Many people think eating healthy means sacrificing flavor, but that doesn’t have to be the case! Healthy, wellness-promoting food can also be delicious! Cassava Pie is a beloved Bermudian tradition, enjoyed especially around the holidays. This dish is typically rich, hearty, and a bit labor-intensive. If you’re old enough, you may remember watching your parents or grandparents buy whole cassava roots, peel, and grate them by hand—a true labor of love! The recipe required so much work, that you’d certainly earn every bite. With modern conveniences like pre-grated cassava, this pie has become easier than ever to make. So, as cassava pie has evolved, we thought the recipe should too, keeping it delicious but with a healthier twist!

Why This Cassava Pie Recipe is Healthier

1) Less Cassava

Cassava itself is nutrient-rich, packed with minerals and dietary fiber, which helps support digestive health, and promotes stable blood sugar levels. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free! Gluten can be problematic for many people, especially those with sensitivities or intolerances. By reducing the amount of cassava, we also reduce the carbohydrate content, which helps balance blood sugar levels. Cassava offers a steady energy boost, keeping you satisfied without the carb overload of a traditional recipe.

2) Reduced Sugar

This healthier version also keeps carbohydrates in check by reducing sugar. Rather than using traditional refined sugar, we chose natural sweeteners to maintain flavor without adding empty calories. We tested a few options—coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup—to find the best fit. While coconut sugar tasted good, it changed the color and flavor of the pie more than we liked, making it look less like the traditional cassava pie. Honey and maple syrup, however, kept the taste true to the original, and both proved to be delicious and effective sugar substitutes!

3) Allergy-Friendly

This cassava pie is free of dairy, soy, and eggs, making it a treat everyone can enjoy! Food allergies and sensitivities are on the rise and can trigger inflammation linked to many chronic conditions. Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) notes that 90% of food allergies stem from eight common ingredients: milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, and soy. This recipe avoids these allergens for a more inclusive treat, so it’s a pie that just about anyone can savor safely.

Cassava Pie Recipe

This recipe is perfect for a healthier holiday indulgence that doesn’t skimp on taste!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Cassava
• ½ cup of Vegan Butter (such as Miyoko’s Organic Vegan Butter)
• ½ cup of Honey or ¾ cup Maple syrup
• 5 Vegan Eggs (a Vegan Egg replacer, we like the brand Bob’s Red Mills)
• ¾ cup Coconut or Almond Flour
• 3 tsp of Fresh Grated or Ground Nutmeg
• ½ tsp of Pink Himalayan Salt
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Tbsp Vanilla
• 3/4 cup Coconut Milk (if using coconut flour)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the grated cassava in a dish towel and squeeze out excess liquid. (Tip: If you buy a large bag of grated cassava, you can make multiple pies, perfect for sharing!)
3. In a large bowl, cream the vegan butter and chosen sweetener(s) together.
4. Add the vegan egg replacer, cassava, and the rest of the ingredients, mixing well to combine.
5. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, then pour in the batter. If desired, dip a spoon in water and create a design on top of the batter.
6. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
7. Remove the pie from the pan, let it cool, and serve warm or cold!

We hope this healthier twist on a traditional Bermuda favourite brightens up your holiday season!

Cassava Pie can be enjoyed with all of its original charm—just with fewer carbs, less sugar, and without common allergens. Have fun baking, and enjoy the journey toward wellness with each delicious bite. After all, who says you can’t have your pie and eat it too?

Enjoy!