Get ready to dive into a truly special treat that’s making waves in the world of coconut milk baking recipes! We're talking about Cassava Pone, a beloved Caribbean classic that's as comforting as it is delicious. If you're searching for gluten-free baking recipes and dairy-free baking options, or simply crave baked sweets recipes that are bursting with flavor, you've hit the jackpot. This isn't just another dessert recipe using coconut; it's an experience! Imagine a dessert with a gloriously gooey, almost custard-like inside, perfectly complemented by golden, slightly caramelized edges. It’s a unique texture that sets it apart from other baked desserts using coconut milk. Plus, with our easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be enjoying this delightful dessert for one (or many!) in no time.
Ingredients
Directions
Cassava Pone Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create some magic? Follow these steps for the perfect Cassava Pone:
Get Your Oven Ready: Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the start.
Prep Your Cassava & Coconut: If using fresh cassava, peel it carefully, then chop it into manageable pieces before grating. Do the same for your fresh coconut, if you're using it. If you're using frozen grated cassava or coconut, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained of any excess liquid.
Combine the Dry & Wet: In a really large mixing bowl, combine the grated cassava, brown sugar, grated coconut (if using), softened butter (or non-dairy alternative), cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed essence (or vanilla), almond extract, and that surprising touch of black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely mixed.
Add the Coconut Milk: Pour in the 3 cups of coconut milk. Now, stir, stir, stir! You want to make sure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth, thick batter. This is key for that signature gooey texture.
Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease a 9x12-inch baking pan. You can use a little butter or a non-stick cooking spray. Pour your delicious cassava mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You're looking for a beautiful golden-brown and slightly dark brown top, and a set but still jiggly center. The longer bake time helps develop that caramelized crust.
Cool Down: This is the hardest part – patience! Let your Cassava Pone cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice and serve. Trust us, it sets up beautifully as it cools, giving you that perfect gooey-yet-firm texture. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy your homemade easy dessert coconut milk delight!
Bake Easy Coconut Milk Cassava Pone Recipe
Serves: 12 People
Prepare Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 60-75 minut
Calories: -
Difficulty:
Medium
Get ready to dive into a truly special treat that’s making waves in the world of coconut milk baking recipes! We're talking about Cassava Pone, a beloved Caribbean classic that's as comforting as it is delicious. If you're searching for gluten-free baking recipes and dairy-free baking options, or simply crave baked sweets recipes that are bursting with flavor, you've hit the jackpot. This isn't just another dessert recipe using coconut; it's an experience! Imagine a dessert with a gloriously gooey, almost custard-like inside, perfectly complemented by golden, slightly caramelized edges. It’s a unique texture that sets it apart from other baked desserts using coconut milk. Plus, with our easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be enjoying this delightful dessert for one (or many!) in no time.
Ingredients
Directions
Cassava Pone Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create some magic? Follow these steps for the perfect Cassava Pone:
Get Your Oven Ready: Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the start.
Prep Your Cassava & Coconut: If using fresh cassava, peel it carefully, then chop it into manageable pieces before grating. Do the same for your fresh coconut, if you're using it. If you're using frozen grated cassava or coconut, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained of any excess liquid.
Combine the Dry & Wet: In a really large mixing bowl, combine the grated cassava, brown sugar, grated coconut (if using), softened butter (or non-dairy alternative), cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed essence (or vanilla), almond extract, and that surprising touch of black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely mixed.
Add the Coconut Milk: Pour in the 3 cups of coconut milk. Now, stir, stir, stir! You want to make sure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth, thick batter. This is key for that signature gooey texture.
Prepare Your Pan: Lightly grease a 9x12-inch baking pan. You can use a little butter or a non-stick cooking spray. Pour your delicious cassava mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You're looking for a beautiful golden-brown and slightly dark brown top, and a set but still jiggly center. The longer bake time helps develop that caramelized crust.
Cool Down: This is the hardest part – patience! Let your Cassava Pone cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice and serve. Trust us, it sets up beautifully as it cools, giving you that perfect gooey-yet-firm texture. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy your homemade easy dessert coconut milk delight!
Recipe Nutritional Values
The following nutritional values are per serving (one piece of cake)
Calories
380-450 kcal
Carbohydrates
65-75g
Protein
3-5g
Fat
12-18g
Additional Information
serving, based on 12 servings) Calories: 380-450 kcal Carbohydrates: 65-75g Protein: 3-5g Fat: 12-18g Additional Information: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.
By using a non-dairy butter alternative, this becomes a wonderful dairy-free dessert.
Cassava is a good source of dietary fiber, contributing to a satisfying and hearty treat.
Recipe Success Tips
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Milk Magic: While our recipe champions coconut milk for baking for its rich, tropical flavor and dairy-free benefits, you can absolutely substitute the 3 cups of coconut milk with two cans of evaporated milk for an even richer, creamier pone. This is a common variation in some Caribbean households.
Spice It Up: For those who love a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper added to the batter will give your Cassava Pone a delightful, subtle kick without overpowering the sweetness. It’s a fun way to explore vegetarian sweets recipes with an unexpected twist!
Coconut Choice: If fresh grated coconut isn't readily available, frozen grated coconut works perfectly! Just remember to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to your mixture to prevent a watery pone.
Sugar Savvy: If you're exploring sugar-free coconut milk desserts, you can experiment with sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia, adjusting to your taste. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly.
Cultural Variations
Cassava Pone, or Yuca Cake as it's sometimes known, holds a special place in the hearts of many across the Caribbean, with each island often having its own beloved version. While the core ingredients remain similar, regional twists might include different spice blends or additional fruits like raisins or dried cranberries. Our recipe provides a fantastic foundation that's widely loved, allowing you to appreciate its authentic Caribbean roots.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
Cooling is Key: After baking, it's crucial to let your Cassava Pone cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows it to set properly, ensuring that perfect gooey-but-firm texture when sliced. Trying to cut it hot will result in a much messier, crumbly dessert.
Storage: Once cooled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Your Cassava Pone will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Reheating: A quick warm-up in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven can bring back some of that freshly baked warmth and gooeyness, making it a fantastic baked sweets recipe to enjoy days later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional cassava pone typically includes grated cassava, sugar (often brown sugar), coconut milk, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes ginger or black pepper. Butter or a non-dairy fat is also common, along with flavorings like vanilla or almond extract. Our recipe stays true to these classic ingredients!
The star of the show, and indeed the main ingredient, in cassava cake (or pone) is, of course, cassava! It's a starchy root vegetable that gives the dessert its unique texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
For a 9x12-inch pan, cassava pone usually bakes for about 60-75 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You'll know it's ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and slightly dark, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, though a little gooeyness is part of its charm!
Recommended Kitchen Tools
Sometimes, you just want to get to the delicious part faster, right? While making cassava pone from scratch is super rewarding, these tools and ingredients can help you cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor! Food Processor with Grating Attachment:Problem: Grating fresh cassava by hand can be a real arm workout, and it takes quite a while!
Pre-Grated Frozen Cassava:
Problem: Grating fresh cassava by hand can be a real arm workout, and it takes quite a while! Agitate: All that manual labor can make you think twice about tackling this recipe, especially on a busy day. Solution: A food processor with a grating attachment makes quick work of peeling and grating your fresh cassava (and coconut, if you’re using it!). You’ll have perfectly grated ingredients in minutes, not half an hour. Pre-Grated Frozen Cassava:
Electric Hand Mixer:
Problem: Sourcing fresh cassava isn't always easy, and then there's the peeling and grating. Agitate: If you can't find fresh cassava or don't have time for the prep, you might skip making this amazing dessert altogether. Solution: Many ethnic grocery stores carry pre-grated frozen cassava. Just thaw it out, drain any excess liquid, and you're ready to mix! It saves a ton of time and effort. Electric Hand Mixer:
Pre-Measured Spice Blends:
Problem: Mixing all those ingredients by hand in a large bowl can be tiring, especially getting everything evenly combined. Agitate: Lumps or uneven distribution of spices can lead to inconsistent flavor and texture in your pone. Solution: An electric hand mixer ensures all your ingredients – from the cassava and sugar to the spices and coconut milk – are thoroughly and effortlessly blended into a smooth, uniform batter. Pre-Measured Spice Blends:
Kitchen Tool
Problem: Measuring out multiple spices individually can be a bit tedious when you're in a rush. Agitate: Fumbling with tiny spoons and multiple spice jars can add unnecessary minutes to your prep. Solution: If you bake frequently, consider creating small jars of your favorite spice blends (like cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper) in the correct ratios. Then, just scoop and go!
Calories per Ingredient
Click any ingredient for detailed nutritional information:
Nutritional Benefits:
A good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, rich in Vitamin C (an antioxidant), and contains dietary fiber which aids digestion
Nutritional Benefits:
Provides healthy fats (MCTs), dietary fiber, and minerals like manganese and copper, which support bone health and metabolism
Nutritional Benefits:
Primarily a sweetener, brown sugar offers trace minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, though in very small amounts compared to its sugar content
Nutritional Benefits:
Provides fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and K2When using a non-dairy option, check the label for fortified vitamins
Nutritional Benefits:
Known for its powerful antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effectsIt may also help regulate blood sugar levels
Nutritional Benefits:
Contains antioxidants and has been traditionally used for its digestive benefits and potential to improve sleep
Nutritional Benefits:
Primarily used for flavorVanilla contains some antioxidants
Nutritional Benefits:
Purely for flavor, adding a distinct nutty aroma to your baking
Nutritional Benefits:
Contains piperine, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can also enhance nutrient absorption
Nutritional Benefits:
A good source of healthy fats (MCTs), and provides vitamins C, E, B vitamins, and minerals like iron, selenium, and magnesium
Hey there! I’m just someone who seriously loves good food and believes that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, I’m all about sharing easy, tasty recipes that actually work.