Pilipit Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Craving a delectable treat? Uncover our Pilipit recipe for a taste of Filipino culinary magic. Create crispy, sweet twists that satisfy every craving.

Pilipit

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Category: Dessert, Snack
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20
Calories: 50 calories

Pilipit, a popular Filipino snack, is a delightful treat that showcases the country's love for sweet and crunchy bites.

These delectable twists of dough are deep-fried to a golden perfection, offering a satisfying balance of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside. The name "pilipit" is derived from the Filipino word "pilit," meaning "to twist," which aptly describes the distinctive shape of this snack.

The preparation of pilipit involves a straightforward process. A dough made from all-purpose flour, sugar, and water is kneaded until smooth. Portioning the dough and rolling it into thin ropes follows, with each rope then artfully twisted into a loop that is both visually appealing and functional, helping to create its distinct texture. Once the pilipit are prepared, they are ready for a dip in hot oil, where they transform into golden wonders through the magic of frying.

After being crisped to perfection, the pilipit are treated to a coating of granulated sugar. This final step adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the slight saltiness of the dough. The result is a treat that boasts a harmonious interplay of flavors and textures, making pilipit an enticing option for those craving a sugary indulgence.

Pilipit's origins trace back to traditional Filipino cuisine, reflecting the nation's affinity for snacks that are both delightful and comforting. Often enjoyed as a midday or afternoon treat, pilipit is frequently paired with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal companion for moments of relaxation or camaraderie.

Whether prepared at home or purchased from local markets and bakeries, pilipit continues to capture the hearts and palates of Filipinos and those eager to savor a taste of the Philippines' culinary heritage.

Recipe

Discover the irresistible delight of homemade Pilipit! Dive into our step-by-step recipe, crafting the perfect Filipino twist of crispy and sweet bliss.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Oil for frying
Sugar for coating

Method Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the water while mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth.
Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into a thin rope, about 6-8 inches long.
Twist each rope of dough, then bring the ends together and press them to form a twisted loop. This is the characteristic shape of pilipit.
Heat oil in a pan for frying. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
Carefully add a few pilipit at a time to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes per batch.
Once fried, remove the pilipit from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
While the pilipit are still warm, roll them in sugar to coat them evenly.
Let the pilipit cool down before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Filipino pilipit as a sweet and crispy snack!

Recipe Video

Pilipit

This is a video about Pilipit.

Video Author: Cooking With Mirah!

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 159 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Pilipit, Pilipit Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Pilipit is typically enjoyed as a delightful snack or dessert. Here's how you can serve pilipit:

As a Snack: Serve pilipit on a plate or in a bowl as a standalone snack. They are perfect for munching on during tea time, movie nights, or whenever you're in the mood for a crunchy treat.
With Dipping Sauces: You can serve pilipit with various dipping sauces to enhance the flavor. Sweet options like chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or condensed milk can complement the sweetness of the pilipit. Alternatively, you can try a savory dip like cheese sauce for a unique twist.
On a Dessert Platter: Arrange pilipit on a dessert platter along with other Filipino sweets like kakanin (rice cakes) or bibingka for a diverse dessert spread at parties or gatherings.
With Coffee or Tea: Pilipit goes wonderfully well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination of the crispy pilipit and the warm beverage creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Gifts or Favors: Package pilipit in small, decorative bags or boxes to give as edible gifts or party favors. They make for a unique and flavorful present that can be enjoyed by friends and family.
At Celebrations: Include pilipit as part of the dessert table at celebrations, birthdays, or special occasions. Their appealing appearance and taste can add a touch of Filipino tradition to any event.

Tips

Consistent Dough: When preparing the dough, aim for a consistent texture. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour. If it's too dry, add a little water. The goal is to achieve a smooth and pliable dough that's easy to work with.
Even Twists: When forming the twisted loops, try to make the twists as even as possible. This not only enhances the appearance of the pilipit but also ensures even cooking.
Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying. Too hot, and the pilipit might brown quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside. Too cold, and they might absorb excess oil. Aim for around 350-375°F (175-190°C) for optimal frying.
Small Batches: Fry pilipit in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which could lead to uneven cooking and sticking. Give each piece enough space to move around.
Draining Excess Oil: After frying, place the pilipit on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and prevents them from becoming too greasy.
Coating with Sugar: Roll the pilipit in sugar while they're still warm, as this allows the sugar to stick better. You can also add a touch of cinnamon to the sugar for added flavor.
Experiment with Flavors: While the classic recipe uses a simple sugar coating, feel free to experiment with different coatings or toppings. Sprinkle shredded coconut, colored sugar, or crushed nuts on top for a unique twist.
Storage: To keep pilipit crispy, store them in an airtight container once they have completely cooled. Adding a small piece of parchment paper between layers can help prevent them from sticking together.
Enjoy Fresh: Pilipit are best enjoyed fresh, shortly after frying. Their crispy texture is at its peak when they are freshly made.
Get Creative: Don't hesitate to add your personal touch to the recipe. You can infuse the dough with a hint of vanilla or other flavor extracts, or even incorporate some grated citrus zest for a unique flavor profile.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're looking to make substitutions for certain ingredients in the pilipit recipe, here are a few options you can consider:

Flour: While all-purpose flour is commonly used, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you have dietary preferences or restrictions. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the pilipit might be slightly different with alternative flours.
Sugar: You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. Just note that the color and taste of the pilipit will be affected.
Water: Water is used to bind the dough, but you can experiment with using milk or a dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond milk or coconut milk) for added richness and flavor.
Oil: When frying, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even coconut oil, depending on your preference and what you have available. Each oil might impart a slightly different taste to the pilipit.
Coating: Instead of rolling the pilipit in granulated sugar, you can try powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even a mixture of powdered sugar and cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Flavor Additions: To enhance the flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract or other flavorings to the dough.