50 Best Filipino Desserts

Craving something sweet? This list of 50 Filipino Desserts captures the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines! From Popular Filipino desserts, to Filipino drinks, Filipino Homemade Candies, and even the lesser known list of pinoy kakanin ( rice-based desserts ). This list will take you on a journey through Filipino culture. Whether you’re a foodie, a dessert enthusiast, or simply curious about the Philippine’s colorful cuisine, these must-try delicacies will surely leave you wanting more!

1. Leche Flan

Leche Flan is one of the most well-known and beloved traditional Filipino desserts. It’s the Filipino version of the American pudding. Rich, creamy, and silky with a caramelized topping that melts in your mouth. Using simple ingredients, this delicacy is versatile in many ways, from making it with whole eggs, dairy free, or as a topper to some desserts like halo-halo, puto, bread, and cakes. The perfect dessert for any occasion, it’s an easy dessert with such a luxurious feel that never fails to impress.

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2. Ube Jam ( or Ube Halaya )

A delicacy most commonly associated with Philippine cuisine is Ube Jam or Ube Halaya. This, while more often seen as an ingredient rather than a snack, is considered a dessert in the Philippines. Using purple yam to create a beautifully vibrant looking ‘paste’ with a naturally sweet and earthy taste. Usually homemade or sold in grocery stores these are enjoyed as is, as a topping, a ‘palaman’ or bread filling, or ingredient for other tasty treats.

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3. Ube Ice Cream

There’s nothing like a big scoop of ice cream to beat the summer heat! Ube Ice Cream is a uniquely Filipino specialty that combines the rich, thick texture, nutty-like sweetness, and vibrant color of ube in the form of an ice cold dessert. An eye-catching snack that’s enjoyed on it’s own, on a cone, as a topping on halo-halo, or topped with cheese bits, macapuno, or more sweet bits. A deliciously modern Filipino dessert that’s always part of any Filipino party.

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4. Ube Cake

A standout at any celebration and among many other Filipino cake recipes. Ube Cake is known for its soft fluffy ube flavored layers. The striking purple airy chiffon cake layers are separated by a delicious cream cheese frosting, decorated with more ube bits and topped off with swirls of cream cheese frosting on top making for a visual culinary delight. This cake captures the essence of Filipino parties, vibrant, fun, and happy. A must bake among this Filipino dessert list.

5. Halo Halo

One of the most recommended quick and easy no bake dessert recipes with a Filipino touch. Halo-halo is a famous Filipino dessert that offers a long list of ingredients you can mix and match to customize with whatever is available or in season. An iconic dessert that’s refreshingly made of colorful layers of fruits, beans, fruits, crushed ice, topped with pinipih ( rice crispies ), ube ice cream, leche flan, drizzled with sweetened milk or evaporated milk. The perfect treat to cool down on a hot summer’s day. 

6. Ice Candy

Ice Candy is one of the more popular affordable desserts in the Philippines. A treat that both kids and adults love. A Filipino ice popsicle that’s slightly creamy, refreshingly sweet and usually made with real fruit. A simple dessert that you can make at home. It’s so easy in fact it’s one of the usual ‘pang negosyo’ ( businesses ) you’ll find kids selling around the neighborhood during the summer. A nostalgic taste of childhood at a budget friendly price.

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7. Ice Scramble

Ice scramble in another nostalgic treat. While seen as a street food type of dish it can be easily remade at the comfort of your own home. A 3-step dessert made of shaved ice layered with flavored scramble powder, topped with an option of marshmallows, powdered milk, strawberry or chocolate syrup, and candy sprinkles. A classic yet fun recipe we’re sure anyone would adore!

8. Mango Float

A no-bake dessert that’s also a well-loved Filipino merienda or snacks recipe especially during the summer time. Mango Float is essentially a quick ‘cake’ made of layers or ripe mangoes, graham crackers, and a mixture of whipped cream and condensed milk. Incredibly quick to make and bursting with tropical flavors. The perfect dessert to make when entertaining guests or when you’re looking for a simple sweet treat to enjoy all by yourself.

9. Mango Bravo

A seasonal cake only found in the summer months or at Conti’s Bakeshop, a popular limited cake that’s so decadent and luxurious looking you’ll be shocked on how you can make it at home, even without an oven. This cake stands out among the Filipino pastries and sweets you’ll find around summer due to the combination of fluffy chiffon, crispy meringue, airy whipped cream, fresh mangoes, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This showstopping dessert is perfect for special occasions. Mango Bravo is a dessert that’s sure to impress guests or simply indulge on.

10. Mango Supreme Cake

Another irresistible creamy and decadent dessert. Mango Supreme Cake is a light fruity dessert that showcases Philippine mangoes in the most delicious way. Layers of soft sponge cake, rich whipped cream, and fresh sweet mangoes. A crowd pleaser that anyone would love to have in any celebration.

11. Mamon

Mamon is a great representation of the classic Filipino desserts-simple, comforting, and delightfully fluffy. A snack that you can often find paired with a cup of hot coffee in the afternoon. You can also find the commercialized version made for kids to snack on during breaks or merienda. This soft airy sponge cake is often brushed with butter and a sprinkling of sugar or grated cheese. 

12. Taisan

A soft buttery Filipino loaf cake that’s so simple to make yet still incredibly satisfying. A light and fluffy loaf topped with a sweet buttery topping. Taisan is the denser, cake form of mamon. A no-fuss delicate snack perfect for merienda with a side of freshly brewed tea or coffee.

13. Pianono

Another Filipino rice cake but with different techniques and fillings. Pianono is a Filipino sponge cake roll filled with sweet buttercream, or a generous brushing of butter or margarine with a sprinkling of sugar as the filling. Soft, fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness that makes it an easy nostalgic snack favored by both kids and adults alike. 

14. Ensaymada

Ensaymada is a soft Filipino pastry known for its buttery dough that’s topped with a buttercream frosting, sugar, and grated cheese, sometimes even with a salted egg topping / filling. This bun brings together a mix of sweet and savory flavors in every delicious fluffy bite, Perfect as a sweet breakfast in the mornings paired with coffee, as merienda or desserts, to serve at holiday gatherings, or even as a mini business idea to sell online.

15. Bibingka

A soft and spongy Filipino rice cake. Bibingka is one of the best Filipino desserts for Christmas. A traditional sweet and buttery rice flour-based cake baked in banana leaves, topped with salted eggs, a brush or margarine or butter, grated coconut, and shredded cheese. This treat captures the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. Perfect to enjoy after simbang gabi or as a treat outside the festive holidays.

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16. Bibingkang Malagkit

Not to be confused with Bibingka. Bibingkang Malagkit is a rich sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice, not rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and salt, topped with a creamy muscovado and coconut cream based caramel called “Latik”. A hearty merienda using the most common Filipino ingredients making it one of the most authentic Filipino desserts you can enjoy. A traditional ‘kakanin’ or ‘rice-based’ dish enjoyed for its deep comforting flavor, delicate sweetness, and chewy texture.

17. Filipino Coconut Macaroons

Filipino Coconut Macaroons are bite-sized chewy sweet treats packed with coconut flavor. These Filipino style macaroons are less dense and more so slightly soft with the top ‘crust’ being a bit crisp which makes each bite extra satisfying. An easy to make treat that’s perfect as a snack, party dessert, for giveaways, or turn into a business which many do around christmas time.

18. Buchi

A crispy golden fried ball with a chewy inner layer, filled with sweet mung bean paste, red bean paste, or cheese, coated in sesame seeds. Buchi is a deep fried perfection formed into a deliciously sweet and savory ball that’s popularly sold in Chowking but you can just as easily make at home. It’s a popular merienda and party snack that’s just as satisfying and fun to eat. 

19. Biko

Biko is a classic sticky rice cake that differs from Bibingkang Malagkit by having coconut curds as its topping instead of the sweet thick cream syrup. This classic sticky rice snack is made by cooking glutinous rice, in coconut milk and brown sugar until soft and chewy. Topped with toasted coconut curds or “latik”. A perfect example of traditional and heartfelt Filipino cooking full of flavor and tradition.

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20. Suman Pinipig

Suman Pinipig is another traditional rice delicacy that’s deliciously sticky, chewy, and subtly sweet with flavors rooted in Filipino culture. Made with glutinous rice or pinipig ( flattened glutinous rice ) simmered in coconut milk, flavored and colored with pandan extract. Serve these as is or with shredded coconut, muscovado sugar, or a mix of sugar and toasted desiccated coconut on top. A true taste of Filipino heritage in each bite.

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21. Champorado

Champorado is a warm, satisfyingly filling, chocolatey rice porridge that’s perfect for breakfast, merienda, or something to enjoy during the colder weather months. One of the easier Filipino dessert recipes you can make at home. All you need is to simmer rice in milk, a bit of sugar, cocoa powder, and water until it turns into a chewy ooey gooey delicious bowl best paired with a splash of milk or a side of salty dried fish.

22. Puto Bumbong

Puto Bumbong is a vibrant purple rice cake that’s cooked by steaming these in bamboo tubes. Traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. Served over a banana leaf, and garnished with margarine or butter, grated coconut, and muscovado sugar. A uniquely festive dish that captures the spirit of Filipino Christmases. This recipe makes it easier to make this delicious treat without the bamboo tubes.

23. Puto

Puto is a soft, simple, pillowy stemmed rice cake that’s not only a crowd favorite but one of the easiest and best Filipino dessert recipes you can try. It has a light sweet flavor, can be flavored with anything from powdered milk, ube, and many other flavorings. Mostly paired with coffee or tablea ( Filipino hot chocolate ), or with savory dishes like dinuguan or noodles. Often sold at bakeries, grocery stores, or online baking businesses. A classic treat that cultures the heart of Filipino comfort food.

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24. Maja Blanca

There’s nothing like the silky, crusty, coconut-milk based dessert that’s both light and satisfyingly sweet with a hint of fruits, ube, or any other flavorings. Maja Blanca is perfect for those who love creamy textures with a mild sweetness topped with crisp textures made of coconut curds, corn kernels, or fruits. The perfect festive dessert to bring at parties.

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25. Cassava Cake

Cassava Cake is a rich, moist, absolutely delicious dessert that’s made from grated cassava, coconut milk, and condensed milk. Steamed into a chewy cake that’s topped with a creamy custard layer that’s baked to golden perfection. A simple yet delightful dessert that earns its place as one of the best Filipino desserts to make at home.

26. Sinalab

Sinalab is a traditional chewy cassava pancake. This delicacy is made by grating cassava, mixing this with coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and butter until it forms a sticky batter. Unlike pancakes that are poured over a pan. This Filipino pancake is formed by scooping the cassava batter in between banana leaves, then steamed or ‘pan-cooked’, flipping with the banana leaves to get its aroma. Then sprinkled or filled with grated cheese or sugar before rolling and slicing these into bite-sized snacks. Sinalab is a must try for those looking for something simple with deep cultural roots.

27. Nilupak na Kamoteng Kahoy

Another traditional delicacy made from cassava, but this time steamed before being mashed with sugar, butter, and coconut milk until it forms a smooth rich and creamy paste. Nilupak na Kamoteng Kahoy is a  filling afternoon snack that’ll bring you back to simpler times. This nostalgic merienda is often topped up with grated cheese and chopped peanuts, or more sugar for those who like things a little sweeter.

28. Kustinta

Want something light, chewy, and so easy to make it only needs 5 ingredients? Then this Kustinta recipe is for you. Sweet chewy rice cakes with a distinct caramel color coming from the brown sugar and annatto, and a thick jelly-like texture made by mixing cassava flour, all purpose flour, and the special ingredient – lye water. Often topped with freshly grated coconut served as a snack at family gatherings or as breakfast with other rice-based snacks like puto.

29. Pichi-Pichi

Pichi-Pichi is another lovable chewy Filipino dessert made with freshly grated cassava, sugar, water, and lye water with a touch of pandan essence for a bit of aromatic flavoring. These are then mixed together then steamed until it looks translucent and jelly-like. The finishing touch is coating the pichi-pichi in grated coconut and or shredded cheese. A fan-favorite refreshing treat that you’ll find in fiestas or at small and big celebrations.

30. Sapin-Sapin

Sapin-Sapin is a colorful layered rice cake snack that’s just as delicious as it looks. This eye-catching dessert might look time consuming. But it’s actually an effortless dish to make. Just mix glutinous rice flour, rice flour, sugar, condensed milk, and coconut milk, separating the batter into as much colors as you like, adding flavorings or colorings like ube halaya or ube flavoring, yellow food coloring or jackfruit flavoring into each separate batter. Steaming these layer by layer for just a few minutes before taking these out to serve as is or with a toasted dessicated coconut and sugar mixture as a topping.

31. Ginataang Bilo-Bilo

Some of the best desserts are enjoyed during the colder weather months. Ginataang Bilo-Bilo is a warm comforting dessert made with sticky rice balls, tapioca pearls, ripe jackfruit, and pandan leaves – the Filipino vanilla. Simmered in coconut cream and milk and sugar. Each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures in a cozy bowl. Making it a favorite of many as a rainy day treat.

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32. Minatamis na Saging

An authentic sweet treat that’s also budget friendly is Minatamis na Saging, which literally translates to ‘sweetened bananas’. A very straightforward recipe that can be done in 20 minutes or less. This delicious dessert is made of ripe saba bananas and sweet potatoes simmered in sugar water until soft and tender, mixed in with small chewy tapioca pearls. Perfect as a warm merienda if served immediately, and once cooled down or chilled makes for a refreshing snack.

33. Maruya

Maruya or “Banana Fritters” is a crowd favorite snack you’ll often find sold on the streets, or upgraded and decorated with caramel, ice cream and many other toppings in some restaurants or hotels. A beloved snack made by mixing mashed bananas with sugar then mixing this with flour, baking power, salt, milk, and vanilla. Scooping these and forming the banana batter into circles onto a pan. It’s then fried until these look like tasty golden medallions. Lastly, a sprinkle of more sugar as garnish.

34. Karioka

One more beloved fried street food treat that kids and adults adore. Karioka is a fried treat made of 2 simple ingredients. Grated cassava and brown sugar mixed and formed into balls. Before giving it another dusting of sugar to give it a nice crispy caramelized outer layer when fried. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside. These sugar coated balls are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

35. Kamote Cue

Kamote Cue is a classic Filipino street food that’s so simple it’s made with just 2 ingredients and under 15 minutes. Sweet potatoes fried until slightly golden brown then doused with sugar while being fried. This makes the sugar cling onto the sweet potatoes as it melts. Then taken out to cool down and create an irresistible sweet treat that’s not only affordable but easy to make at home. The best snack to munch on for those looking for the perfect balance of crunchy and sweet.

36. Turon

Turon or some may know as Banana Lumpia are deliciously crisp sweet golden bars made of ripened bananas, sometimes with jackfruit added into the filling or maybe even chocolate or any other fruit, wrapped in lumpia wrapper then fried into a tempting bar that made even more perfect with a sprinkling of sugar for that nice caramelized outer layer. A dessert  with a crunchy exterior and a soft and tender fruity filling. This addicting treat is enjoyed as is, with a side of chocolate syrup for more of that choco-banana combo, or with scoops of ice cream. A Filipino street food snack that can be upgraded in many ways.

37. Peach Mango Pie

Now a worldwide favorite. Peach Mango Pie is beloved by anyone who’s ever given it a bite! A classic dessert that features sweet, juicy, Philippine mangoes and canned peaches, with a bit of sugar added to create an irresistible luscious filling, encased in a flaky, buttery pie crust then baked into beautiful addicting bars perfectly served freshly baked, with a scoop of ice cream for a nice contrast, or slightly chilled for a refreshing peach-mango filling.

38. Filipino Egg Pie

Filipino Egg Pie is a creamy custardy dessert that perfectly suits any type of occasion. From small gatherings to all out fiestas. What makes this Filipino version of the casual egg pie so different? It gets its iconic silky cream fillings by adding condensed milk and evaporated milk. This also causes the pie to have a nice slightly charred brown top. It’s a simple recipe that yields delicious slices, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

39. Buko Pie

Another beloved and iconic FIlino snack that’s even a popular souvenir within the Philippines. Buko Pie is made of tender young coconut meat simmered in coconut water, sugar, lightly flavored with vanilla, and thickened with cornstarch. Once the mildly sweet custardy filling looks thick and creamy it’s then encased in a buttery flaky pie crust. It’s such a tasty dessert-snack that’s rich in tropical flavors with the perfect balance of flavor and texture. A must-try for anyone looking for a more natural buko-based ( coconut based ) Filipino dessert.

40. Palitaw

Palitaw is a simple Filipino rice case, akin to mochi but flat and usually either filled with cheese or ube in the middle, or simmered in a sweet coconut milk-based sauce. These are often covered in grated coconut, sugar, and or toasted sesame seeds. Sweet, chewy, and slightly nutty in flavor. It’s a traditional nostalgic Filipino snack that’s just as satisfying to make and eat.

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41. Kalamay

Kalamay or Kalamay Lansong is a steamed sticky rice cake delicacy made of glutinous rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and coconut cream. This chewy dessert is often topped up with toasted coconut curds called “latik” and served over banana leaves or coconut shells. A Pinoy kakanin ( rice snack-dish ) that some make as a substitute for tikoy which many Filipinos enjoy over the New year or the Chinese New Year.

42. Fruit Salad

A colorfully festive dessert that does not even need an introduction to many. This Christmas / Party dessert favorite is more often than not the pièce de résistance of the celebration-as a substitute to ice cream or cake. A vibrant creamy dessert made of a mix of canned fruits, kaong, corn kernels, raisins, shredded buko, with  condensed milk and all purpose cream. This Filipino Fruit Salad is beloved for its rich sweet flavor and easy prep work. Making this a go-to treat for any type of gathering.

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43. Taho

Taho is a beloved Filipino street food snack-drink made of silky smooth tofu, caramelized brown sugar syrup called ‘arnibal’, and chewy small tapioca pearls. Often enjoyed hot or warm in the mornings when the street food vendor arrives outside the workplace, school, or neighborhood, or slightly cold and chilled as an afternoon snack or an after dinner dessert. 

44. Yema

Filipino Yema is a snack-like candy that many kids love and some adults will sometimes indulge in. Made of condensed milk, egg yolks, and crushed nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or walnuts. These are often shaped into balls that are coated in more sugar to give it a more solid ‘crust’, or formed into hin pyramids, making it more fun to eat. Wapped in different colored cellophane wrappers. A rich melt-in-your mouth candy that’s perfect for snacking or gifting.

45. Pastillas de Leche

Pastillas de Leche or Sweet Filipino Soft Milk Candies are traditionally made of carabao’s milk for that more intense milky flavor, but commercialized by using fresh milk, which also makes it more affordable and easy to make at home. The choice of milk is then simmered and thickened with just 3 ingredients: sugar, butter, and powdered milk. Turned into a thick dough that’s shaped into logs, and into even smaller logs, coated in white sugar to keep it from sticking to the colorful paper or cellophane wrappers. A charismatic traditional Filipino confection perfect for snacking, sharing, gifting, or even selling.

46. Polvoron

Filipino Polvoron is a classic snack you can find sold at bakeries, grocery stores, street stalls, convenience stores, and even as a souvenir in some gas stations. A crumbly shortbread cookie made of toasted flour giving it its nice toasty nuttiness, pondered milk, butter, and sugar. A snack packed with rich milky flavor in each bite. Wrapped in colorful cellophane and brings bacl nostalgic memories of childhood and simpler days. 

47. Silavanas 

Filipino Silvanas are a very butter indulgent frozen treat. This chilled scrumptious cookie sandwich is made from baked crunchy cashew meringue layers, separated and coated by a rich buttercream filling,  coated with nuts, meringue cribs, or cookie cribs before being encased in foil or placed in containers. Though there are also simpler no bake options like Graham Sansrival or Graham Silvanas.

48. Pan de Coco

While not typically considered a dessert. These are often enjoyed as a sweet breakfast or afternoon snack paired with coffee or hot chocolate, some even enjoy a bun as an after meal treat. Though once you take a bite you might actually finish up 2 buns due to how light and fluffy it is. Pan de Coco is a soft pillowy bread filled with a sticky sweet caramelized coconut filling.

49. Spanish Bread

Another dessert type bread more often enjoyed in the early mornings, freshly baked in Panaderias ( Filipino local bakeries ), or in the afternoons when you want something sweet yet slightly filling to much on and give you a slight sugar ruch. Spanish Bread is a buttery roll filled with a slightly crumbly, and more so sweet filling made of sugar, breadcrumbs, and butter or margarine. A classic Filipino pastry with Spanish influences, thus the name it;s been given.

50. Tablea ( or Tsokolate drink )

A fuss free desert you can make in one pot, and enjoy as a drink. Tablea is what you call a pure unsweetened grounded cacao tablet used to make ‘tsokolate’ which literally translates to chocolate but is more often used as a term for the ‘hot chocolate’ drink. The drink, like many Filipino flavors, is intense, bold, and sweet-with the addition of sugar, muscovado sugar, or honey. Some even add seasonings like ginger or cinnamon into the pot of milk or water when simmering the tablea, though another popular combination is adding red chillies in the middle or at the end of the simmering stage for a spicy contrast to the bittersweet drink.

Check out our other Top Food Lists :

If you are looking for a list of Filipino desserts that captures the essence, heart, and history of the Philippines. Then this article showcases everything from Filipino desserts with coconut milk, Filipino traditional kakanin ( rice-based dishes ), creative no-bake dessert recipes, drinks, popular desserts you’ll always find in fiestas, crowd favorite after dinner desserts, frequent birthday treats, and many other famous sweets. This guide offers a flavorful journey through the best 50 Filipino Desserts Philippines has to offer.