Cassava Pone: A Delicious Traditional Guyanese Dessert
Cassava Pone is a beloved Guyanese dessert that’s rich, dense, and full of flavor! This sweet, spiced cake made from grated cassava (also known as yuca or manioc) is a comforting treat that holds a special place in Caribbean kitchens. With its aromatic spices and the natural sweetness of cassava, it’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends. Whether you’re from Guyana or discovering it for the first time, this recipe will take you on a delicious culinary journey.
Why You’ll Love This Cassava Pone:
- Rich & Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a beautifully spiced flavor that complements the natural sweetness of cassava.
- Dense & Satisfying: This cake has a dense, moist texture that makes it feel indulgent and hearty.
- Guyanese Tradition: A cherished dessert in Guyanese culture, it brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make this traditional treat at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 large cassavas, peeled and grated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Cassava:
Peel and grate the cassava. Once grated, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve. This step is important to get the right texture for your pone.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined.
5. Combine with Cassava:
Add the squeezed cassava to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Bake:
Pour the cassava mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pone is set.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and let the cassava pone cool completely before slicing. This will allow it to firm up and make slicing easier. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Cassava Pone:
- Fresh Cassava: For the best flavor and texture, try to use fresh cassava. If you can’t find fresh cassava, frozen grated cassava is a good substitute.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can result in a denser texture than desired.
- Wood-Fired Oven: If you have access to a wood-fired oven or an open flame, consider baking the cassava pone this way for a more authentic, smoky flavor.
- Serving: Cassava pone is often enjoyed on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of coconut ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Additional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12-16 servings
Why You’ll Love This Cassava Pone:
Cassava Pone is a rich and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or just a cozy treat at home. The spices bring warmth and sweetness to the earthy cassava, while the dense texture makes each bite filling and satisfying. This dessert is a true representation of Guyanese culture, and once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your own kitchen! Enjoy!
