puto is also, oftentimes, served to accompany savory dishes like dinuguan (pork blood stew) or pancit (rice noodle).

The traditional one is made from rice, water, and sugar that is stone-grinded to make the batter or what we call 'galapong'. It is normally fermented overnight before steaming them. Of course, everything became easy when rice flour became available.

But this recipe of Cheese Puto actually does not use rice at all, it uses all-purpose flour instead.  Yeah I know, I was skeptical about it as well at first but it turned out to be really good, and I would say I prefer it better than using rice flour because it makes smoother and softer Puto.

Ingredients for making Puto Cheese

What Cheese to Use?

I get this question a lot and I know why.  In the Philippines, the common cheese you can get is packed in foil and boxed and you usually get them from the shelves and not in the fridge section of a grocery store. The most popular brand is  Kraft Eden cheese and I read that it is the equivalent or similar to Kraft Velveeta in the US.

I used to buy loads of this cheese and bring them back to Germany. Once there, I remove them from the boxes and freeze them. They would last for months to a year that way.

For those who do not have access to this kind of processed cheese, I would recommend other cheeses like Gouda or Cheddar.

Filipino steamed rice cake with cheese

Additional Tips:

  • Avoid using high speed when mixing the batter as this creates more air bubbles that can be trapped in the batter and will form holes when steamed.
  • Place a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel in between steamer racks and the top cover to avoid water from dripping to the batter. This will result in uneven cooking and disinformed top.
  • It is very important to use low heat. Bring the water to a simmer then turn the heat to the lowest as possible. Just enough to keep the steam forming but do not let the water boil. High temperatures will result in an uneven rise of the batter instead of forming a perfect dome.

 

Cheese Puto Recipe

Printable Recipe

Cheese puto recipe
Print Review

Puto Cheese

4.93 from 117 votes
This Puto Cheese recipe uses simple ingredients to make the perfect, delicious Puto. You will never buy the ready mix Puto ever again.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 12 minutes mins
Total Time: 17 minutes mins
Course :Breakfast, Snack
Servings =10
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk (evaporated or fresh)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon butter -melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup grated cheese
  • strips cheese - for topping
  • butter or oil for brushing the molds

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder.
  • Add the milk and egg and mix using a whisk or electric mixer at medium speed only until batter becomes smooth.
  • Add the water, butter and vanilla extract and mix well for a minute or two. Lastly, add the grated cheese and fold in slowly using a spatula or spoon.
  • Grease each mold with butter and fill the molds with batter up to ¾ full.
  • Fill the bottom of the steamer with water and bring to a gentle simmer over very low heat. Place the molds in the steamer basket and steam for about 10 to 12 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Remove the lid and add a strip of cheese on top of each put. Steam for another minute or two until cheese melts. Turn off heat and let it rest until slightly cooled down.
  • Remove the cooked Puto Cheese from the molds and transfer to a serving plate.

Notes

While mixing the ingredients, avoid using high speed of the mixer or the Puto would rise too much and become airy.
You may also mix by hand using a whisk but also at moderate speed.
While steaming, I place a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel in between steamer racks and the top cover to avoid water from dripping to the batter.
Just double (or triple) the recipe to double the yield.
Silicon cupcake molds can also be used.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 57mgPotassium: 159mgFiber: 0gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 130IUCalcium: 108mgIron: 0.8mg
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

For those who are asking about the plastic molds I used to steam these Puto in, I got them from the Philippines. But you may also use the Silicone muffin molds  like the one below I found on Amazon. I also use them for making Puto sometimes just like I would use the plastic molds.

Here are also examples of steamers used to make Puto. The middle one is a stove-top variation while the one on the right is electric. You may click on the photos to see where you can buy them as well.

This recipe for Puto Cheese was originally published in June 2016. Updated in March 2020 to include new photos and recipe video. Additional tips were also provided.

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    4.93 from 117 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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  1. Marie says

    June 22, 2024 at 8:49 am

    5 stars
    I love it! Simple recipe and really yummy! Not too sweet and soft too. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      July 10, 2024 at 6:09 pm

      You are welcome, Marie. Glad you enjoy it.

      Reply
  2. j says

    May 22, 2024 at 6:49 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe

    Reply
  3. JUFEL SANDRA says

    August 11, 2023 at 4:11 pm

    5 stars
    Best puto cheese i ever had. Simple and easy recipe yet delectable. I made it few times already until i memorize the ingredients and procedure already🤣😂🤣😂 I top it with cheese i also topped it with salted egg. I tried making it with color purple that has ube flavour too..

    Reply
  4. Lyn says

    July 20, 2023 at 3:23 pm

    Best ever! Tried lots of recipes, I liked your recipe. Simple, quick, easy and yummy. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Angelbern says

    March 13, 2023 at 3:43 pm

    5 stars
    I would like to say thank you for sharing this recipe. It's my first time to try it and the result is so good. Yummy and soft. Thank you and God bless.

    Reply
  6. Irish says

    March 12, 2023 at 7:13 pm

    5 stars
    Love the simplicity of the recipe. Family and friends loves it for the weekend’s breakfast or afternoon coffee. Big fan here😊

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      March 26, 2023 at 12:35 am

      Thanks for the 5 stars, Irish and I am happy you all enjoyed it.

      Reply
  7. Cynthia says

    December 30, 2022 at 12:38 am

    5 stars
    I made it and it was delicious. Thank you

    Reply
  8. Jufel Sandra says

    September 15, 2022 at 3:28 pm

    5 stars
    I made this recipe For how many times already. The best puto cheese i ever made and tasted. Even my boss here in singapore loves it. The last time i make i put few drops of ube flavor. And goes well❤️

    Reply
  9. shara kate says

    June 16, 2022 at 11:50 am

    perfect!

    Good to know more recipe.

    Reply
  10. Shay says

    June 12, 2022 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    Hello, exactly what kind or brand of cheese did you use for your recipe? I followed your recipe and they were really delicious, but they didn’t turn out as beautiful as yours. It looked more pale/yellowish. I think it’s because of the Canadian grated cheddar cheese that I used. Please let me know. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      June 16, 2022 at 8:38 pm

      Hi Shay, "real" cheese is expensive in the Philippines so we normally use processed cheese (like the American cheese, like Velveeta). They are normally much softer and melt like this.

      Reply
  11. Sol Rodriguez says

    May 28, 2022 at 11:58 am

    5 stars
    This puto recipe is so amazing. My family enjoyed it immensely. 😍😍😍 Thank you for sharing it. God bless

    Reply
  12. Kimmy says

    May 01, 2022 at 2:47 am

    5 stars
    I used silicon mold and didn't grease before steaming. Boiled the water on high heat before steaming. It was perfect!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 09, 2022 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks for sharing that, Kimmy! 😘

      Reply
  13. nikol says

    April 14, 2022 at 11:09 am

    5 stars
    i love this recipe<3

    Reply
  14. Ness says

    March 12, 2022 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for this easy but so tasty recipe. It’s my go to—— whenever I wanted to make some, when craving strikes! 😊

    Just wondering if you can make the batter ahead of time? Like mix the batter and leave it overnight in the fridge and make it in the morning?

    Your response is very much appreciated.🥰❤️

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      April 07, 2022 at 8:20 pm

      Hi Ness, glad you like our recipe. You can make the batter ahead of time but it might not be as fluffy because the baking powder will lose some of its leavening effects. Maybe, what you can do is add it some minutes just before you will cook it, then. Hope that works. Let me know.

      Reply
  15. Daizy Andres says

    January 10, 2022 at 3:32 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is a keeper. I've made it several times. I love the texture and sweetness. Thank you

    Reply
  16. Maria says

    December 22, 2021 at 6:08 am

    5 stars
    great and easy recipe! thank you!

    Reply
  17. Tyra Maxwell says

    December 21, 2021 at 1:20 am

    5 stars
    I love this recipe, it works great and tastes just like regular puto practically, it stays together and doesn't fall apart and it's super delicious!

    Reply
  18. Olivia says

    December 19, 2021 at 8:35 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is super easy to make! Thank you! A flexible recipe that tastes good every time I try it. I am thinking of making ube puto, but only have ube halaya and not ube flavor. May I please ask for advice in incorporating ube halaya into this recipe?

    Reply
  19. Sarah says

    November 13, 2021 at 5:42 pm

    5 stars
    This is my go to recipe
    Easy to make and super yummy
    Wondering, have you tried adapting this to make ube puto?

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      November 20, 2021 at 10:21 pm

      Hi Sarah, you can simply add ube flavoring.

      Reply
  20. Naomi says

    November 07, 2021 at 8:31 pm

    5 stars
    I love the recipe. I steamed it in the oven coz am lazy 😂 it is not as soft as the "regular steamed puto" but it is so yummy! Am trying to control myself not to eat half of it coz am gonna bring it as potluck today.
    Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      November 12, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      LOL, I hope there were some left for the potluck, Naomi. Thanks for the 5 stars.

      Reply
  21. Eyette Pasamba says

    October 30, 2021 at 8:30 am

    5 stars
    Perfect recipe and tasted so good! I added just a pinch of salt! My 2 yr old grandson loves the color purple si I switched the vanilla with ube flavor. Still so yummy!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      November 01, 2021 at 4:01 pm

      Yes, that sounds just perfect, Eyette.

      Reply
  22. Dong Laguerder says

    October 18, 2021 at 7:59 am

    5 stars
    I perfectly made a dome puto w/ cheese!!! thanks Bebs for your recipe! Perfect fo breakfast and also pansit bihon and dinuguaan!

    Reply
  23. izl says

    October 07, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe and my whole family loves it, they can't stop digging.
    I will be using this for my small business, if you don't mind.
    What will be the measurement if I use 1kg APF?

    Thank you so much

    Reply
  24. Pamela Castro says

    September 27, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    5 stars
    It was my first try and I am very happy with it.

    Reply
  25. Daphne says

    September 13, 2021 at 1:02 pm

    5 stars
    The best recipe and so easy. Very moist and tasty. I added mine with salted egg.

    Reply
  26. kur says

    August 25, 2021 at 10:58 pm

    haven't tried it yet but i'm excited to make this! my mamoy made some recently and i realized how much i missed our food.
    being in the philippines where our desserts and kakanin are very easily accessible, i have never ventured into even trying to make it myself. But out here on the other side of the world, i have no choice but to make it (not that i'm complaining) unless i want to get the frozen ones on international stores.
    so thank you for being amazing and sharing the recipe!

    do you also know how to make it using the rice flour? 🙂

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      September 03, 2021 at 11:06 pm

      Hi Kur, you can replace some parts of the flour with rice flour.

      Reply
  27. elaine says

    August 19, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    5 stars
    I have made this twice already and they came out so delicious both times. Thank you for sharing this recipe. I have plenty of rice flour and I am wondering if I can make the puto cheese using rice flour?

    Reply
  28. Mae says

    August 05, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    Hi
    I made this puto but i have a yellowish color puto. How do you make them white in color?

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      August 06, 2021 at 7:23 pm

      Add some vinegar to the water used for steaming. But actually, it depends on the flour used.

      Reply
  29. Jo says

    July 09, 2021 at 4:16 am

    4 stars
    Awesome recipe! Delicious, fast and the ingredients are easy to come by, esp when living in Germany. I am giving this recipe only 4 Stars coz I think it could be a tat sweeter. But one can always modify the recipe to ones liking. I skipped the whole cheese thing, I just don't like the mix of something hearty and sweet. For me it's either the one or the other. However I used some coloring and I even had Pandan flavored food color green. Turned out to be very delicious. Have you tried to make puto-flan based on this recipe? If you did, would you like to share your experience? That would be my next target. Thanks again for this great recipe und Grüße aus Köln!!!

    Reply
  30. Ferraldine says

    June 30, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    Hi, can I substitute sugar to maple syrup or honey? If yes, whats the measurement? Thanks! Looks yummy, can't wait to try it. Thanks

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      July 04, 2021 at 1:31 am

      Sadly, I have not tried using syrup or honey for this. But I think it should be ok to do so, it is just to sweeten the buns. But if you end up adding too much then add a bit more flour just to keep the ratio of flour to liquid close to original.

      Reply
  31. Ella says

    June 30, 2021 at 4:46 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      June 30, 2021 at 3:16 pm

      You are welcome, Ella.

      Reply
  32. Mary Jane Sally Argueza says

    June 29, 2021 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    Yummilicious.
    I'd never thought how that easy to make Puto.
    Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      June 30, 2021 at 3:15 pm

      our pleasure, Mary Jane.

      Reply
  33. Vickee says

    June 24, 2021 at 2:13 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing this flavorful puto recipe! Always a treat to my family every time I make this.
    I’m just wondering if I can use 8” or 9”cake pan for this recipe instead of puto molds?

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      June 24, 2021 at 10:55 pm

      Sure you can Vickee, just cook it a bit longer.Check out our puto cake too.

      Reply
  34. Lori says

    June 21, 2021 at 8:25 am

    5 stars
    May I know what specific flour is better to use? Thanks so much

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      June 21, 2021 at 11:05 pm

      Hi Lori, use cake flour if you like finer crumbs.

      Reply
  35. Louise says

    May 28, 2021 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    Hi! Thanks for posting this yummy recipe. It's genuinely good and easy to follow. Good on yah!

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 29, 2021 at 11:21 pm

      Glad you like it, Louise.

      Reply
  36. Apol Garcia says

    May 22, 2021 at 11:27 am

    This is so good! I tried it twice already and my husband and kids love it so much! Can I just double the ingredients for larger serving? Will it not affect the texture and taste of the puto?

    Reply
    • Bebs says

      May 25, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      Go ahead and double the ingredients, Apol.

      Reply
      • Ey says

        March 29, 2022 at 10:13 am

        I made Ube puto cheese using your recipe but substituted vanilla with ube flavor… made 42 puto with x4 of your recipe. delicious!!!

        Reply
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