Cassava Cake Recipe

Cassava cake, with its rich, coconutty sweetness and dense, satisfying texture, is a beloved treat that embodies both tradition and comfort.

This classic Filipino dessert is a celebration in every bite, combining the mild earthiness of cassava with a creamy coconut topping that’s simply irresistible.

I first encountered cassava cake at a family party, where it was the highlight of the dessert table. Its inviting aroma and golden-brown crust were too tempting to resist.

The first bite was a revelation—the cake’s subtle sweetness and rich texture were unlike anything I had ever tasted.

Recent trends in comfort foods have given this cake renewed popularity, as people search for authentic, homemade desserts that evoke warmth and nostalgia.

I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own or any special twists you add. Feel free to share your variations and experiences!

Why I Love This Recipe

• It’s a Slice of Nostalgia: Each bite takes me back to family gatherings and festive occasions, making it a comforting choice for any day.
• Simple and Satisfying: With just a few basic ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and always delivers a moist, flavorful result.
• Versatile Delight: Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, it remains delicious and satisfying.
• A Sweet Tradition: I’ve adapted this recipe over time to include variations like adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a touch of vanilla extract.

Simple Cassava Cake Recipe

Filipinos make cassava cake, a treat prepared with manioc (cassava). This is a very simple dish with a rich, creamy custard topping that tastes amazing. A wonderful dessert for special events, but it's also fantastic for tea or coffee time.

4.50 from 10 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Filipino

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Calories: 182kcal

Author: Anne Carter

Servings: 10

Equipment

• ▢
  Mixing Bowls
• ▢
  Whisk
• ▢
  Baking Pan
• ▢
  Knife
• ▢
  Grater

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pack (16 oz) frozen, grated cassava – thawed
• ▢ 1 cup desiccated coconut – (optional)
• ▢ ¾ can (1 can is 14 oz) condensed milk
• ▢ ¾ can (1 can is 12.05 fl oz) evaporated milk
• ▢ ¾ can (1 can is 13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
• ▢ 5 tablespoons sugar
• ▢ 2 egg yolks

FOR THE CUSTARD TOPPING

• ▢ ¼ can condensed milk
• ▢ ¼ can coconut milk
• ▢ 2 egg yolks
• ▢ 1 tablespoon flour – dissolved in 2 tablespoons milk
• ▢ ¼ can evaporated milk

Instructions

• Grease a pan or baking dish with butter. This will help the cake not stick to the pan.
• Take a big bowl (the deeper, the better). Put all the cassava cake ingredients in the bowl.
  
• Mix everything really well until the sugar is all dissolved and everything looks nice and combined.
• Pour the mixture into the greased pan. Heat your oven to 375°F/180°C.
  
• Bake the cake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. You'll know it's done when it looks golden and feels firm when touched.
  
• While the cake is baking, get another bowl. Mix up all the custard ingredients in that bowl. Give it a good mix until everything is smooth.
  
• Once the cassava cake is done baking, take it out of the oven. Pour the custard mixture evenly on top of the cake.
  
• Put it back in the oven and bake for another 15-25 minutes or until the custard turns golden and is cooked through.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Time for The Tips for Cassava Cake Recipe!

1. Frozen Cassava Hack: If you’re short on fresh cassava, no worries! Opt for the frozen, grated version. Just make sure to thaw it out before diving into the recipe. Easy peasy!
2. Coconut Bliss: Feeling a bit tropical? Throw some desiccated coconut into the cake mix. It adds a lovely texture and a hint of paradise. Totally optional but highly recommended for that extra oomph.
3. Sweetness Control: Taste buds vary, right? Adjust the sugar quantity to your liking. The recipe suggests 5 tablespoons, but feel free to tweak it based on your sweetness preferences. It’s your Cassava Cake, after all!
4. The Butter Love: Don’t forget to generously grease the pan or baking dish with butter. It ensures your cake doesn’t stick, and it adds a subtle richness. It’s the small details that make a big difference.
5. Patient Baking: When the cake is in the oven, resist the temptation to peek too early. Let it work its magic for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a golden masterpiece.
6. Custard Check: When pouring on the custard topping, aim for an even spread. This ensures a consistent flavor in every bite. And hey, a golden custard top is the secret to winning dessert hearts!
7. Golden Rule: Keep an eye on that custard while it bakes for the final stretch. We’re aiming for golden perfection. It’s like the crown on your Cassava Cake.