How many calories in a slice of Buko pie?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one nutritional breakdown, a typical serving of Buko pie contains approximately 304 calories. This popular Filipino dessert, known for its sweet, creamy young coconut filling and flaky crust, varies in its caloric density based on the specific recipe and portion size.

Quick Summary

This article examines the average calorie and macronutrient content of a single Buko pie slice, explores the ingredients that influence its total energy, and compares its nutritional profile with other common pies.

Key Points

Average Calorie Count: A standard slice of Buko pie is estimated to have around 304 kcal.
Key Ingredients Drive Calories: The pie's energy comes primarily from the buttery crust and the creamy filling made with condensed milk and sugar.
Recipe Variations Cause Fluctuations: Calorie content can change significantly depending on the recipe, with homemade versions allowing for healthier adjustments.
Balanced Macronutrient Profile: A typical slice contains significant amounts of fat and carbohydrates, with less protein.
Portion Control is Key: Limiting your serving size is the most effective way to manage the caloric impact of Buko pie.
Healthier Substitutions Exist: Using low-fat milk and reducing sugar can lower the overall calorie count without compromising taste.

Understanding the Buko Pie Calorie Count

While an average slice of Buko pie is estimated to be around 304 kcal, it's important to recognize this figure can fluctuate. The number of calories in this beloved Filipino pastry is not a fixed metric but rather a variable influenced by several factors, including the recipe's ingredients, the portion size, and the preparation method. Understanding the components that contribute to its calorie content can help you make more informed dietary choices.

Factors Influencing Buko Pie Calories

Several key ingredients are primarily responsible for the overall energy content of a Buko pie slice:

The Crust: Traditional Buko pie crusts are made with butter or shortening, which are high in fat and thus, calories. A thicker, richer crust will inherently increase the total caloric value.
The Filling: The classic filling is a rich, creamy custard made from condensed milk, sugar, and young coconut meat ('buko'). Condensed milk and added sugars are significant sources of calories. The quantity and type of milk and sugar used can dramatically alter the pie's final nutritional profile.
Sweetness Level: Some recipes call for more sugar or sweetened condensed milk than others, directly impacting the final calorie count. The sweeter the pie, the higher the likelihood of a higher energy value per slice.

Nutritional Breakdown of an Average Buko Pie Slice

While recipes vary, an average 304-calorie slice of Buko pie provides a balanced but energy-dense profile:

Total Fat: Around 17.22g, with a significant portion coming from saturated fat. The fat content primarily originates from the crust and the use of full-fat milk in the filling.
Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 34.38g, with sugars and the flour from the crust being the main contributors. The use of condensed milk and sugar means a higher simple carbohydrate count.
Protein: Around 4.17g, a lesser contributor compared to fat and carbs. This primarily comes from the milk and eggs used in the custard.

It's also worth noting that the young coconut meat itself offers some nutritional benefits, including fiber, calcium, iron, and folate, but these are balanced out by the higher-calorie additions.

Comparison Table: Buko Pie vs. Other Popular Pies

To put the Buko pie's nutritional information into perspective, here's a comparison with other common pies based on standard serving sizes (note: exact values vary by recipe and brand):


Pie Type	Calories (approx.)	Primary Calorie Sources
Buko Pie	304 kcal	Sugar, Condensed Milk, Pastry Fat
Apple Pie	411 kcal	Sugar, Fruit, Pastry Fat
Pecan Pie	503 kcal	Pecans, Corn Syrup, Pastry Fat
Peach Pie	261 kcal	Fruit, Sugar, Pastry Fat
Lemon Pie	316 kcal (per 100g)	Sugar, Eggs, Pastry Fat

This comparison highlights that Buko pie sits in the middle of the range for energy content compared to these desserts. Pecan pie is notoriously high, while peach pie can be a lighter option.

Creating a Healthier Buko Pie

For those who wish to enjoy this treat while managing their calorie intake, several modifications can be made without sacrificing flavor:

Reduce Sugar: Use less white sugar or opt for alternative sweeteners. The natural sweetness of the coconut meat can often be enough.
Substitute Milk: Swap full-fat condensed milk for a low-fat or fat-free alternative. Evaporated milk can also be used to create a less caloric but still creamy filling.
Modify the Crust: Opt for a thinner crust or use a healthier, homemade alternative with less butter or shortening. Using a whole wheat flour crust can also increase fiber content.
Control Portion Size: One of the most straightforward ways to manage calories is by simply controlling your serving size. Cutting a pie into smaller slices can help you enjoy the dessert in moderation.

Calorie Management and Exercise Equivalence

If you have already indulged in a slice, understanding the effort required to balance it can be a useful tool for weight management. Based on a typical slice of around 300 kcal, burning it off might take around:

2 hours of walking: A brisk walk can help burn off the energy from a slice of Buko pie.
36 minutes of jogging or bicycling: More intense exercise shortens the time required to achieve a caloric deficit.
51 minutes of swimming: An excellent full-body workout that effectively burns calories.

Conclusion

While a slice of Buko pie is a delicious and satisfying dessert, its calorie count is a consideration for those mindful of their diet. With an average of around 304 kcal per slice, it is an energy-dense treat primarily due to the rich crust and creamy, sugar-laden filling. By being aware of the ingredients and considering healthier recipe modifications or portion control, you can still enjoy this Filipino classic. Ultimately, moderation is key to incorporating Buko pie into a balanced and healthy lifestyle. For a deeper dive into the nutritional composition of various Filipino dishes, you can refer to authoritative Filipino food resources like Kawaling Pinoy's recipe and nutritional breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade Buko pies often have more variable calorie counts, as the cook can control the ingredients and amounts. Store-bought pies tend to have more standardized, often higher, calorie counts due to commercial ingredients and standardized recipes.

The fat in Buko pie comes mainly from the pastry crust, which is typically made with butter or shortening, and from the dairy used in the filling, such as condensed milk or milk fats.

Yes, Buko pie can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Its nutritional value is influenced by portion size, so mindful eating is important. For regular consumption, opting for a healthier version with reduced sugar and fat is a good strategy.

To reduce calories, you can use less sugar, switch to low-fat condensed or evaporated milk, and create a thinner or healthier crust. Some recipes might even replace some of the crust with a crumb topping.

No, young coconut meat itself is not unhealthy; it is a good source of fiber, iron, and other nutrients. The calorie concern in Buko pie comes from the added sugars and fats in the custard and crust, not the coconut meat itself.

Yes, the type of milk significantly impacts the calories. Using full-fat condensed milk results in a much higher calorie count compared to using low-fat milk or an alternative like evaporated milk.

Compared to other desserts, Buko pie is moderately high in calories. For instance, a serving of Buko Pandan can be around 315 kcal, while a Buko Shake is about 228 kcal, showing variations among coconut-based treats.