Indulge in the rich and fragrant cassava cake, a favorite Filipino dessert that will effortlessly transport you to the tropics. You’ll love this gluten-free cake for its soft, slightly chewy texture, created by the addition of grated cassava. Plus, it’s topped with a delicious custard that’s reminiscent of “crème brûlée“. You’ll find it easy to make and perfect whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Without a doubt, this simple cassava cake recipe will quickly become your go-to for a tropical treat that’s sure to impress everyone.
What is Cassava Cake?
Cassava: A Tropical Root Vegetable
Cassava, also known as yuca, is a starchy root used in many tropical countries. It can taste sweet or bitter, depending on the type and how it’s prepared. This root is also turned into tapioca starch, a thickener like cornstarch.
Cassava Cake: A Filipino Delicacy
Cassava cake is a favorite Filipino dessert. It’s known for its chewy texture and mild sweet taste. The recipe includes grated cassava, coconut milk, and other milks for flavor.
Many Filipinos remember enjoying cassava cake as a snack or dessert. It has been popular since the 16th century, when Spanish colonizers brought it to the Philippines.
This cake is special because of its chewy texture. Its softness and sweet flavor make it a favorite at gatherings.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 433 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 51g |
| Sugar | 26g |
Cassava cake is a beloved Filipino dessert that you’ll find hard to resist. You’ll love its unique taste and texture, making it perfect for any Filipino snack or special event
Ingredients
To make this delightful cassava cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The key components are frozen grated cassava, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. You’ll also need eggs and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. This easy cassava cake recipe lets you enjoy the authentic taste of this classic Filipino dessert with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F/180°C. Grease a 9x9x1.5 inch square baking dish or a similar-sized pan. In a large bowl, mix together the frozen grated cassava, coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Then, pour the cassava cake batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the center is set. After that, prepare the custard topping by whisking together egg yolks, condensed milk, and coconut milk. Pour this custard over the partially baked cassava cake and bake for another 15-25 minutes, or until the custard is set and lightly golden.
Let the cassava cake cool completely before you slice and serve it. This two-step baking process gives the cake its distinct layered texture and toasted sugar flavor. Enjoy your homemade Filipino cassava cake as a snack or a special treat!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen Grated Cassava | 3 cups |
| Coconut Milk | 1 (13.5 oz) can |
| Evaporated Milk | 1 (12 oz) can |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 1 (14 oz) can |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Egg Yolks (for custard topping) | 3 |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk (for custard topping) | 1/2 cup |
| Coconut Milk (for custard topping) | 1/2 cup |
Health Benefits of Cassava
Cassava is not only a tasty tropical root vegetable, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Being naturally gluten-free and full of nutrients, it’s an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
Moreover, this root is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. For instance, just 3.5 ounces of cassava provides you with 20% of your daily vitamin C intake. Vitamin C, in turn, is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system, as well as promoting healthy skin, hair, and nails.
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Cassava also has a lot of potassium and magnesium. These help keep your blood pressure healthy and relax your blood vessels.
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Its high fiber content helps lower fat absorption and LDL (bad) cholesterol. This can prevent heart diseases like heart attack and stroke.
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The resistant starch in cassava helps manage diabetes by slowing sugar absorption and keeping glucose levels steady.
Cassava is also beneficial for your gut health. The resistant starch and fiber it contains support good gut bacteria, improve digestion, and help prevent stomach problems.
Additionally, the antioxidants found in cassava can boost your immune system and may even lower the risk of certain cancers, including those of the intestine, stomach, and breast.
However, it’s important to remember that you must Cooke cassava properly to remove harmful compounds like cyanide. When you prepare it correctly, think to add cassava to your meals, it offers numerous health benefits for your diet.
Variations and Toppings
The classic Filipino cassava cake is a good treat, there are many ways to make it unique. From savory to sweet, so you can try endless variations and toppings!
Regional Twists
Different regions in the Philippines have their own unique cassava cake recipes. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, they steam the cake, offering a distinct texture. Similarly, in Africa and the Caribbean, they make a cassava pone, a quick-bread version that highlights the versatility of this dessert.
For a savory twist, you can top your cassava cake with shredded cheddar cheese, which adds a savory flavor that beautifully contrasts with the cake’s inherent sweetness. Alternatively, you might consider adding macapuno, a sweet Filipino coconut, to introduce a soft, jelly-like texture to the cake.
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | Adds a savory umami note to the sweet cassava cake |
| Macapuno (Sweet Filipino Coconut) | Provides a soft, jelly-like texture to the dessert |
| Coconut Strings | Offers a chewy, fibrous texture and a burst of coconut flavor |
| Macapuno Syrup | Adds a delicate sweetness and a touch of creamy richness |
| Coco Jam | Enhances the natural coconut flavor of the cake |
There are endless possibilities for cassava cake variations. You can try new flavors and textures. Whether you like savory or sweet, there’s a topping for you.
FAQ
What is cassava cake?
Cassava cake is a traditional Filipino snack. It’s made with grated cassava, coconut milk, and a molten custard on top. The cake is soft and chewy, with a flavor like crème brûlée.
What is the texture of cassava cake?
This cake is chewy and slightly gummy, with a sweet, milky flavor. Its texture is similar to Hawaiian butter mochi cake and other desserts made with sweet rice flour.
What are the health benefits of cassava?
Cassava is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It has Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron. It’s also gluten-free, making it a good choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Are there any variations or toppings for cassava cake?
Yes, there are many ways to make cassava cake unique. You can add shredded cheddar cheese for a savory taste. Or, try macapuno (sweet Filipino coconut) for a soft, jelly-like texture.