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White, Green, and Purple Puto with Cheese.
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Puto with Cheese Recipe (Soft and Fluffy Filipino Steamed Cakes)

Soft and fluffy Filipino steamed cakes topped with melted cheese.
Course Snack
Cuisine Filipino
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 50 mini puto (20 standard-sized puto)
Calories 52kcal
Author Nora Rey
Cost $5-$7

Equipment

  • Mini or standard puto molds (or muffin pan)
  • Steamer

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cake flour sub: all-purpose flour (see note)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or about ½ teaspoon table salt)
  • ¾ cups granulated sugar​
  • 2 eggs at room temperature
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • ¾ cup whole milk (sub: evaporated milk)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ounce quick-melting cheese shredded or grated (see note)
  • 2 ounces quick-melting cheese cut into thin squares (see note)
  • Pandan or ube extract (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Whisk cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly mixed.
  • In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until you no longer see dry flour. Do not overmix.
  • Stir in shredded cheese.
  • Bring 1–2 inches of water to a boil in a steamer. Wrap the lid with a cloth to catch condensation.
  • Lightly grease the molds with oil or butter. Arrange them in the steamer basket and fill each mold about ¾ full with batter.
  • Steam over medium-low heat until cooked through:
    12–15 minutes for small molds
    18–20 minutes for standard molds
    The puto are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Place a slice of cheese on top of each puto. Cover and steam 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese softens.
  • Let cool slightly, then gently remove from the molds. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Cake flour: This makes the puto softer and lighter. You can use all-purpose flour, but the puto may turn out slightly denser.
  • Cheese: Use a cheese that melts easily. Brands like Eden or Quickmelt are popular choices. You can also use American cheese or cheddar cheese.
 
Tips for Best Puto
  • Do not overmix the batter. Mix just until you no longer see dry flour.
  • Use medium-low heat when steaming. High heat can make the puto rise unevenly.
  • Wrap the steamer lid with a cloth. This prevents water from dripping onto the puto.
  • Fill molds about ¾ full. This gives the puto room to rise.
 
Storage
  • Store leftover puto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, steam for a few minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds until soft again.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 97mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.1mg