Some foods just work. These rice cakes are one of them.
We’ve tried energy gels, bars, trail mixes, you name it. But when it comes to longer rides—especially over 100 km—nothing beats homemade rice cakes. They're easy to make, pack well, and actually taste like real food. You don’t feel sick of them halfway through a ride.
This recipe is our base. It’s the one used by EF Education riders during stage races, and it works just as well for your weekend group ride or solo endurance mission. We’ve also added some favourite variations we’ve tested, so you can tweak yours depending on what’s in your kitchen or what sounds good that day.
What You’ll Need
-
4 cups water
-
2 ¼ cups short-grain white rice
-
2 ½ cups full-fat cream cheese
-
2 tbsp white sugar
-
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
-
In a rice cooker, combine the rice, water, sugar, and coconut oil. Cook on the white rice setting.
-
Once it’s done, stir in the cream cheese and vanilla.
-
Now’s the time to add extras—fruit, nuts, spices, chocolate, bacon—whatever you like.
-
Spoon everything into a large zip bag. Press flat and smooth it out. Let it cool on a tray.
-
Chill overnight in the fridge.
-
Cut into squares the next day. Store in the fridge for up to four days. Wrap in foil if you want to take them on rides.
Favourite Add-In Combos
-
Blueberries + dark chocolate (at least 72%)
-
Bacon + maple syrup
-
Banana + natural peanut butter + cacao nibs
-
Dried cranberries + orange zest + white chocolate
-
Dried tart cherries + lemon zest
Why We Love Them
They don’t melt. They’re not too sweet. You can eat them fast without needing a gulp of water. They’re also easy on the stomach, which matters when you’re four hours in and still climbing.
We like to wrap them in foil and stuff them in a jersey pocket. They hold together well and don’t make a mess. And if you’ve ever bonked on a ride, you know how much it helps to have something satisfying to eat that doesn’t feel like a chore to get down.
Watch How It’s Made
We’re not the only ones who swear by them. Here’s a short video of how the EF Education team makes theirs:
