Filipino Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Cassava Cake
A moist, dense cake made from grated cassava and coconut milk, topped with a custard layer.
Contains common allergens
In the app, Listahan checks these against your household automatically.
Instructions
6 steps- 1
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch rectangular baking dish with butter.
- 2
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the grated cassava, coconut milk, half of the condensed milk, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- 3
Bake the Cake Base: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is mostly firm and the top is slightly dry.
- 4
Prepare the Topping: While the cake is baking, prepare the custard topping by mixing the remaining half of the condensed milk with the grated cheddar cheese in a small bowl.
- 5
Broil the Topping: Remove the cake from the oven. Spread the condensed milk and cheese mixture evenly over the top. Return the pan to the oven, switch it to the Broil setting, and broil for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown.
- 6
Cool: Let the cassava cake cool completely before slicing to allow it to set. Serve at room temperature.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
77/100
Good fit for most families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving125
Calories
4 g
Protein
6 g
Carbs
9 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
Cassava Cake is a dense, chewy bake of grated cassava bound with coconut and condensed milk, finished with a rich custard top. Cassava, a starchy root staple, becomes a beloved merienda and fiesta dessert in this form. The custard topping browned under heat is its crowning feature.
Listahan note
This version keeps the base moist and chewy with plenty of coconut milk, then browns a condensed-milk custard on top for the classic two-layer finish.
Technique cues
- Do not over-squeeze the grated cassava; some moisture keeps the cake from drying.
- Bake the base until set before adding the custard topping.
- Broil the topping briefly at the end for the signature browned crust.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- Grate or thaw the cassava and mix the base while the oven preheats.
- Make-ahead
- Bake ahead; cassava cake holds and even firms nicely overnight.
- Leftover move
- Serve chilled squares as a make-ahead snack for days.
- Cleanup rhythm
- Line the pan to make cleanup and slicing easier.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
Grated cassava
Base
Purpose: Gives the cake its dense, chewy character.
Handling: Squeeze lightly; leave enough moisture for a tender crumb.
Adaptation: Frozen grated cassava is a reliable shortcut.
Coconut milk
Richness
Purpose: Adds moisture and coconut flavor to the base.
Handling: Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest result.
Adaptation: Evaporated milk works but is less fragrant.
Sweetened condensed milk
Sweetener and topping
Purpose: Sweetens the base and forms the custard top.
Handling: Reserve half for the topping.
Adaptation: Adjust amount to control sweetness.
Cheddar cheese
Topping accent
Purpose: Adds a savory-sweet contrast on the custard top.
Handling: Grate over the topping before browning.
Adaptation: Omit for a plain custard top.
Technique notes
- Set the base fully before adding the topping, or the layers blur.
- Watch the broiler closely; the custard top browns fast.
- Let it cool and firm before slicing for clean squares.
Ingredient swaps
- Dairy-free direction
- Use coconut milk throughout and a plant-based condensed milk; skip the cheese.
- Less-sweet direction
- Cut the condensed milk in the base and keep it for the topping.
- Extra-coconut direction
- Fold in macapuno strings for more texture.
Serve alongside
- Toasted coconut
- Fresh mango
- Latik
- Maja blanca
- Coffee
- Hot tea
- Cold milk
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Refrigerate up to 4 days, covered.
- Serve chilled or briefly warmed; it holds its texture well.
- Freeze up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Equipment
- Oven with broiler
- Baking dish
- Box grater
- Mixing bowl
Make this household-aware
Listahan Pro checks this recipe against your household's allergens, finds pantry-aware swaps, builds the shopping list, and helps you plan the week around it.
Plan it in Listahan
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