Kassava Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert crafted from the tropical goodness of cassava and coconut. This traditional treat is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. Cassava provides a healthy dose of carbohydrates for sustained energy, while coconut milk adds healthy fats and a creamy texture. However, moderation is key as the sugar content can contribute to a high-calorie count. Kassava Cake is a delightful balance of taste and nutrition, making it an irresistible choice for sweet lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups grated cassava
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

For Topping:

  • ½ cup coconut cream
  • ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and thoroughly once you’re ready to place it inside.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

  • Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter or oil to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for an easier cleanup later.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

  • In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of evaporated milk. Stir them together until well-combined.
  • Crack 2 large eggs into the mixture, and add ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and a pinch of ½ tsp of salt. Use a whisk to mix everything thoroughly.

Add the Grated Cassava and Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually incorporate 4 cups of grated cassava into the wet ingredients. Stir gently to combine, making sure the cassava is evenly distributed in the mixture.
  • Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix until the batter becomes smooth and creamy. The sugar will dissolve as you mix, providing the cake with a delicious sweetness.

Pour the Batter into the Dish:

  • Once the batter is smooth and well-mixed, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure the batter is level across the dish.

Bake the Cake:

  • Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check the cake’s consistency by inserting a toothpick or a cake tester in the center. It should come out clean, or with only a few moist crumbs.

Prepare the Topping:

  • While the cake is baking, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of coconut cream and ¼ cup of sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until smooth. The coconut cream will provide richness, while the condensed milk will give the topping a touch of sweetness.

Add the Topping:

  • After the cake has baked for 45-50 minutes and is set, remove it from the oven. Spread the coconut topping evenly over the surface of the cake using a spatula. Be sure to cover the entire top to ensure a rich, creamy finish.

Final Bake:

  • Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the topping turns a golden brown. The topping should become slightly crispy and beautifully golden in color.

Cool the Cake:

  • Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the dish. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to ensure that it sets properly before cutting.

Slice and Serve:

  • Once cooled, slice the Kassava Cake into squares or rectangles. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of grated cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Your Kassava Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a delightful dessert for family gatherings, parties, or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Tips for Preparing Kassava Cake:

To ensure that your Kassava Cake comes out perfectly, here are a few preparation tips:

  1. Grating the Cassava: It’s important to grate the cassava evenly and thoroughly. If you're using frozen cassava, make sure it’s thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
  2. Mixing the Ingredients: Make sure to mix all the wet ingredients (coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs) well before adding them to the dry ingredients. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
  3. Proper Baking Time: Don’t rush the baking process. The cake needs 45–50 minutes to set properly, and an additional 15 minutes after adding the topping. Ensure the cake is golden on top before removing it from the oven.

Balancing Flavor and Nutrition:

The Kassava Cake provides a sweet, indulgent treat, but with the right modifications, you can make it a healthier option:

  • Reduce Sugar Content: You can use natural sweeteners like honey or coconut sugar to reduce the overall sugar content. This not only lowers the glycemic index of the cake but also adds a unique flavor.
  • Use Coconut Oil: Instead of using some of the milk-based fats, you can substitute them with coconut oil for a healthier fat alternative that still maintains the creamy texture.
  • Add Fruits: Incorporating fruits like mango or berries into the batter or as a topping can boost the cake’s fiber content and provide additional vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use healthy substitutes for sugar in this recipe?

  • Yes! You can replace granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. These alternatives offer a more natural sweetness with additional benefits like antioxidants (in the case of honey) and lower glycemic index (for coconut sugar).

Can I make this cake healthier?

  • Absolutely! To make the cake healthier, try the following:
  • Use whole coconut milk or opt for low-fat coconut milk to reduce fat content.
  • Consider replacing some of the evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based alternatives.
  • Reduce the amount of condensed milk and use healthier sweeteners as mentioned.

Is it okay to eat Kassava Cake regularly?

  • While Kassava Cake offers many nutritional benefits, it's important to consume it in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content. You can enjoy it occasionally as a treat within a balanced diet, but it shouldn’t be a daily indulgence.

Can I take supplements with this cake to enhance its nutritional benefits?

  • Yes, you can complement the benefits of Kassava Cake by adding supplements like:
  • Vitamin D: To support bone health, which is important given the calcium content from the milk and eggs.
  • Calcium: If you’re looking to boost your intake of calcium for stronger bones, especially if you're not consuming dairy or other calcium-rich foods.

How should I store Kassava Cake for freshness?

  • To keep your Kassava Cake fresh:
  • Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days.
  • If you plan to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

  • Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), apple sauce, or banana to help bind the ingredients together. These alternatives are great for those following a vegan diet or those who avoid eggs for other reasons.


Nutritional Values and Benefits

4 Cups Grated Cassava (1kg)

  • Calories: 1,600
  • Carbohydrates: 380g
  • Fiber: 16g

Nutritional Benefit: A great source of energy, cassava is rich in carbohydrates and contains essential minerals like potassium for heart health.

1 Cup Coconut Milk (240ml)

  • Calories: 445
  • Fat: 48g

Nutritional Benefit: Coconut milk provides healthy fats, supports brain function, and adds a creamy texture.

1 Cup Evaporated Milk (240ml)

  • Calories: 340
  • Protein: 17g

Nutritional Benefit: Adds calcium and protein, supporting strong bones and muscle health.

1 Cup Granulated Sugar (200g)

  • Calories: 774

Nutritional Benefit: A source of quick energy but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excess calorie intake.

½ Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (150g)

  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 130g

Nutritional Benefit: Enhances sweetness and adds calcium, though high in sugar.

2 Large Eggs (100g)

  • Calories: 143
  • Protein: 12g

Nutritional Benefit: Packed with protein, eggs provide essential amino acids and vitamin D.

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract (5ml)

  • Calories: 12

Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor with minimal calories.

½ Tsp Salt (3g)

  • Sodium: 1,150mg

Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and supports electrolyte balance.

For Topping:

½ Cup Coconut Cream (120ml):

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 44g

Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and flavor, and is a source of healthy fats.

¼ Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (75g):

  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 65g

Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and calcium.

1 Tbsp Grated Cheese (10g):

  • Calories: 40
  • Protein: 3g

Nutritional Benefit: Adds protein and a savory contrast to the sweet topping.

Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients:

Each ingredient in the Kassava Cake offers nutritional value:

  • Cassava: Rich in carbohydrates and a great energy source, cassava is also a good source of potassium, which supports heart health. Its high fiber content can aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Coconut Milk: Coconut milk provides healthy fats that support brain function and contribute to a creamy texture. It is also rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can help boost metabolism and fat-burning.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: While adding sweetness, this ingredient also provides calcium, which is essential for strong bones. However, it is high in sugar, so moderation is key.
  • Eggs: Rich in protein, eggs offer essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. They also help with muscle repair and contribute to overall body health.

These ingredients combine to create a dessert that not only tastes indulgent but also provides essential nutrients like potassium, protein, and healthy fats.

Caloric Impact and Daily Intake:

The Kassava Cake is relatively high in calories due to its sugar and fat content. For example:

  • A serving of this cake (based on a typical recipe serving size) may contain 300–400 calories, with a significant portion of that coming from sugar and fats.

To understand how this impacts your daily intake, consider that an average adult needs around 2,000–2,500 calories per day. Consuming a piece of Kassava Cake as a dessert or occasional treat is acceptable as part of a balanced diet, but it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Summary

Kassava Cake is a delicious dessert that balances rich flavors and nutritional benefits. While high in energy and essential nutrients like calcium and potassium, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and fat content. Perfect for festive occasions, this cake is a crowd-pleaser!

kirolos
i'm just try to cook new things.

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