Joey's Cassava

Just like any dish, there are many variations to Cassava Cake. Cassava is also known as yuca or manioc. Whether in the Caribbean, South America, Africa or Asia-Pacific, cassava snacks tend to be dense, heavy, and overloaded with coconut flavorings – such as shredded coconut meat toppings.

When a neighbor’s mom, while studying in Central New York, served her warm cassava pudding (as she prefers it to be called) one cold snowy evening, my taste buds, in consortium with my sense of smell and later my tummy, were struck by the relative lightness and the just-right coconuttiness of the dessert. The secret – using cream of coconut instead of coconut milk. 

DO NOT USE COCONUT CREAM which is sugarless and not the same as CREAM OF COCONUT.  I know they sound almost the same and should be the same but they are not.  Cream of coconut - in particular the brand Coco Lopez has sugar and is used for Pina Colada.   

Coconut cream has no sugar and is used for food as in curry.  Coconut cream has a more intense flavor than coconut milk and are the solid particulates that collect at the top of standing coconut milk. But another caveat: there is Cream of Coconut without sugar as well.  So buy Coco Lopez to make sure.


Here’s the recipe my neighbor's mom  said I can share:

1 package frozen grated cassava (454 grams or 16 oz - this can be bought in most ethnic groceries and comes in one standard size)
1 whole egg
1 can Cream of Coconut (15 oz - can also be found in liquor store, since this is used for Pina Colada drinks).  Again do not make the mistake of using Coconut Cream which is sugarless.
1 can evaporated milk (370 ml)
½ to 1 cup sugar or 1 can condensed milk (300 ml) --- I prefer condensed milk – for some reason it gives the pudding an extra kick.  Do not use the Alaska brand which is not a true condensed milk

Mix everything together in a bowl.
Then pour into a buttered pan, at least two inches deep.
Bake at 400 F for 45 min or golden. Use the toothpick or knife test for doneness.
Make sure the top is still bubbling and not oven dry.

Let the cake rest till warm or not too hot to eat.

My sister served the pudding at her office party with a multinational staff. It was a hit and she has been repeatedly requested to bring one whenever there was a gathering.

Other Tastes
Instead of grated cassava, substitute grated ube (purple yam) or sweet potato.

An acquaintance shared his recipe:

2 packets of grated cassava

1 can of coconut milk

¾ can condensed milk

1 bottle of macapuno strips

Mix all of the above

Baked at 350 F

When done, top with ¼ condensed milk and grated cheddar cheese or kesong puti.  Broil for a few minutes.  Serve