Celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month with a delicious twist on the classic Filipino rice cake! There’s something incredibly special about classic Filipino rice desserts: warm, sweet, chewy, and rich with flavor. But when you add peanut butter — particularly high-quality, all-natural peanut butter like Spread The Love® NAKED Organic Peanut Butter — you take this beloved treat from traditional to unforgettable. This biko recipe combines the beloved Filipino sticky rice cake with creamy, nutty layers of PB sauce that elevate every bite.
Biko (pronounced bee-ko) is a Filipino sweet rice cake traditionally made with glutinous rice, brown sugar, and coconut milk — kakanin (rice flour desserts) at its absolute best. While classic biko isn’t made with peanut butter, this version brings a deliciously modern twist that still honors the dish’s roots and makes it even more memorable at potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings.
What Makes Peanut Butter Biko So Amazing?
At first glance, this might seem like a simple rice cake — but a few key elements set it apart:
Peanut butter adds rich nutty flavor: The combination of coconut and peanut butter creates an irresistible balance of creaminess and sweetness.
Sticky rice with deep aromatics: Sweet rice and coconut milk form a traditional base with comforting texture and subtle richness.
Perfect for sharing: This dish isn’t only delicious — it’s sociable and perfect for celebrations or sharing with loved ones.
Comfort dessert for every palate: Whether you grew up with Filipino desserts or are trying biko for the first time, the peanut butter version adds familiarity and appeal for peanut lovers.
Of course, the real star here is peanut butter, rich, creamy, and naturally satisfying.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups Sweet Rice, rinsed & drained
- 1 cup Spread The Love® NAKED CRUNCH Organic Peanut Butter divided
- 2 cups Canned Coconut Milk, divided
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
✔ Step 1 - Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a square 8×8 baking dish and set aside.
✔ Step 2 - Cook the Rice
Add rice, ½ cup of peanut butter, 1 cup of coconut milk, and brown sugar to a medium pot. Bring to a simmer. Cook covered until rice has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
✔ Step 3 - Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the remaining coconut milk with ½ cup of peanut butter over medium heat. Slowly drizzle the peanut butter into the coconut milk while whisking continuously to prevent separation.
✔ Step 4 - Finish the Sauce
Bring the peanut butter and coconut milk mixture to a boil while stirring, then remove from heat. Pour over the cooked rice.
✔ Step 5 - Bake & Serve
Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Let cool slightly before slicing — this dish is best enjoyed warm! Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Tips for Perfect Biko
Here are some ways to make your peanut butter biko even better — without altering the integrity of your original recipe:
Stir Frequently
While simmering the rice and coconut mixture, stir often. This prevents the sticky rice from clumping or burning.
Warm It Up
Biko tastes best warm. If serving later, gently reheat in the oven or microwave — the peanut butter sauce gets extra gooey and delicious.
Add Texture
Though not in the original recipe, you can serve with crushed peanuts on top if you want extra crunch — still keeping every bite rooted in peanut butter goodness.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas
This biko pairs beautifully with:
Fresh fruit: Mangoes or bananas add brightness to each bite.
Coffee or hot chocolate: A warm cup pairs perfectly with warm, peanut butter-swirled sticky rice.
Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side adds a cool contrast.
Family gatherings: Bring this dessert to potlucks, parties, or celebrations — it’s guaranteed to be a hit
This biko recipe keeps everything you love about traditional Filipino sticky rice cake while showcasing the creamy, nutty flair of peanut butter. It’s simple enough to make any night of the week, yet special enough for celebrations. Whether you’re exploring new desserts or sharing a familiar treat in a new way, this version of biko brings people together one warm, sticky bite at a time.
