Chef RV Cake Recipes: Filipino Favorites and Classics
Explore Chef RV Manabat’s most beloved Filipino cake recipes—from Yema Cake to Ube creations and beyond. A collection of soft, fluffy, and nostalgic Filipino cakes.
From feathery chiffon layers to nostalgic Yema Cake, Chef RV’s cakes focus on soft crumb, balanced sweetness, and reliable, step‑by‑step methods. Use this hub to explore Filipino bakery favorites and modern twists. New recipes under this topic auto‑populate below.
Quick picks (choose your vibe)
- Fast & simple: one‑bowl banana cake, cassava loaf, snack‑size cupcakes
- Layer‑cake classics: mocha chiffon, ube macapuno, yema cake
- No‑bake crowd‑pleasers: refrigerator cakes, icebox bars, tres leches‑style
- Party bakes: red velvet cupcakes, chocolate crinkles cake, caramel bars add‑on layers
Pantry & tools
Flours: cake flour (or AP + cornstarch), cassava flour, glutinous rice flour (for kakanin hybrids)
Leaveners: baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar for meringue
Fats: neutral oil or melted butter; boxed cream and condensed milk for fillings
Sugar: white, brown, or muscovado (for depth in yema/caramel)
Tools: 8‑ and 9‑inch round pans, offset spatula, wire whisk, digital scale, stand/hand mixer, skewer for doneness
Make‑ahead & storage (at a glance)
Component | Fridge | Freezer | Notes / Reheat tips |
---|---|---|---|
Chiffon layers | 2–3 days, wrapped | 1–2 months | Thaw wrapped; re‑soften 10–15 min at room temp |
Yema frosting | 4–5 days | not ideal | Re‑whisk; loosen with 1–2 tsp milk if stiff |
Swiss/Italian meringue | 3–4 days | 1 month | Re‑whip on low until silky; warm bowl slightly if curdled |
Ganache (1:1) | 5–7 days | 1–2 months | Warm in 5–10 sec bursts; stir until glossy |
Soaking syrup | 2 weeks | 2–3 months | Keep chilled; brush lightly—don’t soak |
Food safety: Cool cakes fully before wrapping; keep dairy fillings chilled; transport with ice packs in warm weather.
Compare popular Chef RV cakes
Cake | Time | Skill | Sweetness | Texture goal | Best for |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yema Cake | 1 h 15 m | Easy‑Med | ★★★★☆ | Soft sponge + fudgy yema | Birthdays, potlucks |
Mocha Chiffon | 1 h 10 m | Med | ★★★☆☆ | Feathery, coffee‑forward | Celebrations |
Ube Macapuno Cake | 1 h 20 m | Med | ★★★★☆ | Moist, aromatic ube | Weekends, gifts |
Moist Chocolate Cake | 1 h | Easy | ★★★★☆ | Tender crumb + cocoa | Everyday, kids |
Tres Leches‑style | 55 m (+chill) | Easy | ★★★☆☆ | Milky, cold, ultra‑moist | Hot days |
Techniques that make the difference
- Scale it. Measuring by grams keeps chiffon light and prevents gummy crumbs.
- Whip meringue to medium peaks. Too stiff = dry batter that collapses; too soft = weak rise.
- Fold, don’t stir. Add meringue in 3 additions; cut‑and‑lift with a spatula to keep air.
- Line + cool upside‑down (chiffon). Ungreased sides let the cake climb; invert to prevent shrinkage.
- Brush syrup, don’t pour. 1–2 Tbsp per 8‑inch layer is plenty; excess = soggy middle.
- Yema smoothness. Cook over medium‑low, whisking constantly; strain hot if needed for ultra‑silky frosting.
- Buttercream rescue. If split, warm the bowl with a hairdryer or torch for 5–10 seconds while mixing on low.
Common mistakes & quick fixes
- Dense chiffon? Over‑mixed after adding flour → whisk wet just to combine; fold meringue gently.
- Sunken center? Under‑baked or opened oven early → bake until a skewer comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Weeping meringue? Sugar not fully dissolved → warm whites to 45–50°C while whisking (for Italian/Swiss).
- Yema too sweet? Add a pinch of salt and 1–2 tsp calamansi or lemon juice to balance.
Simple decorating ideas
- Naked layers with syrup‑brushed sides + piped rosettes
- Crumb coat + chill 20 minutes to trap crumbs before final coat
- Textured finish using a spoon back or cake comb; top with polvoron or toasted coconut
FAQs
What cakes is Chef RV most famous for?
Yema Cake, Ube Macapuno Cake, and Mocha Chiffon are perennial favorites.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chef RV’s cakes?
Yes—AP flour + cornstarch for cake flour; calamansi for lemon in syrups; fresh milk for evaporated in some batters.
Are Chef RV’s cake recipes beginner‑friendly?
Absolutely. Follow the step‑by‑step cues (visual doneness, gram weights, and fold timings) and you’ll get consistent results.
Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins You’ll Crave
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Irresistible Banana Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Streusel
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Fluffy Brazo de Mercedes Roll with Creamy Custard
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Irresistibly Creamy Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Moist Lemon Butter Cake That Melts in Your Mouth
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Irresistible Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Super Moist Banana Cake Recipe by Chef RV
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
No-Bake Easy Tiramisu with Coffee & Cream
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Pineapple Upside Down Cake – Chef RV’s Classic Twist
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Chef RV’s Moist Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Super Moist Strawberry Tres Leches Cake – Filipino Style
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Moist Whole Wheat Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Moist Chocolate Cake with Caramel Icing (Mas Bongga!)
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
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