When it comes to traditional Filipino desserts, few treats capture the heart quite like cassava cake. Moreover, this beloved dessert has become a staple at celebrations and family gatherings throughout the Philippines. Furthermore, for those living abroad, recreating this authentic taste can bring back cherished memories of home.
Table of Contents
What Makes Cassava Cake So Special?
Cassava cake represents more than just a dessert; indeed, it embodies the essence of Filipino comfort food. Additionally, this delightful treat combines the unique texture of grated cassava with a rich, creamy custard topping that creates an irresistible flavor profile. Consequently, many Filipino families have passed down their own variations of this recipe through generations.
Originally, cassava cake was prepared for special occasions and festivals. However, over time, it has become a popular everyday dessert that pairs perfectly with afternoon coffee or tea. Nevertheless, finding authentic cassava cake outside the Philippines can be challenging, which is why learning to make it at home becomes invaluable.
Understanding Cassava: The Star Ingredient
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to understand what makes cassava so unique. Cassava, also known as yuca or manioc, is a starchy root vegetable that serves as the foundation of this dessert. Furthermore, this versatile ingredient differs significantly from tapioca, which is actually an extract derived from cassava.
When cooked, cassava develops a distinctive sticky and slightly translucent texture that gives the cake its characteristic consistency. Additionally, this root vegetable appears in numerous other Filipino desserts such as Pichi Pichi and Cassava Suman. Therefore, understanding how to properly prepare cassava opens the door to creating multiple traditional Filipino treats.
Preparing Fresh Cassava Safely
Since cassava requires careful preparation, following proper safety measures is crucial. First and foremost, it’s important to note that certain varieties of cassava contain compounds that can be harmful if not processed correctly. However, with the right preparation techniques, you can safely enjoy this nutritious ingredient.
The preparation process involves several key steps:
- Initial Cutting: Begin by cutting the cassava into manageable sections
- Skin Removal: Subsequently, split the skin and carefully peel away the tough outer layer
- Thorough Washing: Next, wash the peeled cassava under cold running water
- Grating Process: Then, grate the cassava using a fine grater or food processor
- Storage Option: Finally, you can freeze the grated cassava for future use
The Perfect Cassava Cake Recipe
This easy cassava cake recipe has earned an impressive 4.97-star rating from 66 reviews, demonstrating its popularity among home cooks. Moreover, the recipe serves approximately 10 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
Essential Ingredients for Success
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Furthermore, the ingredients are divided into two main categories: the cake base and the custard topping.
For the Cake Base:
- Fresh or frozen grated cassava
- Coconut milk for richness
- Condensed milk for sweetness
- Melted butter for texture
For the Custard Topping:
- Evaporated milk for creaminess
- Egg yolks for binding
- Sugar for additional sweetness
- Vanilla extract for flavor enhancement
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Creating the perfect cassava cake requires attention to detail and proper timing. Additionally, following these steps ensures consistent results every time.
Preparation Phase: Initially, preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish by greasing it thoroughly. Subsequently, this prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Mixing the Cake Batter: Next, combine all cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Then, blend everything until you achieve a smooth, consistent mixture. Furthermore, make sure the grated cassava is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Initial Baking: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and bake for the first phase. During this time, the cake will begin to set and develop its characteristic texture.
Custard Preparation: Meanwhile, prepare the custard topping by whisking together all topping ingredients until smooth. Additionally, strain the mixture to remove any lumps for a silky finish.
Final Assembly: After the initial baking period, carefully pour the custard mixture over the partially baked cake. Then, return to the oven for the final baking phase until the top is golden brown.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving the ideal cassava cake requires understanding several key techniques. First, managing the liquid content from grated cassava is crucial for proper texture. Therefore, some recipes recommend draining excess liquid before mixing.
Additionally, serving temperature affects the overall experience. While some prefer their cassava cake warm from the oven, others enjoy it chilled from the refrigerator. Consequently, experimenting with both temperatures helps you discover your preference.
Furthermore, storage considerations play an important role in maintaining quality. The cake can be frozen for later enjoyment, and multiple cakes can be baked simultaneously for larger gatherings.
Variations and Cultural Connections
Traditional Filipino cooking often involves personal adaptations and regional variations. Similarly, cassava cake recipes may include additions like jackfruit for extra flavor and texture. Moreover, some cooks experiment with different milk substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences.
The comments and feedback from home cooks reveal interesting cultural aspects of this dessert. For instance, some use Tagalog expressions when describing their results, highlighting the deep cultural connection to this traditional treat.
Making Cassava Cake Accessible Worldwide
Living abroad doesn’t mean sacrificing authentic Filipino flavors. Instead, with proper ingredient sourcing and technique mastery, anyone can recreate this beloved dessert. Additionally, online communities and recipe sharing have made traditional Filipino cooking more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re introducing friends to Filipino cuisine or satisfying your own cravings, this easy cassava cake recipe delivers authentic taste with manageable effort. Furthermore, the joy of sharing homemade cassava cake creates connections and memories that extend far beyond the kitchen.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (1/10 of recipe):
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 18.2g
- Saturated Fat: 14.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 185mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.4g
- Total Sugars: 28.6g
- Added Sugars: 24.2g
- Protein: 8.7g
Additional Favorite Snack Recipes Collection
1. Chex Mix:
A crunchy, savory snack mix made with cereal, pretzels, and seasonings — perfect for parties or movie nights. Classic Chex Mix Recipe (Chex.com)
2. Samosa
A crispy Indian pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, often enjoyed with chutney. Samosa Recipe (Serious Eats)
3. Mozzarella Sticks
Breaded and deep-fried cheese sticks, best served with marinara sauce. Mozzarella Sticks Recipe (Tasty)
4. Guacamole & Chips
Creamy mashed avocado mixed with lime, onions, and tomatoes, served with crispy tortilla chips. Guacamole Recipe (Simply Recipes)
5. Trail Mix
A healthy and energizing combo of nuts, dried fruits, and sometimes chocolate or seeds. Homemade Trail Mix Recipe (Love and Lemons)
6. Stuffed Dates
Naturally sweet dates filled with cream cheese, nuts, or nut butter — a quick no-bake treat. Stuffed Dates Recipe (Downshiftology)
7. Pita Chips and Hummus
Crispy baked pita chips paired with smooth, garlicky hummus — a Mediterranean favorite. Hummus Recipe (Cookie and Kate)
8. Popcorn
Light, fluffy, and easy to season — a timeless snack for any occasion. Stovetop Popcorn Recipe (Once Upon a Chef)
9. Nacho Cheese
This silky smooth, real-cheese sauce comes together in just 5 minutes with basic pantry ingredients. The Best Nacho Cheese Recipe
10.Sweet Rice
Master the perfect sweet sticky rice recipe with our step-by-step guide. How to Make Sweet Rice Recipe
Cassava cake represents the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication in Filipino dessert making. Therefore, mastering this recipe opens doors to exploring other traditional Filipino sweets. Additionally, the satisfaction of creating something so deeply rooted in cultural tradition makes every bite more meaningful.
With its creamy custard topping and unique cassava base, this dessert continues to bring families together around the world. Consequently, whether served at special celebrations or enjoyed as an everyday treat, cassava cake remains a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic Filipino cuisine.
Easy Cassava Cake Recipe: A Delicious Filipino Dessert Made Simple
Description
« Authentic Filipino Cassava Cake recipe – rich, creamy dessert perfect for special occasions. Step-by-step guide with custard topping. Try it today! »
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
For the Custard Topping:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter
- Line with parchment paper for easy removal
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated cassava, condensed milk, coconut milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated
- Let mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld
- Pour cassava mixture into prepared baking dish
- Spread evenly using a spatula
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are set but center is still slightly jiggly
- While cake is baking, whisk together evaporated milk, egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt
- Strain mixture through fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps
- Set aside until ready to use
- Remove cake from oven (do not turn off oven)
- Carefully pour custard mixture over the partially baked cake
- Return to oven and bake for additional 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and set
- Remove from oven and let cool completely (at least 2 hours)
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight for best texture
- Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Step 3: Initial Baking
Step 4: Prepare Custard Topping
Step 5: Add Topping and Final Bake
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Notes
- Cassava Prep: If using fresh cassava, drain excess liquid after grating
Make Ahead: Can be prepared 1-2 days in advance
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Pan Size: Recipe works best in 9×13 inch pan; adjust baking time for different sizes
Texture Tip: For firmer texture, use less coconut milk; for creamier texture, add extra
Variations: Add 1/2 cup diced jackfruit or 1/4 cup cheese for traditional variations
