Easter is around the corner, and I’ve been thinking about fun snacks to make for family and friends. That’s when I thought of palitaw—a uniquely Filipino treat that’s perfect for the occasion! Soft, chewy, and coated in sweet coconut, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds, it’s a simple delight that brings back so many childhood memories. And the best part? I can shape them into little bunnies for an extra festive touch! It’s so easy to make with just a few ingredients, and for anyone missing the taste of home, this will surely bring comfort and joy.
The name palitaw is quite funny, as most Filipino dish names are. Litaw means “to appear,” and there’s even a saying, Lulubog, lilitaw—which means “to sink and rise.” That’s exactly how you cook this rice cake! When you drop the uncooked glutinous rice dough into boiling water, it sinks to the bottom. But once it’s perfectly cooked and ready to eat, it floats to the surface—like a little magic trick in the pot. It’s simple, playful, and so Filipino. We love making fun of everything, even our food!
We didn’t usually make this at home. You’d find street vendors selling palitaw in the afternoon, right next to trays of other rice cakes or a steaming bilao of pancit. But since we can’t get it where we live now, I’ve started making it at home, for those days when my husband and I crave a taste of childhood and to introduce it to my son, so he grows up knowing the simple joys of Filipino snacks.
how to make palitaw
Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Make the Dough. In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour and water until a smooth, pliable dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
2. Shape the Palitaw. Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it into a small oval or circle. If making them into bunny shapes for Easter, mold them accordingly.
3. Boil the Palitaw. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop the shaped dough into the boiling water. They will sink at first.
4. Wait for Them to Float . Once the palitaw pieces rise to the surface, they are cooked! This usually takes about 1–2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and drain excess water.
5. Coat with Toppings. Mix sugar and toasted sesame seeds in a small bowl. Coat each piece of palitaw with grated coconut, then sprinkle generously with the sugar-sesame mixture.
6. Serve and Enjoy. Arrange on a plate and enjoy while soft and warm!
Ideas to make it fun for Kids
1. Make Bunny Faces. After cooking the palitaw, decorate them to look like bunnies! Use strawberry slices for ears, blackberries for eyes, and cut a tiny triangle from a strawberry for the nose. It’s an easy way to make them extra cute and fun for kids!
2. Add Colors. Mix a few drops of food coloring into the dough to make pastel-colored palitaw—pink, yellow, or light green for a fun Easter touch!
3. Use Cookie Cutters. If shaping by hand feels tricky, roll out the dough slightly and use small cookie cutters to make cute shapes like stars, hearts, or even Easter eggs!
4. Make It Extra Sweet . Instead of just sugar and sesame seeds, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or condensed milk on top. My son loves anything with chocolate!
5. Let the Kids Help. Little hands love rolling and shaping dough! Let the kids help shape their own palitaw, and they’ll be even more excited to eat them.
Final Thoughts
Palitaw is such a simple yet special treat—chewy, sweet, and full of nostalgia. Whether you’re making them the classic way or turning them into cute little bunnies for Easter, it’s a fun and easy snack to share with family. I hope you enjoy making these with your kids and creating sweet memories in the kitchen. Happy Easter!
If you’re looking for more Easter ideas, check out these Easter Snack Ideas, Easter Dinner Recipes, and Easter Basket Ideas for a full festive celebration!
