Looking for something sweet that’s a little different? Filipino desserts stand out because they’re made with rice and starch crops, making them rich and hearty.

While other treats might be light and refreshing, these desserts are filling and satisfying. They’re perfect for enjoying in the morning or as a midday snack.

Whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or want to try a new flavor, these traditional Filipino sweets are sure to hit the spot.

1.Mais con Yelo

Beat the heat with Mais con Yelo, a beloved Filipino dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious. This sweet treat features juicy corn kernels floating in cold, creamy milk.

Served in a glass, it’s typically enjoyed with a spoon, but don’t be surprised if someone slurps it down like a drink! The best part? It’s a breeze to make.

Just grab some canned corn, mix it with milk and sugar, add ice, and you’re all set for a refreshing dessert.

2.Suman

Meet suman, a sweet and irresistible dessert you won’t want to miss! Made with glutinous rice, this treat is soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.

The magic happens when the sticky rice is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection, giving it a refreshing and aromatic twist.

Drizzle it with coconut caramel sauce for a divine treat, or pair it with ripe mangoes for an extra burst of flavor.

This dessert is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more!

3.Bibingka (Coconut Milk Cake)

Bibingka is a warm, coconut milk-infused cake that’s a staple of Filipino Christmas traditions. You’ll often find it being sold by street vendors, signaling the start of the holiday season.

This moist and sweet treat is topped with rich butter, melted cheese, and a slice of salted egg, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Bibingka is typically enjoyed after attending Misa de Gallo, a series of midnight Masses from December 16 to 24, celebrating the birth of Jesus. It’s a must-try snack that captures the essence of the Philippines’ festive spirit.

4.Buko Salad

This sweet and creamy dessert is a tropical dream come true! Hailing from the Philippines, where coconut trees are plentiful, this treat showcases the richness of coconut in all its forms.

Imagine a vibrant mix of fresh fruits, palm fruit, chewy nata de coco, and shredded coconut, all wrapped in a thick, sweetened cream.

It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, with every bite offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to transport you to a tropical paradise with every creamy, dreamy spoonful!

5.Halo-Halo

Halo-Halo: The Ultimate Filipino Shaved Ice Dessert Halo-halo, which means “mix” in Filipino, is the king of shaved ice desserts.

When you get a tall glass of this treat, be ready to dig in and mix it all up with a long spoon. The fun part?

Combining all the tasty ingredients until they’re soaked in milk and ice. We’re talking sweetened bananas, sweet potatoes, taro, jackfruit, jelly, mung beans, corn kernels, coconut, and chewy tapioca pearls.

And that’s not all – on top of this colorful mix, you’ll find a pile of shaved ice, creamy milk, rich custard, vibrant purple yam jam, and a scoop of ice cream.

It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more!

6.Silvanas

Meet silvanas, a Filipino dessert that’s sure to capture your heart. Imagine two crunchy meringue cookies, shaped into ovals, smothered in a rich Swiss buttercream and sprinkled with ground cashews.

The combination is pure magic–crunchy on the outside, chewy within, with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. The meringue adds a satisfying crunch, while the buttercream brings a creamy sweetness.

The cashews add a savory touch and extra texture. Together, these elements create a treat that’s nothing short of heavenly. If you haven’t tried silvanas yet, it’s time to give them a go!

7.Taho

Imagine strolling through the streets of the Philippines and hearing the familiar call of a taho vendor–“Taho!”–as morning dawns. This beloved Filipino breakfast is a must-try.

Silky-smooth tofu and chewy tapioca pearls float in a warm, brown sugar syrup, creating a delightful treat. Served in a small cup, taho can be enjoyed with a spoon or sipped like a drink.

While it might not be the healthiest option, it’s hands-down the Philippines’ most iconic grab-and-go breakfast.

8.Leche Flan

Say hello to leche flan, the Filipino take on caramel pudding that’s as smooth as it gets.

This classic dessert is all about that silky custard paired with a rich, thick caramel syrup – pure perfection. While it’s amazing just the way it is, why stop there?

You’ve got to try a leche flan cheesecake for a game-changing twist, or go all out with an ube leche flan cake that’s over-the-top delicious.

Whether it’s the holidays or just a Tuesday, leche flan always brings the celebration vibes.

9.Banana Cue

Banana cue is a tasty twist on the classic saba banana. Imagine sweet plantains coated in brown sugar, skewered on wooden sticks, and deep-fried to a golden crisp. The result?

A crunchy caramel shell giving way to tender, not-too-sweet bananas inside. This treat is a street food favorite, perfect for snacking any time of day, especially during your afternoon break.

10.Turon

Meet Turon, a sweet and indulgent Filipino treat that’s sure to hit the spot.

Imagine sweet plantains dipped in brown sugar, wrapped in egg roll wrappers, and then coated in even more brown sugar before being fried to a golden crisp.

The result is a snack that’s crunchy on the outside and bursting with sweet, tropical flavor on the inside.

Enjoy it on its own, or take it to the next level by pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream–the contrast between the warm, caramel-y Turon and the cold ice cream is absolute perfection.

11.Biko (Sticky Rice Cake)

Meet Biko, a must-try Filipino treat that’s as sweet as it is satisfying. This traditional dessert combines glutinous rice with a rich brown rice coconut syrup, all baked to golden perfection.

Enjoy it for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack–merienda, as Filipinos call it. Made with rice, Biko is hearty and irresistibly addictive.

The rice is cooked in coconut milk, creating a sticky, chewy texture with delightful bits of rice that add a nice contrast.

It’s sweet, it’s unique, and it’s the kind of treat that will keep you coming back for more.

Perfect for dessert or a quick snack, Biko is a delicious way to experience a taste of Filipino culture.

12.Polvoron

Meet Polvoron, the Filipino take on classic shortbread. This no-bake treat is buttery, creamy, and perfectly crumbly. The best part? You don’t need an oven to make it happen.

Simply pan-fry some flour, mix it with powdered milk, sugar, and butter, and you’ll get a thick, sandy mixture that’s easy to shape however you like.

The result is a cookie that’s rich and tender, crumbling softly in your mouth with every bite.

13.Ube Jam

Ube jam is a beloved Filipino dessert made from purple yam and milk. It’s sweet, creamy, and bursting with vibrant purple yam flavor.

Spread it on bread, swirl it into pastries or ice cream, or enjoy it all by itself–however you take it, it’s irresistible. The first taste will have you hooked!

Plus, that stunning purple color makes every bite even more tempting.

14.Puto

Puto is a must-try Filipino dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious. This small, round steamed cake is made with glutinous rice, giving it a soft and spongy texture that’s simply irresistible.

It’s lightly sweet, making it easy to keep going back for more.

Traditionally, puto is white and topped with a strip of cheese, but you can also find it in a variety of flavors and colors depending on where you get it.

Enjoy it on its own or paired with other Filipino dishes for a truly authentic experience.

15.Mamon (Filipino Sponge Cake)

Meet the Filipino version of sponge cake–Mamon. This soft and pillowy mini-cake is topped with cheese and baked to perfection. The best part?

The cheese gets all crispy in the oven, creating a delightful contrast of textures. And here’s the kicker: no frosting needed! That way, you can fully enjoy its rich, buttery flavor.

Perfect with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon treat.

16.Palitaw

Palitaw is a sweet and chewy treat that’s sure to hit the spot. This small, round rice cake is made from glutinous rice that’s been sweetened to perfection.

When cooked in boiling water, it emerges with a texture similar to Japanese mochi–soft, sticky, and irresistible.

The name ‘palitaw’ comes from the Filipino word ‘litaw,’ meaning ‘to appear’ or ‘to show up,’ which perfectly describes how these cakes magically float to the surface when they’re done cooking.

Once they’re out of the water, they’re coated in a delightful mix of grated coconut, muscovado sugar, and toasted sesame seeds, giving them a burst of flavor and texture that’s simply divine.

It’s a classic Filipino snack that’s both traditional and timeless, offering a perfect balance of sweet and chewy in every bite.

17.Buko Pandan

Buko pandan is a delightful Filipino dessert that’s sure to hit the spot when you’re craving something sweet.

This treat combines soft shredded young coconut (called buko) with pandan-flavored gelatin cubes, all wrapped in a rich, creamy coating. It’s a classic for a reason!

If you’re new to pandan, get ready for a flavor adventure. Pandan, or screw palm, is a plant with leaves that give off a sweet, vanilla-like aroma–perfect for desserts.

While the leaves aren’t edible, they’re a popular flavoring in many sweet dishes.

Served chilled, buko pandan offers a refreshing mix of textures and tastes, blending the creaminess of young coconut with the jiggly fun of gelatin and the sweetness of its creamy topping.

It’s the perfect dessert to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth!

18.Lengua de Gato

If you haven’t tried the Filipino version of butter cookies, you’re in for a treat. These crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with simple ingredients like milk, butter, flour, and egg whites.

Lengua de gato, which means ‘cat’s tongue’ in Spanish, gets its name from its narrow oval shape.

These cookies are so addictive that they’re usually sold in big jars–because stopping at just one (or two, or three) is nearly impossible. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved treat!

19.Minatamis na Saging

Minatamis na Saging is a delightful Filipino treat that’s as easy as it gets–just sweet plantains, brown sugar, and water! These short, sturdy bananas, known as Saba, are a staple in the Philippines.

While they’re tasty raw, cooking them brings out their best. Filipinos love simmering them in a brown sugar syrup, which adds a rich, caramel-like flavor and a gorgeous golden hue.

Enjoy them warm for a cozy snack or chilled with ice for a refreshing twist. Either way, you’ll get that perfect mix of soft, chewy texture and deep caramel flavor.

20.Ginataang Halo-Halo

Need a pick-me-up? Ginataang halo-halo is here to warm your heart and soul. This Filipino comfort soup is a sweet and hearty treat that’s sure to brighten your day.

Packed with chunks of sweet potatoes, sweetened bananas, taro, sticky rice balls, and tapioca pearls, it’s all wrapped up in a creamy, dreamy soup made with sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk.

Serve it hot, and let the warmth spread through your body. One spoonful and you’re guaranteed to feel uplifted.

It’s the perfect remedy for a chilly day or a down moment–give it a try and let the comfort begin!

21.Egg Pie

Imagine a buttery, flaky crust paired with a velvety-smooth custard. This rich and creamy egg pie is just the thing to turn any bad day around.

It’s surprisingly simple to make but delivers big on flavor. The custard, made with eggs and sweetened condensed milk, has a beautiful golden hue.

Baked uncovered for about 45 minutes to an hour, the top gets a nice char, turning golden brown and adding a delightful crunch. The result?

A creamy, dreamy dessert with a caramelized touch that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

22.Coconut Macaroons

These bite-sized cakes are packed with desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla, and butter, making them rich, creamy, and irresistibly ooey-gooey.

While the combination may seem simple, the pairing of coconut and vanilla is a perfect match.

With just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of nuttiness, these chewy, decadent cakes are a treat you won’t want to miss.

23.Cassava Cake

Meet the cassava cake, a dessert that’s as irresistible as it gets. Imagine a treat that’s rich, chewy, and cheesy all at once–that’s what you get with this heavenly cake.

Made with grated cassava, it’s baked in a creamy mix of sweetened condensed milk, butter, and coconut milk, then topped with a generous cheesy layer.

What really sets it apart is its unique texture–chewy and glutinous in the best way possible. It’s so good, one slice just won’t cut it. A must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!