Welcome to a dessert that combines simplicity with exotic flavor! This Creamy No-Bake Cassava Cake is a refreshing twist on traditional cassava desserts, featuring the natural sweetness of cassava root transformed into a silky, pudding-like treat.
Cassava, also known as yuca or manioc, is a starchy root vegetable enjoyed in many tropical cuisines around the world. In this recipe, we’ve taken inspiration from Southeast Asian dessert traditions where cassava is often paired with coconut milk and condensed milk for a luxuriously creamy texture.
What makes this recipe special is its no-bake preparation – perfect for hot summer days or when you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven. The gentle setting process in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating layers of taste that develop over time.
Whether you’re familiar with cassava desserts or trying them for the first time, this no-bake cake offers an accessible way to explore this versatile ingredient. The smooth, custard-like base topped with clouds of whipped cream creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant – equally suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Get ready to discover a new favorite dessert that’s sure to impress with its unique flavor profile and deceptively simple preparation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy No-Bake Cassava Cake is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of cassava with creamy layers that melt in your mouth. It’s refreshingly simple to make without needing an oven, making it perfect for warm days or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. The silky texture paired with the unique flavor of cassava creates a dessert that’s both familiar and exotic at the same time.
Pure Comfort
There’s something incredibly comforting about the soft, pudding-like consistency of this cassava cake. It brings together nostalgic flavors in a dessert that feels like a warm hug. The gentle sweetness and subtle tropical notes make this a perfect comfort food for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself after a long day.
What You Need
- 2 pounds fresh cassava, peeled and grated (or 2 packages frozen grated cassava, thawed)
- 1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
- Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Steps to Make It
- In a large bowl, combine the grated cassava, condensed milk, coconut milk, beaten eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Pour the cassava mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled cassava cake and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve cold.
Make It Perfect
For the best texture, make sure your cassava is finely grated. If using fresh cassava, squeeze out excess moisture after grating to prevent the cake from becoming too watery. When mixing the ingredients, ensure there are no lumps for the smoothest result. The cake should be properly chilled before adding the whipped cream topping – patience yields the best texture!
Mix It Up
Try folding in 1/2 cup of chopped macadamia nuts or toasted pine nuts for added crunch. For a tropical twist, add 1/2 cup of diced mango or pineapple to the mixture before chilling. You can also experiment with adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced version of this classic dessert.
Perfect Partners
Serve this creamy cassava cake with a cup of strong coffee or black tea to balance the sweetness. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, or lychee. For a more decadent experience, drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate ganache before serving.
Busy Day Hero
This no-bake dessert is perfect for busy days since the active preparation time is minimal. You can prepare it in the morning before work and come home to a ready-to-serve dessert. The hands-on time is just about 20 minutes, with the refrigerator doing most of the work for you!
Work Ahead
This cassava cake can be prepared up to two days in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator without the whipped cream topping. Add the fresh whipped cream and any garnishes just before serving for the best presentation and texture.
Save Some For Later
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly, becoming more firm, but the flavor remains delicious. This cake does not freeze well due to its pudding-like consistency, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Everyone’s Happy
This cassava cake is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. It’s also a crowd-pleaser across generations – children love its sweet, pudding-like texture while adults appreciate its not-too-sweet sophisticated flavor profile with coconut undertones.
Good For You Too
Cassava is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The coconut milk adds healthy fats that can help with satiety. While this is definitely a treat, you can reduce the sugar content slightly if desired without affecting the texture significantly, and the natural sweetness of cassava still shines through.
Easy Clean Up
Since this recipe doesn’t require baking, you’ll save on energy and keep your kitchen cool. The entire preparation can be done in one large mixing bowl, minimizing dishes. Using parchment paper in your dish makes serving and cleanup even simpler – just lift out the entire cake and peel away the paper.
Switch It Up
For a chocolate version, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the mixture. You can also create a layered dessert by dividing the mixture in half, adding pureed fruit like strawberries or mango to one portion, then layering the two for a beautiful effect. For special occasions, individual servings in glass cups or ramekins make for an elegant presentation.
Simply Perfect
The beauty of this no-bake cassava cake lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and preparation, you create a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. The clean, natural flavors let the star ingredient – cassava – truly shine, while the creamy texture makes every bite a pleasure.
FAQs
Can I use tapioca flour instead of grated cassava?
No, tapioca flour will not work as a substitute as it has a different consistency. The grated cassava is essential for the cake’s texture.
How do I know if my cassava cake is set properly?
When properly set, the cake should be firm to the touch but still have some give, similar to a firm pudding or flan.
Is raw cassava safe to eat?
No, raw cassava can be toxic. This recipe works because the cassava is properly prepared and the long refrigeration time helps break down any remaining harmful compounds.
Can I make this without eggs?
You can experiment with egg substitutes like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, though the texture may be slightly different.
How sweet is this dessert?
It has a moderate sweetness from the condensed milk and added sugar. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to half.
Can I use cassava flour instead of grated cassava?
No, cassava flour has a different consistency and will not yield the proper texture for this cake.
Why did my cassava cake turn out grainy?
This could be due to not grating the cassava finely enough or not mixing the ingredients thoroughly. Ensure everything is well combined for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy No-Bake Cassava Cake offers a wonderful way to enjoy cassava in a dessert form that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. Its creamy texture and delicate flavor profile make it stand out from typical desserts, while the no-bake preparation keeps it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight treat or something special to bring to a gathering, this versatile cassava cake delivers satisfaction in every cool, creamy bite.
More No-Bake Dessert Inspiration
If you loved making this Creamy No-Bake Cassava Cake, why not try other easy and delicious no-bake treats? For a tropical twist, you might enjoy the No-Bake Banana Split Cake, a refreshing and fruity alternative. If you’re a peanut butter lover, then these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls are a must-try! Looking for something creamy yet light? The Luscious No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies are a delightful option. You could also explore Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for a citrusy and chewy experience. And if you’re craving a no-bake dessert with a bit of tangy sweetness, don’t miss the Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups. Each of these recipes is simple to make, bursting with flavor, and requires no oven time—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a snap!