Vegan Suman (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)

Indulge in the comforting flavors of *Vegan Suman*, a plant-based take on the beloved Filipino sticky rice cake. This easy yet satisfying recipe features glutinous rice simmered in rich, creamy coconut milk, sweetened with brown sugar, and delicately wrapped in fragrant banana leaves for an authentic tropical aroma. Steamed to perfection, the suman offers a delightfully sticky, chewy texture that’s perfect as a snack or dessert. Best of all, it’s naturally dairy-free and vegan, making it a versatile treat for any occasion. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and elevate it with a drizzle of coconut milk, a sprinkle of sugar, or even fresh, juicy mangoes for a truly indulgent experience. Whether you’re exploring Filipino cuisine for the first time or craving a taste of home, this Vegan Suman recipe is an absolute must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups glutinous rice
• 1.5 cups coconut milk
• 0.5 cups brown sugar
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 10 pieces banana leaves
• 0 as needed water (for soaking rice and steaming)
• 1 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil (optional for greasing)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the glutinous rice in cool water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water for 4 hours or overnight for better texture.

Step 2

Prepare the banana leaves by rinsing them thoroughly and patting them dry. Pass the leaves quickly over an open flame or heat them briefly to make them pliable. Cut the leaves into rectangular pieces about 8x10 inches in size.

Step 3

In a large pot, combine the coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Step 4

Drain the soaked glutinous rice and add it to the coconut milk mixture. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10–15 minutes, until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid but is still partially uncooked.

Step 5

Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the semi-cooked rice onto the center of each banana leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll the leaf tightly to form a cylinder. Fold the edges under to seal. Optionally, tie with kitchen twine to hold the wrap in place.

Step 6

Place the wrapped suman in a steamer basket, ensuring they are not packed too tightly to allow for even cooking. Steam over boiling water for 45–60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has a sticky, chewy texture.

Step 7

Remove the suman from the steamer and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, drizzle with more coconut milk, sprinkle with sugar, or pair with fresh mangoes for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2088.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	889.1

Total Fat 12.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1665.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 186.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4g	0%
Total Sugars 95.7g
Protein 8.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 89.8mg	0%
Iron 1.1mg	0%
Potassium 460.4mg	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: 12.6%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 83.8%