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+ servings
kutsinta with grated coconut topping on white plates.
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4.33 from 131 votes

Kutsinta

Kutsinta (cuchinta) are Filipino steamed cakes made with flour, tapioca flour, and brown sugar. Soft, chewy and topped with grated coconut, they're a delicious snack or dessert.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Filipino
Servings: 4 Dozens
Calories: 89kcal

Equipment

  • silicone molds
  • Steamer

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • ½ cup tapioca flour
  • 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon atsuete powder
  • 1 tablespoon lye water

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine flour, tapioca flour, sugar, and water. Stir well until dissolved and mixture is smooth.
  • Add atsuete and stir until well dispersed and the desired color is achieved. 
  • Add lye water and stir. 
  • Fill molds to about ¾ full.
  • Add water to the steamer and bring to simmer over medium heat.
  • Steam kutsinta for about 40 to 45 minutes or until mixture is set. Remove from heat and allow to cool. 
  • Gently remove from molds and top with grated coconut.

Video

Notes

  • The atsuete is primarily added to deepen the color and you can use more or less depending on the brown sugar you use.
  • If using tin molds, you might need to grease the insides to make removing the steamed cakes easy.
  • Steam in a gentle simmer to prevent the kutsinta from sinking in the middle.
  • These are mini-sized cuchinta; recipe yield depends on the size of molds you use.
  • Stir the mixture between pouring into the molds as the flour settles in the bottom.
  • Nutritional info is calculated at two pieces per serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 26mg | Sugar: 13g | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.5mg