Holiday Pichi Pichi—Chewy Cassava Coconut Bites
Chef RV Manabat (adapted by JojoM)
Classic Filipino pichi pichi made with grated cassava, coconut milk, and butter—steam, roll in coconut, and color for festive red-green treats.
Why You'll Love This
Filipino pichi pichi is the ultimate chewy coconut snack—soft, bouncy, and lightly sweet. This version is made with cassava, coconut milk, and butter for a moist texture, then finished with fresh coconut or cheese. Add food colouring for a fun holiday twist!
🛒 Ingredients
Pichi Pichi Base
- 450g (3 cups) cassava, finely grated (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 200g (1 cup) white sugar
- 360ml (1½ cups) canned coconut milk
- 115g (½ cup) melted butter
- 2 eggs
- Pinch of fine salt
Colour & Flavour (Optional)
- Few drops red food colouring
- Few drops green food colouring or buko-pandan flavouring
Toppings
- 120g (1½ cups) fresh grated coconut, for rolling
- 60g (½ cup) finely grated cheddar cheese, optional
🍽️ Instructions
1. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine grated cassava, sugar, coconut milk, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated, but don’t overmix.
2. Colour & Portion
If colouring, divide the batter into bowls and tint with red or green drops. Set your puto molds or silicone mini molds on a tray. Scoop batter into each mold, filling nearly to the top.
3. Steam
Bring water in your steamer to a steady boil. Wrap the steamer lid with a clean towel to catch condensation. Steam the pichi pichi for 15–20 minutes or until the tops are set and bouncy.
4. Finish & Serve
Cool slightly, then carefully unmould. Roll in fresh grated coconut or sprinkle with cheese. Serve warm or at room temp. Best enjoyed on the day they’re made.
💡 Tips
- Don’t squeeze out the cassava—its natural moisture gives the pichi pichi its bounce.
- Use a blender if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Tent the steamer lid to prevent soggy tops.
- Go easy on the food colouring—it lightens as it steams.
🧾 Nutrition (Per Piece)
- Calories: 132
- Protein: 1.3g
- Carbs: 15.5g
- Sugar: 8.8g
- Fat: 7.3g (5.3g saturated)
- Fibre: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 40mg
💬 Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Mara
“Turned out perfectly bouncy and moist—I coloured half green for buko pandan and it was a hit!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Luis
“Loved the visible cassava fibres. Steamed 18 minutes and the texture was spot on.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Anne
“I rolled some in coconut and some with cheese—both delicious for merienda.”
❓ FAQ
Q: Why did my pichi pichi turn rubbery?
A: Over-steaming can dry it out. Keep it to 15–20 minutes and don’t squeeze out the cassava’s moisture.
Q: Can I use frozen cassava?
A: Absolutely. Just thaw fully before using. For a smoother result, blend briefly before mixing.
Holiday Pichi Pichi—Chewy Cassava Coconut Bites
Chef RV Manabat (adapted by JojoM)Classic Filipino pichi pichi made with grated cassava, coconut milk, and butter—steam, roll in coconut, and color for festive red-green treats.
Chef's Tips
Do not squeeze the grated cassava if you want a moist, bouncy texture.
Tent the steamer lid with a towel to prevent water from dripping onto the batter.
Colour lightly—reds and greens will lighten further after steaming.
For a smoother texture, blend cassava briefly before mixing.
Tools Used
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Ingredients
Pichi Pichi Base
Colour & Flavour (Optional)
Toppings
Instructions
Make the Batter
- 1
In a large bowl combine grated cassava, sugar, coconut milk, melted butter, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly hydrated; do not overmix.
Colour & Portion
- 1
Divide batter into bowls if colouring. Tint lightly with red and green (or buko-pandan).
- 2
Set puto/silicone mini-moulds on a tray; no need to grease. Scoop batter to fill each mould nearly to the top.
Steam
- 1
Bring steamer water to a steady boil. Cover the lid with a towel to catch drips.
- 2
Steam moulds for 15–20 minutes until set and bouncy when pressed. Refill water as needed to avoid drying out.
Finish & Serve
- 1
Let pichi pichi cool slightly, then unmould carefully.
- 2
Roll in fresh grated coconut or top with grated cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Comments & Reviews
Anne
11/11/2025
I rolled some in coconut and some with cheese—both delicious for merienda.
Luis
11/11/2025
Loved the visible cassava fibres. Steamed 18 minutes and the texture was spot on.
Mara
11/11/2025
Turned out perfectly bouncy and moist—I coloured half green for buko pandan and it was a hit!
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 piece (approx 35g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
