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Cheesy Buchi (Sesame Balls)

Golden, crispy, and delightfully chewy, Cheesy Buchi is a Filipino-inspired snack made with glutinous rice flour, mashed sweet potato, and a gooey cheese filling. Coated in crunchy sesame seeds and deep-fried to perfection, these irresistible sesame balls are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Ideal for merienda, parties, or whenever you're craving a comforting homemade treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 15
Calories 145 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Potato masher or Fork
  • Saucepan for boiling sweet potato
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Deep frying pan or pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Glutinous Rice flour
  • ½ Cup Sweet Potato mashed
  • ⅔ Cups Sugar
  • 2/3 Cups Hot water
  • Cheese cubes, for filling
  • Sesame seeds for coating
  • Cooking Oil for deep frying

Sesame Seed Slurry (Optional, for better coating)

  • 2 Tbsps Glutinous Rice Flour
  • 2 Tbsps Water

Instructions
 

  • Boil or steam the sweet potato until tender, then mash until smooth.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and mashed sweet potato.
  • Dissolve the sugar in hot water.
  • Gradually pour the hot sugar water into the flour mixture while mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms.
  • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball.
  • Flatten the dough and place a cube of cheese in the center.
  • Seal the dough tightly around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball.
  • Mix the glutinous rice flour and water to make a thin slurry.
  • Dip each dough ball into the slurry, then coat generously with sesame seeds.
  • Heat cooking oil over low to medium heat.
  • Fry the buchi slowly, turning occasionally until evenly puffed and golden brown.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Serve warm while the cheese filling is deliciously melted.

Notes

  • Always use hot water when making the dough to help the buchi stay round after frying.
  • Fry over low heat to allow the dough to expand evenly without burning.
  • Seal the cheese completely inside the dough to prevent leaks.
  • Sweet potato creates a softer, chewier texture and adds natural sweetness.
  • You can substitute the cheese filling with chocolate, ube halaya, peanut butter, yema, or sweet bean paste.
  • Best enjoyed fresh while the cheese is still warm and gooey.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gCalcium: 70mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword Cheese-Filled Buchi, Cheesy Buchi, Easy Filipino Dessert, FILIPINO SNACK, Glutinous Rice Flour Recipe, Merienda Recipe, Sesame Balls, Sweet Potato Recipe
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