Binangkal Recipe – In Filipino cuisine, you’ll find that there are a fair number of snacks that put a twist on classic doughnuts or resemble them. Examples of this are carioca and bicho bicho. There are also other fun pastry snacks to try like ensaymada. If you want to try a different take on doughnuts, this is where binangkal comes in. Binangkal is a delightful treat that you can find in various neighborhood bakeries in the Philippines. It’s a beloved snack, and great if you don’t have the biggest sweet tooth. Unlike typical donuts, binangkal has a chewy texture that perfectly complements its coating of sesame seeds.
Each bite reveals the rich and nutty flavor of the sesame seeds, which are sprinkled on the golden brown crust. The name “binangkal” is derived from its resemblance to the fruits of the Nauclea orientalis tree, known locally as “bangkal.” These fried donuts are shaped like the rough, irregularly round fruits, with a cracked appearance when partially opened. If you want to try making the dish, here is one Binangkal Recipe to test:

Binangkal
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 Cup cornstarch
- 3/4 Cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 Cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 Cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla Optional
Instructions
- Grab a bowl and gather all your dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Give them a good mix together.
- In another bowl, it’s time to combine the wet ingredients. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and crack in the egg. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and happy.
- Now comes the fun part! Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir it all up until you have a lovely dough that’s ready to become tasty binangkal.
- Take a tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Next, let’s give it a little love by rolling it in some sesame seeds. Yum!
- Get your pan and heat up some oil for deep frying. Make sure the oil is nice and hot before we dive in with our doughy creations.
- Carefully place your binangkal balls into the hot oil and let them sizzle away. Fry them until they turn a beautiful golden brown color, and you’ll know they’re ready to be enjoyed.
Other Notes on a Binangkal Recipe
When it comes to preparing binangkal, a couple of tips can make a big difference. If you want to warm up your binangkal and add a bit of crispiness, using a toaster is a great option. Just remember not to toast them for too long to avoid burning. When frying, maintaining the right heat is crucial. Heat your oil to around 300 °F or 150 °C to ensure the perfect texture. Cooking 6-8 donuts at a time will help maintain the oil’s temperature and ensure even cooking.
Aside from this, you can play around with the flavors. To enhance the flavor and appearance of your donuts, try using a mix of black and white sesame seeds. The black sesame seeds have a robust and nutty taste that adds a touch of pepperiness. This addition not only brings more flavor but also makes your binangkal visually appealing. Another way to experiment is by substituting almond extract for vanilla extract.
If you want to try other pastries, you should check out our Kiwi Cheesecake and Coconut Balls Recipes.

