Sweetened Coconut Rice with Toasted Latik Topping

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Filipino dessert featuring sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar, topped with golden toasted latik for a rich, nutty finish. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 65 minutes layers glutinous rice (sticky rice), coconut milk, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups glutinous rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain and soak rice in 2 cups water for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Drain rice and combine with 2 1/2 cups coconut milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a heavy-bottom pot. Stir gently to mix.
  3. Step 3: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and coconut milk is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: To make latik, pour 1 cup fresh coconut cream into a small pan over medium heat. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens and separates into golden solids and oil (about 30 minutes). Remove solids with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Serve the sweetened coconut rice warm topped generously with toasted latik bits for a nutty, caramelized flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweetened Coconut Rice with Toasted Latik Topping take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (35 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Sweetened Coconut Rice with Toasted Latik Topping?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweetened Coconut Rice with Toasted Latik Topping?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sweetened Coconut Rice with Toasted Latik Topping for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sweetened Coconut Rice with Toasted Latik Topping?

Filipino desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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