Dairy-Free Suman (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Dairy-Free Suman, a traditional Filipino sticky rice cake wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar. This dairy-free version of the classic treat features glutinous rice slowly cooked in luscious coconut milk, delivering a rich and creamy texture without any dairy. Perfectly portable and steamed to perfection, each suman bundle is a delightful blend of sweetness and subtle saltiness, making it an irresistible snack or dessert. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients and Filipino culinary tradition. Bonus: It’s gluten-free, vegan, and made with minimal ingredients for a healthier twist on a beloved classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 1.5 cups coconut milk
• 0.5 cups coconut sugar
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 10 pieces banana leaves
• 3 cups water (for steaming)

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly rinse the glutinous rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Then soak the rice in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, combine the coconut milk, coconut sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the soaked and drained glutinous rice to the pot. Stir constantly to ensure even mixing, and cook over low heat until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is partially cooked. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4

Prepare the banana leaves by running them over an open flame or a dry skillet for a few seconds to make them pliable. Wipe clean using a damp cloth.

Step 5

Cut the banana leaves into rectangular pieces (about 8 x 10 inches). Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the sticky rice mixture into the center of each banana leaf piece. Shape the rice mixture into a log, fold the sides of the leaf over the rice, and then fold the edges to create a secure wrap. You can use kitchen twine to tie the suman bundles if needed.

Step 6

Set up a large steamer and bring the water to a boil. Arrange the wrapped suman bundles in the steamer in a single layer. Cover and steam over medium-high heat for approximately 60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7

Remove the suman from the steamer and let it cool to room temperature before serving. Unwrap the banana leaves and serve warm or at room temperature as a snack or dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2599.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	957.4

Total Fat 1.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1555.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 234.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4g	0%
Total Sugars 143.7g
Protein 8.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 29.6mg	0%
Iron 3.5mg	0%
Potassium 364mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.4%

Protein: 3.3%

Carbs: 95.4%