Sweet Treats: Easy and Affordable Dessert Recipes Philippines

Who doesn’t love desserts? Whether you’re a certified sweet tooth or just looking for a quick sugar fix, having a delicious dessert doesn’t have to be expensive. In the Philippines, we’re lucky to have a variety of easy and affordable dessert recipes that use local ingredients without sacrificing taste. From creamy leche flan to chewy palitaw, you can whip up these sweet treats without burning a hole in your wallet!

In this article, we’ll share budget-friendly Filipino desserts that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Ready to satisfy your cravings? Let’s get started!

1. Classic Leche Flan (P50-P70 per recipe)

Leche flan is a staple in every Filipino celebration. It’s rich, creamy, and surprisingly affordable to make!

Ingredients:

• 10 egg yolks
• 1 can (300ml) condensed milk
• 1 can (370ml) evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a pan, melt the sugar over low heat until golden brown. Pour into llaneras (flan molds) and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, mix egg yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Strain the mixture to remove lumps, then pour it into the molds.
4. Steam for about 30-40 minutes or until firm.
5. Let it cool, then refrigerate. Flip onto a plate before serving. Enjoy your creamy leche flan!

2. No-Bake Mango Graham Float (P100-P150 per recipe)

This chilled dessert is a Filipino favorite—easy, no-bake, and perfect for hot days!

Ingredients:

• 1 pack of graham crackers
• 1 can (250ml) all-purpose cream (chilled)
• 1 can (300ml) condensed milk
• 2-3 ripe mangoes, sliced thinly

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix chilled all-purpose cream and condensed milk until well combined.
2. Layer graham crackers in a container, cream mixture, and mango slices.
3. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a cream layer.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Serve cold and enjoy this creamy, fruity delight!

3. Chewy Palitaw (P30-P50 per recipe)

A chewy, coconut-coated rice cake that’s super easy and cheap to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)

Instructions:

1. Mix glutinous rice flour and water to form a dough.
2. Roll into small balls, then flatten into discs.
3. Boil water in a pot and drop the palitaw pieces. They will float when done.
4. Remove from water, let them drain, then coat with grated coconut, sugar, and sesame seeds.
5. Serve and enjoy!

4. Banana Cue (P50-P70 per batch)

Street food classic turned homemade treat—sweet, caramelized, and oh-so-delicious!

Ingredients:

• 5 ripe saba bananas
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups cooking oil
• Bamboo skewers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add brown sugar, letting it melt slightly.
2. Add saba bananas and cook while stirring until coated with caramel.
3. Remove from heat and place on a tray.
4. Optional: Skewer them for a classic banana cue look.
5. Let cool slightly before enjoying!

5. Refreshing Buko Pandan (P100-P120 per recipe)

Try this refreshing coconut-based dessert that’s perfect for hot weather!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups young coconut strips (buko)
• 1 pack (90g) pandan-flavored gelatin
• 1 can (250ml) all-purpose cream
• 1 can (300ml) condensed milk
• 1/2 cup nata de coco (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pandan gelatin per the package instructions, then cut it into cubes once set.
2. In a bowl, mix coconut strips, gelatin cubes, nata de coco, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk.
3. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
4. Enjoy this sweet, creamy, and refreshing dessert!

Sweet Treats on a Budget

Desserts don’t have to be expensive or complicated! These affordable dessert recipes in the Philippines prove you can satisfy your sweet cravings without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a creamy leche flan, a chewy palitaw, or a refreshing buko pandan, these treats are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

So, which dessert are you trying first? Let us know in the comments! Happy cooking and sweet cravings!

Check out these recipes of Philippine cuisine:

The Best Bulalo Recipe: A Taste of Filipino Comfort Food

How to Cook Sinigang na Bagnet the Filipino Way

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