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Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno

by Jolina 22 Comments [This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.]

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Cassava cake with macapuno is a traditional Filipino dessert made of grated cassava, coconut milk, condensed milk and macapuno, which is soft, chewy coconut meat. Cassava cake is a popular merienda (snack) or dessert and is often served during special occasions like Christmas and fiestas.

(Looking for other easy merienda ideas? Try homemade taho or refreshing mango sago. Very easy to make and so delicious!)

Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno Recipe

My mom makes the best cassava cakes. The cake is soft and tender and the topping is perfectly sweet and toasted. 

But like a lot of moms, she doesn’t have a recipe for it. She just knows. Which frustrates the heck out of me because I wasn’t born with that magic baking and cooking talent; I need a recipe! LOL!

Anyway, after years (yes, years) of trying and, with the help my friend C who thankfully wrote down her recipe, I finally have a recipe of my own.

My recipe is simpler and more straightforward than other cassava cake recipes, only uses 1 bowl and no mixer necessary!

I think my mom’s cake is still the best. But this is delicious and pretty dang close.

What is cassava?

Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno Recipe

Cassava is a nutty-flavoured, starchy root vegetable. In North America, it’s often called yuca and may also be referred to as manioc or Brazilian arrowroot. 

Cassava is native to the Philippines and other tropical regions of the world because it has the ability to withstand difficult growing conditions; in fact, it’s one of the most drought-tolerant crops.

It’s popular in Filipino cooking but it’s important to note that cassava must be cooked properly because raw cassava can be poisonous. Read more about it here.

Anyhow, you might already be familiar with cassava because cassava root is what’s used to produce the tapioca pearls in our bubble teas. 

Cassava flour has also been gaining popularity because it’s a healthier alternative for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

In this cassava cake recipe with macapuno, we use grated cassava and not cassava flour.

What is macapuno?

Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno Recipe

You might also be wondering what macapuno is. If you google it, you will come across words like coconut sport, mutant and freak. 

Don’t be scared lol! This just means that instead of the usual solid coconut flesh, the coconut where macapuno comes from produces meat that is softer, more translucent, almost like jelly.

In fact, macapuno is considered a delicacy in the Philippines and is made into different kinds of treats like candy and ice cream. In this recipe, we’re using bottled macapuno in syrup.

How to bake cassava cake with macapuno

Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno Recipe

For the detailed recipe, please scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find a printer-friendly recipe card and nutrition information.

Now that we’re familiar with our ingredients, time for cake! And making cassava cake with macapuno couldn’t be easier.

1. PREP. Preheat your oven to 350F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray. Set aside.

2. STIR. In a large bowl, stir all your ingredients until combined.

3. BAKE. Transfer the batter to your baking dish and bake for about an hour or until the sides are puffy, starting to brown and the centre is set. It’s okay if the top of the cake is still bubbling. 

4. SPREAD. Take the cassava cake out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and spread condensed milk on top. 

5. CARAMELIZE. Place back in the oven and continue to bake until the top has caramelized. You can also choose to broil instead to help speed up the caramelization. Just make sure to watch the cake so it doesn’t burn.

6. ENJOY. Allow the cake to cool before serving warm.

Ingredients for cassava cake recipe

This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

You can find all the ingredients for Filipino cassava cake at your local Asian supermarket:

  • Frozen grated cassava (you can also use fresh cassava and just grate it yourself using a cheese grater or a food processor)
  • Jarred macapuno in syrup
  • Canned coconut milk (again, if you have access to fresh coconut milk, go for it!)
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Brown sugar
  • Unsalted butter
  • Salt

You’ll notice that this recipe doesn’t have eggs in it. Some cassava cake recipes do but I find that it’s unnecessary here.

Tools you need to make this easy cassava cake recipe

I don’t use a mixer when making this easy cassava cake with macapuno. I mix everything by hand and only use 1 bowl. Make’s for easy clean-up!

So you’ll only need your basic baking tools, like:

  • Mixing bowl and spoon
  • Spatula
  • 9×13 inch baking dish (I always use a glass baking dish)

Tips for making the best cassava cake every time

Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno Recipe

1. DON’T OVER-BAKE. This is a very forgiving recipe. It’s hard to over mix the batter; but you can over bake the cake. Which makes it tough and rubbery. So watch for signs that it’s done baking like golden brown edges. 

2. DON’T OVER-BROIL. Also watch that you don’t burn the topping. Broiling is a great shortcut but don’t leave it while it’s broiling. Watch your cake like a hawk because the top turns brown fast.

3. WATCH BAKING TIME. If you don’t have a glass baking dish, you can use an aluminum baking pan but note that your baking time will be different. Check at the halfway mark.

4. HOW TO CUT PERFECT SQUARES. If you want clean, perfect squares, it’s best to cut the cassava cake once it’s fully cooled. In the photos, I achieved those clean edges by refrigerating the cake first before cutting. It’s best served warm though so I just microwave the slices for about 20 seconds right out of the fridge.

5. STORAGE. You can store cassava cake in the fridge and it will last up to a week. Just keep in mind that cassava cake tends to get rubbery the longer it sits so best to consume it within 3 days.

This cassava cake recipe with macapuno is really so easy to make there’s no excuse not to make it all the time! Whether for everyday merienda or to serve to company, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno Recipe

Filipino Cassava Cake with Macapuno

Author: Jolina
Cassava cake with macapuno is a traditional Filipino dessert made of grated cassava, coconut milk, condensed milk and macapuno.
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 16 bars
Calories 40 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 16-oz packs frozen grated cassava thawed
  • 1 11-oz jar macapuno in syrup drain as much as of the syrup as you can
  • 1 14-oz can coconut milk
  • 1 10-oz can condensed milk divided
  • 5 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, stir all ingredients – but only half of the condensed milk – until combined. Smush the softened butter to the sides of the bowl to make sure it is incorporated.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for about 1 hour or until the edges start turning puffy and golden brown and the centre is set. It's okay if the top of your cake is still bubbling.
  • Carefully remove the cake from the oven – keep the oven on – and spread the rest of the condensed milk on top. Try to spread it as evenly as you can.
  • Continue to bake your cassava cake until the top is caramelized. You can also choose to broil on low for a few minutes to help with the caramelization. Just remember to watch your cake because broiling can easily burn it.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool in baking dish before cutting into squares and serving. Best served warm.

Video

Notes

  1. When dividing your condensed milk, simply eyeball it. Pour half into your cassava mixture and reserve the other half for your topping.
  2. If you want clean, perfect squares, it’s best to cut the cassava cake once it’s fully cooled. In the photos, I achieved those clean edges by refrigerating the cake first before cutting. It’s best served warm though so I just microwave the slices for 20 seconds or so out of the fridge.
  3. See post for more tips.

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 2mgPotassium: 5mgSugar: 4gVitamin A: 89IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional information are estimates only.

Keyword 1-Bowl Recipe, Authentic, Christmas, Easy, Fiesta
Tried this recipe?Tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations!

Happy baking!

Did you make cassava cake with macapuno? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below. 

And check out this delicious list of must-try Filipino desserts if you’re looking for more ideas.

And let’s get social! Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Filed Under: Cakes, Pies & Tarts, Filipino Desserts, Recipes

Previous Post: « Taho Recipe – Filipino Childhood Favourite
Next Post: Ube Halaya Recipe (with step-by-step photos) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ginny says

    September 28, 2020 at 3:01 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Jolina! Thanks for your cassava cake recipe! It’s my mother’s fave from back home and she says it tastes exactly as she remembers. ITS SO DELICIOUS!! Will be making it again. Have a good day!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      September 29, 2020 at 10:44 am

      Hi Ginny! Happy to hear that! Cassava cake is one of my favourite Filipino desserts too. Have a good day!

      Reply
  2. Ruthie says

    August 19, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been wanting some cassava cake but I can’t find any in here. Thank god I found your recipe and made some for myself haha! Cravings satisfied. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      August 20, 2020 at 9:46 am

      Hi Ruthie, glad you liked it! I’m always craving for cassava cake too lol. Now I can make it anytime 🙂

      Reply
  3. Swathi says

    August 3, 2020 at 1:26 am

    I love cassava, need to try this cassava cake. I usually use cassava in savory dishes not in sweet dishes.

    Reply
  4. Rose says

    July 31, 2020 at 12:04 am

    Looks good! Similar to what my mother makes. Can’t wait to make the recipe 🙂

    Reply
  5. Tasheena says

    July 29, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    This looks really yummy. I can’t wait to give it a try.

    Reply
  6. Catalina says

    July 29, 2020 at 1:46 pm

    Deliciousness! Love how creamy this cassava cake is!

    Reply
  7. Rena McDaniel says

    July 28, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    I have never heard of it before but it looks delicious. I have to give it a try.

    Reply
  8. Kathy says

    July 28, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    I’ve never tried this or heard of this before. It looks really good though. I definitely want to try it sometime soon. I can’t wait to see what it tastes like.

    Reply
  9. Marysa says

    July 28, 2020 at 9:20 am

    I have never had this kind of cake before, but I think I have had cassava. This sounds like an interesting and delicious dessert.

    Reply
  10. Lynndee says

    July 28, 2020 at 8:44 am

    Yummy! It’s been a while since I made cassava. Time to make one again.Thanks for the reminder. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Gervin Khan says

    July 28, 2020 at 5:15 am

    5 stars
    I’ve never eaten one of this but then I stumbled here and told my sister to make one and I swear it’s very delicious! Thanks to this post.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      July 30, 2020 at 10:21 am

      Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  12. Louisa says

    July 27, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    Yummy looking!!! I am going to give this a try, and I hope it tastes as good as it looks.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      July 30, 2020 at 10:21 am

      It does I promise! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Mary says

    July 27, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    This cassava cake looks so delicious and it’s my first time of hearing about it. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
  14. Pam Wattenbarger says

    July 27, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    We’ve had Cassava cake before in the Domincan Republic and it was delicious. I’d love to make it at home and now I can!

    Reply
  15. Harriet says

    July 27, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    This is so unique! I like trying new cuisines. Hope I can find all the ingredients I need.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      July 30, 2020 at 10:20 am

      Your best bet would be any Asian supermarket or the international aisle of your supermarket 🙂

      Reply
  16. Mel says

    July 27, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    Another Filipino favorite! I’m learning to appreciaate Filipino cuisine.

    Reply
  17. Amber Myers says

    July 27, 2020 at 10:25 am

    I’ve never tried this before. It looks and sounds tasty and I always like to try new things.

    Reply

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This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

Nutrition values provided on this site are estimates only. See Terms of Use for more information.