Chinese Cassava Cake Recipe: A Worth to Try Gluten-Free Dessert

Chinese cassava cake is a traditional dessert that is popular in many countries in Southeast Asia. It is made from grated cassava, coconut milk, and other ingredients, and has a slightly sweet and chewy texture that is similar to mochi. If you are looking for a unique and delicious dessert to make at home, Chinese cassava cake is definitely worth trying.

To make Chinese cassava cake, you will need a few key ingredients, including grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and tapioca starch. These ingredients can be found at most Asian grocery stores, and are relatively inexpensive. You will also need a few baking essentials, such as a baking dish, mixing bowl, and oven.

Overall, Chinese cassava cake is a simple and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your family or want to impress your friends with your baking skills, Chinese cassava cake is a great choice. So why not give it a try today and see how delicious it can be?

Key Takeaways

• Chinese cassava cake is a traditional dessert that is popular in Southeast Asia.
• You will need key ingredients such as grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and tapioca starch to make this dessert.
• Chinese cassava cake is a simple and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

What Is Chinese Cassava Cake?

Chinese cassava cake is a traditional Asian dessert made from cassava, a starchy root vegetable. It is also known as kuih, ubi kayu, or tapioca cake. This cake is popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia, and is often served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals.

Historical Significance

Cassava cake has a long history in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is believed to have originated in Indonesia and spread throughout the region over time. The cake was traditionally made by grinding cassava roots into a paste and mixing it with coconut milk, sugar, and other ingredients. It was then steamed or baked until it was cooked through.

Cultural Relevance in Southeast Asia

Cassava cake is an important part of Southeast Asian culture. It is often served as a dessert at special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and festivals. In Malaysia, it is known as kuih bingka ubi and is a popular Nyonya dessert. In Singapore, it is often served with a sweet coconut sauce.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to your cassava cake recipe. Shrimp or crab meat can be a delicious addition to this traditional dessert. Simply mix the seafood into the batter before baking or steaming for a flavourful twist on the classic recipe.

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

When it comes to making Chinese cassava cake, there are a few key ingredients that you'll need to get just right. Here's a breakdown of each one, including some substitutes you can use if you don't have access to the original ingredients.

Understanding Cassava

Cassava is a root vegetable that's commonly used in Chinese cooking. It has a starchy, slightly sweet flavour that makes it perfect for desserts like cassava cake. You'll need to use grated cassava in this recipe, which you can usually find in the frozen section of your local Asian grocery store. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with tapioca starch.

Coconut Milk and Its Alternatives

Coconut milk is another key ingredient in Chinese cassava cake. It adds a rich, creamy flavour to the cake that's hard to replicate with other ingredients. If you're vegan or lactose intolerant, you can substitute the coconut milk with almond milk or soy milk. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavour of the cake slightly.

Sweetening the Deal

Sugar is used to sweeten the cake in this recipe. If you're trying to cut down on your sugar intake, you can substitute the sugar with monk fruit sweetener. This is a natural sweetener that's low in calories and won't spike your blood sugar levels.

Seafood Addition

While seafood is not traditionally used in Chinese cassava cake, you can add a unique twist to the recipe by incorporating shrimp or crab meat. Simply cook the seafood separately and mix it into the batter before baking. This will add a savoury flavour to the cake that pairs well with the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Gluten-Free Option

If you're gluten-free, you'll be happy to know that cassava cake is naturally gluten-free. However, make sure you check the labels of any other ingredients you use to ensure they don't contain gluten.

Chinese cassava cake is a delicious dessert that's easy to make once you have all the right ingredients. With these substitutions and additions, you can make a version that suits your dietary needs and preferences.

Preparation and Baking Essentials

Prep Time and Cook Time

Preparing a delicious Chinese cassava cake takes some effort, but it's worth it. The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, while the cook time is around 50 minutes. The total time required is around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients you need. This includes grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and butter. You will also need a baking pan, parchment paper, and an oven.

Baking Techniques and Tips

To start, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your baking pan with butter and then line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

Next, prepare the batter by whisking the eggs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Add the grated cassava and coconut milk to the mixture and stir well. You can also add seafood to the batter for a unique twist. Shrimp or crab meat can be used for this recipe.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake the cake for 50 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve the cake warm or cold, depending on your preference.

Baking a Chinese cassava cake requires some preparation and baking essentials. Make sure you have all the ingredients you need and follow the baking techniques and tips to make a delicious cake.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Making Chinese cassava cake is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and some basic baking skills. Here is a step-by-step recipe to help you make this delicious and chewy dessert.

Mixing the Ingredients

To start, preheat your oven to 180°C and prepare a 9" x 13" cake pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of grated cassava, 1/2 cup of grated tapioca, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of condensed milk, 1/2 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they reach an even consistency.

If you want to add a seafood twist to your cassava cake, you can mix in some chopped shrimp or crab meat at this stage. It will give your cake a unique flavour and texture that will surprise your taste buds.

Baking to Perfection

Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

While baking, you can prepare a simple syrup by boiling 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar until the sugar dissolves. This syrup will be used to glaze the cake later.

Finishing Touches

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Brush the top of the cake with the simple syrup to give it a shiny and sweet glaze.

Cut the cake into small squares and serve them as a snack or dessert. The texture of the cassava cake should be soft, moist, and chewy, with a sweet and slightly nutty flavour.

If you have any leftover cake, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

That's it! You now know how to make a delicious Chinese cassava cake that will impress your friends and family. Give it a try and experiment with different ingredients and flavours to make it your own.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Keeping It Fresh

To keep your Chinese cassava cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can last for up to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that freezing may change the texture of the cake.

Serving and Pairings

Chinese cassava cake is a versatile dish that can be served at any time of the day. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or a breakfast item. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.

When serving, cut the cake into bite-size pieces and arrange them on a platter. If you want to add some seafood to your dish, you can serve it with shrimp or crab meat. The sweetness of the cake pairs well with the savoury taste of seafood.

Nutrition and Calories

Chinese cassava cake is a delicious treat, but it is important to keep in mind its nutritional value. One serving of cassava cake contains approximately 200 calories. The cake is also high in carbohydrates and sugar.

If you are watching your calorie intake, it is best to enjoy Chinese cassava cake in moderation. You can also make some adjustments to the recipe to make it healthier, such as reducing the amount of sugar or using a sugar substitute.

To conclude, Chinese cassava cake is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed by all. With the right storage and serving suggestions, you can ensure that your cake stays fresh and delicious for days to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make a Chinese cassava cake?

The simplest way to make Chinese cassava cake is to mix grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and eggs in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and steam it for about an hour. Once the cake is cooked, let it cool before slicing it into pieces.

How can I add a coconut topping to my tapioca cake?

To add a coconut topping to your tapioca cake, mix coconut milk and sugar in a saucepan and cook it until it thickens. Pour the mixture over the cake and spread it evenly. You can also sprinkle shredded coconut on top for added texture.

What are the secrets to the best Chinese cassava cake?

The secrets to the best Chinese cassava cake are to use fresh cassava and coconut milk, and to steam the cake slowly to ensure it cooks evenly. You can also add pandan leaves to the mixture for added flavour.

Can you guide me through the process of steaming a tapioca cake?

Sure, first, grease a baking dish with oil or butter. Then, pour the tapioca mixture into the dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in a steamer basket and steam it for about an hour or until the cake is cooked. Once done, let the cake cool before slicing it into pieces.

What's the method for making a baked tapioca cake with gula melaka?

To make a baked tapioca cake with gula melaka, mix grated tapioca, gula melaka, coconut milk, and eggs in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake it in the oven for about an hour or until the cake is cooked. Once done, let the cake cool before slicing it into pieces.

What are the steps to properly reheat a tapioca cake?

To properly reheat a tapioca cake, wrap the cake in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it for a minute or two, but this may make the cake slightly rubbery.

As a suggestion, you can add seafood, such as shrimp or crab, to the tapioca mixture for added flavour and texture. Simply mix the seafood into the tapioca mixture before steaming or baking it.