Cassava Cake: Easy, Creamy & Chewy Filipino Dessert Recipe

Cassava Cake is a classic Filipino dessert that’s rich, creamy, and slightly chewy, made from grated cassava, coconut milk, condensed milk, and eggs, then baked until golden and topped with a sweet, silky custard layer. This beloved treat is a staple at Filipino celebrations, special occasions, and merienda (afternoon snack time).

With its soft, chewy texture and delicate balance of coconut and buttery sweetness, this cake is incredibly easy to make yet absolutely delicious. Whether served warm or chilled, each bite is a taste of the tropics, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or Filipino-style hot chocolate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make – Just mix, pour, and bake!
✔ Rich & Creamy – Soft, slightly chewy, and full of coconut flavor.
✔ Uses Simple Ingredients – No fancy equipment needed!
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, merienda, or dessert.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups grated cassava (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping (Custard Layer):

• ½ can (7 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ can (6 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• ¼ cup grated cheese (optional, for extra richness)

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra coconutty flavor, add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter!

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Batter

• In a large bowl, combine grated cassava, coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
• Mix until well combined and smooth.

3. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is set and firm to the touch.

4. Prepare the Custard Topping

• While the cake is baking, whisk together condensed milk, evaporated milk, and egg yolk in a small bowl.
• Remove the cake from the oven and pour the custard mixture evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle with grated cheese if using.

5. Bake Until Golden

• Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden.
• For a caramelized top, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.

6. Cool & Serve

• Let the cake cool before slicing.
• Serve warm or chilled, with extra grated coconut or cheese on top!

💡 Serving Tip: Best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or Filipino-style hot chocolate!

Recipe Variations: Customize Your Cassava Cake!

One of the best things about Cassava Cake is how versatile it is! Whether you love it extra creamy, coconutty, or with a unique twist, here are four delicious variations to make this Filipino favorite even more special.

🔹 Cheesy Cassava Cake – A Sweet & Salty Delight 

If you love the sweet-salty combo, this cheesy cassava cake is a must-try! The addition of cheese creates a rich, slightly savory contrast to the sweet cassava base.

✅ How to Make It:

• Add ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar or quick-melt cheese) into the batter.
• Sprinkle an extra ¼ cup of cheese on top before baking the custard layer for a delicious golden cheesy crust.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra creamy finish, mix ¼ cup cream cheese into the batter!

🔹 Ube Cassava Cake – A Purple Yam Twist 

Love ube (purple yam)? This version adds a vibrant color and sweet, nutty flavor to the traditional cassava cake! It’s a perfect fusion of two Filipino classics:cassava and ube!

✅ How to Make It:

• Add 1 tbsp ube extract to the batter for a beautiful purple color.
• For extra ube flavor, swirl in ½ cup ube halaya (ube jam) before baking.
• Top with grated coconut or macapuno strips for more texture.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve this version chilled for a refreshing ube leche flan-style dessert!

🔹 Extra Coconutty Cassava Cake – Double the Coconut Goodness! 

If you’re a coconut lover, this version enhances the tropical flavors by adding more coconut textures! It gives the cake a delightful crunch and even richer coconut aroma.

✅ How to Make It:

• Mix ½ cup shredded coconut into the batter for a chewy coconut texture.
• After baking, top the cake with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
• Replace butter with coconut oil for an intensified coconut flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness!

🔹 Dairy-Free Cassava Cake – A Lactose-Free Alternative 

Want a dairy-free cassava cake without sacrificing creaminess? This version swaps out dairy products for coconut-based alternatives, keeping it just as delicious while making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy-free diets.

✅ How to Make It:

• Use coconut condensed milk instead of regular condensed milk.
• Swap evaporated milk for coconut evaporated milk or almond milk.
• For a creamy topping, use a mix of coconut cream + sweetener instead of the usual custard layer.

💡 Pro Tip: Want it even healthier? Reduce sugar by half and use agave syrup or coconut sugar instead!

Which Version Will You Try?

Whether you want it cheesy, ube-flavored, extra coconutty, or dairy-free, these variations let you customize your Cassava Cake to match your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I make cassava cake ahead of time?

Yes! Cassava cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge and serve chilled or lightly reheated.

❓ How do I store leftovers?

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

✅ Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or let it come to room temperature before serving.

❓ Can I use frozen cassava?

Yes! Thaw frozen grated cassava completely and drain excess liquid before using.

❓ Why is my cassava cake too soft?

It might need more baking time! Bake until firm in the center, as cassava cake firms up as it cools.

❓ Can I make cassava cake without eggs?

Yes! Substitute eggs with ¼ cup mashed banana or 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Filipino Dessert!

This Cassava Cake is rich, creamy, and delightfully chewy, making it one of the best Filipino desserts you can make at home! With its perfect balance of sweetness and coconut flavor, this cake is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that’s great for any occasion.

Whether you serve it warm or chilled, every bite is smooth, satisfying, and packed with tropical goodness:a true Filipino favorite that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔ Easy to Make – No special equipment needed, just mix and bake!
✔ Creamy, Chewy, & Delicious – The perfect blend of soft, slightly chewy texture with a sweet, custardy topping.
✔ Great for Parties & Merienda – A popular treat for gatherings, celebrations, or an afternoon snack.
✔ Customizable & Make-Ahead Friendly – Enjoy it warm or chilled, and try different flavors like cheese, ube, or coconut variations!

So why wait? Try this Cassava Cake recipe today and bring a taste of the Philippines to your kitchen!

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