Kababayan Recipe – If you are a fan of muffins, then you should try Kababayan. Kababayan is a delicious Filipino muffin characterized by its soft, sweet, and moist texture, taking its name from the Tagalog term for “fellow countrymen.” What makes Kababayan truly distinct is its unique salakot shape, resembling the traditional cone-shaped headgear worn by locals to shield themselves from the elements.
Their bright golden color also characterizes them. While Kababayan is a generally simple muffin when compared to other types of muffins, it can be a delightful snack to have with some coffee or tea. You’ll find plenty of baked goods in Filipino cuisine that seem simple in terms of flavor but make for a sweet treat. Examples of this include mammon, biscocho, and putok. If you want to try your hand at making this muffin, here is one Kababayan Recipe to try:
Kababayan
Ingredients
Ingredients for Greasing the Pan
- ½ cup lard (or shortening)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons flour
Ingredients for the Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can evaporated milk (370ml)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- Yellow food color
Instructions
Preparation Process
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C for fan) or 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix the lard/shortening, oil, and flour until well blended. Use this mixture to generously grease two 12-cup muffin pans. Coat the cups well, as this will help create the unique salakot shape later on.
Making the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, salt, and sugar. Mix until the sugar is dissolved. Add in the vegetable oil and vanilla, and mix until well incorporated.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Mix thoroughly using a whisk or an electric mixer. The batter should have a smooth consistency, forming continuous ribbons when lifted. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. Add about ¼ teaspoon of yellow food color and mix again until well combined.
Baking Process
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cup about ¾ full. Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C for 3-5 minutes until the edges rise, creating a center crater. Reduce the heat to 160°C and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until fully baked (use the toothpick test). As it bakes, you’ll notice the center rising to form the iconic dome shape resembling a salakot.
- Once done, remove the muffin pans from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan until you can handle them comfortably. Transfer the beautifully baked Kababayan bread to a serving tray.
Additional Points for a Kababayan Recipe
Like any other recipe for baking, there are several tips for making muffins. When preparing Kababayan muffins, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate smooth batter mixing without overworking it. Achieving the ideal batter consistency is crucial—aim for a smooth texture that forms continuous ribbons from the whisk upon lifting. Should the batter become too thick, add water gradually to achieve the desired thickness. For a tidy batter transfer, utilize a piping bag or an ice cream scoop for uniform portions.
Aside from tips on preparing Kababyan, there are also tips to ensure they are baked well. To determine baking completion, insert a toothpick into the center; if it emerges clean, the muffins are ready to be taken out of the oven. Allow the muffins to rest briefly in the pan before removing them, allowing them to set. When selecting pans, note that dark ones absorb heat and may lead to darker crusts, while lighter pans reflect heat for more consistent browning.
If you want to store the muffins, it is best to store them in an airtight container within a cool, dry area for a shelf life of approximately 3 days at room temperature. Alternatively, planning ahead is an option; craft these delectable Filipino muffins beforehand and extend their life by refrigerating them for up to a week. When you do want to enjoy the treat, quick reheating is all that’s needed. Place the Kababayan bread in the oven or microwave and warm until they’re just right.
If you are interested in trying other baked goods, check out our Crepe Roll and Coffee Cookies Recipes. For other baked Filipino treats, you should try Pandesal.
