puto cheese, fluufy & soft dessert, Amber menu

Amber-Style Puto Cheese – Soft, Cheesy, Fluffy Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes or Merienda You’ll Love!

Last week, I hosted a birthday celebration for my daughter, inviting her college friends to our home. I arranged for a birthday cake and prepared puto cheese for the guests. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and I was concerned that some children might not have enough to enjoy.

Amber Puto Cheese Price:

Serving SizePrice
Box of 6₱ 102.00
Box of 9₱ 153.00
Box of 12₱ 204.00

Why Is Puto Cheese So Famous?

Puto is a popular delicacy not only in the Philippines but also gaining recognition worldwide for several reasons:

Fluffy texture :

Culture Significance :

Puto has a rich history in Filipino cuisine, having been made for generations. Although the basic method of preparation has remained largely unchanged over time, the ingredients have evolved. Traditionally made from rice and flour, modern variations now incorporate puto cheese using all-purpose flour or cake flour and often feature cheese as an added ingredient.

Melted Cheese Centers:

Another delightful characteristic of puto is the inclusion of cheese pockets within the cake. These pockets provide a delicious burst of flavor that complements the soft and fluffy texture, creating a memorable taste experience that many people enjoy. 

Overall, puto’s unique qualities and cultural roots contribute to its popularity and significance both in the Philippines and around the world.

Delicious Filipino Puto Cheese dessert with soft and fluffy texture

Puto Cheese Recipe at Home

Puto Cheese Ingredients :

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour or cake flour 
  • Half a cup of sugar
  • One tbsp of baking powder
  • A quarter of a cup of evaporated milk 
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp of melted butter 
  • A quarter of a cup of grated cheese (optional)
  • Strips of cheese for toppings
  • One egg

How to Make Puto Cheese:

  • To make a Soft Filipino rice cake, it is essential to use a flour sifter to prevent lumps in the batter. Start by placing a bowl on the kitchen counter and positioning the flour sifter inside it. 
  • Add the required amount of flour, sugar, and baking powder into the sifter. Gently stir the sifter to ensure that only fine particles of these dry ingredients are used, as larger clumps can result in an uneven texture.
  • Next, take another bowl and combine the egg, melted butter, evaporated milk, and water. Use an egg beater to mix these ingredients thoroughly. Once well blended, gradually incorporate the sifted mixture of flour, sugar, and baking powder.
  • It’s crucial to mix the batter carefully to avoid lumps. A slow and steady mixing approach will help achieve a smooth consistency. Once the batter is prepared, add grated cheese and mix once more. Allow the batter to rest for up to 15 minutes.
  • When ready to bake, pour the batter into mini cupcake molds for puto and sprinkle additional cheese on top as a garnish. Prepare a steamer pot and place the molds inside. 
  • Cover the pot with a thick cloth to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cakes and steam for about 10 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is up, your delicious homemade puto cheese will be ready to be savored! Gather your family and get ready to enjoy this delightful treat together!
Close-up of homemade Puto Cheese recipe with golden cheese on top

Amber Puto Cheese Under 100 Calories

Can You Enjoy Puto Cheese Under 100 Calories? Yes! Here’s How:

If you’re watching your calories but still crave Filipino puto cheese, you’ll love this healthy puto cheese recipe. With a few smart tweaks, you can make a delicious treat under 100 calories, perfect for breakfast or merienda.

To make a gluten-free Filipino rice cake, swap all-purpose flour with rice or almond flour. Cut the sugar in half or use stevia for a low-sugar puto cheese version. Use plant-based or low-fat milk instead of evaporated milk, and go for a dairy-free puto cheese option by using vegan cheese. You can even skip the eggs and try a puto cheese without eggs using flaxseed or chia.

Steaming keeps them soft and fluffy without added fat. It’s a light, guilt-free way to enjoy this Filipino favorite!

Puto Cheese Allergen Info

Puto Cheese is a classic Filipino steamed rice cake, typically topped with cheese, making it a popular choice for snacks or breakfast. However, it is important to be aware of potential allergens that may be present depending on the ingredients used in its preparation.

Common Allergens Found in Puto Cheese :

Gluten (Possible Cross-Contamination): While traditional puto is made from rice flour, which is naturally gluten-free, some recipes incorporate all-purpose flour or wheat starch. This could pose a risk for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Dairy (Cheese & Milk): The cheese topping, along with certain recipes that use evaporated milk, condensed milk, or butter, can be problematic for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.

Eggs (In Some Recipes): Puto may include eggs to enhance the texture and structure. This can be an issue for individuals with egg allergies.

Soy (Possible in Margarine or Cheese): If margarine or processed cheese is utilized in the recipe, it may contain soy-based ingredients, which can be a concern for those with soy allergies.

Recommendations for individual people with food allergies:

Check Labels: When purchasing store-bought, ready-made puto mix, it is advisable to read ingredient labels thoroughly to ensure they align with your dietary requirements.

Inquire Before Ordering: When ordering from restaurants or bakeries, don’t hesitate to ask about specific ingredients and potential allergens to make informed choices.

Make It at Home: Preparing puto cheese at home allows for the use of allergen-free ingredient substitutes, such as dairy-free cheese or egg alternatives.

Prevent Cross-Contamination: For individuals with severe allergies, it’s crucial to ensure that all cooking utensils, mixing bowls, and steaming equipment are free from traces of allergens to avoid any allergic reactions. 

By being informed and proactive, you can enjoy Puto Cheese while managing your dietary needs effectively.

Amber Puto Cheese Calories/Nutritional Info

Calories150 kcal
Proteins4 grams
Total Fats5 grams
Saturated Fat3 grams
Carbohydrates22 grams
Dietary Fiber1 gram
Sodium200 mg
Sugar10 gram
Cholesterol30mg

FAQ’s

The shelf life of puto cheese is a maximum of two to three days. To ensure proper storage, it is essential to wrap the cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate them.

Puto, a traditional Filipino steamed rice cake, has several popular variations. These include puto ube, made with purple yam, and puto pandan, flavored with pandan leaves. Another festive version is puto bumbong, which is made from glutinous rice and enjoyed during the holiday season.

Absolutely, you can bake puto cheese in the oven with great results. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pour the batter into muffin molds. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll get perfectly baked puto cheese every time!

To make Puto Cheese, mix all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, eggs, and butter into a smooth batter. Pour the mixture into cupcake molds, then top with sliced cheddar cheese. Steam for about 15–20 minutes until the puto is soft and fluffy. Serve warm for the best taste.

If you want a lighter version, you can make Puto Cheese using egg whites only. Simply replace whole eggs with beaten egg whites. Whip the egg whites until slightly foamy, then fold them gently into your batter to keep the texture airy. Steam as usual and top with cheese before serving. This method gives your puto a softer, sponge-like finish.

Puto Flan is a delicious twist combining leche flan and puto. First, prepare a thin layer of leche flan mixture (egg yolks, condensed milk, and evaporated milk) and pour it into your mold. Steam briefly until half set, then add your puto batter on top. Continue steaming until both layers are cooked. The result is a sweet, creamy flan base with fluffy puto on top.

To make Puto Pao, prepare a classic puto batter, then add a savory pork asado filling in the center before steaming. Pour half of the batter into the mold, add the asado filling, then cover with more batter. Steam until fluffy and fully cooked. This Filipino snack combines the sweetness of puto with the savory goodness of siopao-style filling.

Leche Puto is similar to puto flan but has more of a custard-like top layer. Start with a leche flan mixture (egg yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk) and pour it into molds. Steam until slightly firm, then add the puto batter on top. Steam again until cooked through. The result is a dessert with creamy leche flan on top and soft puto at the bottom.

Final Thoughts about Amber Puto Cheese

At last, you have the key to creating delicious Filipino puto cheese at home, just like at Amber Restaurant. They are incredibly easy to make, and the results will amaze you. Whether it’s for Sunday snack time or a special occasion, these delightful cakes are sure to bring joy to your family, gatherings, or your spouse.

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