Enyucado: Colombian Sweet and Savory Yuca Cake
Enyucado is an exquisite sweet and savory cake made from grated yuca, reigning supreme as one of the most traditional desserts on the Colombian Caribbean coast. If you want a unique, gluten-free treat that perfectly balances sweet coconut with salty regional cheese, this is the ultimate recipe to try.
The secret to this coastal delicacy is the magical combination of queso costeño, rich leche de coco, and aromatic anise mixed directly into the raw grated yuca. Baked until golden brown, this dense, comforting cake is foolproof and serves perfectly as a dessert or a sweet afternoon side dish!
Enyucado (Colombian Yuca Cake)
A sweet and savory Caribbean masterpiece! A dense, satisfying cake made with grated yuca, coconut, anise, and salty coastal cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yuca cassava
- 1/2 lb Sugar
- 1/2 lb Queso Costeño salty Colombian coastal cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Leche de coco coconut milk
- 1/2 cup Grated coconut
- 1 tablespoon Anise seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Anise extract
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Prep the yuca: The very first thing to do is prepare your main ingredient. Wash the yuca thoroughly, peel off the thick waxy skin, and grate the raw flesh finely.
- Build the batter: In a large bowl, mix the grated yuca with the rest of the ingredients in the following specific order: first the sugar, then the grated queso costeño, the leche de coco, the grated coconut, the anise seeds, the anise extract, the butter, and finally the heavy cream.
- Rest the dough: Mix everything together thoroughly until you form a smooth, integrated, and heavy dough. Let the mixture rest undisturbed for 30 minutes so the flavors meld and the yuca absorbs the liquids.
- Bake: Pour the rested mixture into a baking mold that has been previously buttered and floured. Place it into an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and set.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the mold from the oven, let it cool slightly, and cut it into generous square portions!
Video
Notes
- Coastal Favorite: The Enyucado is deeply ingrained in the culinary identity of the Colombian Caribbean coast, often sold by palenqueras (traditional fruit and sweet vendors) on the streets of Cartagena.
- Energy Boost: Yuca is a highly energetic food containing complex carbohydrates, making it very filling, although its protein content is naturally limited.
- Dietary Note: Despite its dense texture, the natural fat contribution of yuca itself is quite low, making the base ingredient suitable for various diets.
- Bone Health: Yuca contains a good amount of calcium and vitamin K, which are essential nutrients that help maintain healthy bones and prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
You may also be interested
Mazamorra de plátano: Sweet Ripe Plantain and Coconut Porridge
Queso de Capa de Mompox: Traditional Layered Mompox Cheese
Ajonjolí Molido: Colombian Toasted Sesame Paste
Dulce de Limón de Mompox: Traditional Candied Mompox Limes