How to Find San Antonio Cassava Cake

Cassava cake, a rich, dense, and subtly sweet dessert rooted in Filipino culinary tradition, has found a cherished place in the diverse food culture of San Antonio, Texas. While it may not be as widely known as Tex-Mex tacos or barbecue brisket, cassava cake has steadily grown in popularity among locals and visitors seeking authentic, handmade ethnic desserts. For those unfamiliar with this delicacy, finding genuine San Antonio cassava cake can feel like searching for a hidden gem — a task that requires more than a simple Google search. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you locate the most authentic, high-quality cassava cake in San Antonio, whether you're a first-time buyer, a food enthusiast, or someone with cultural ties to the Philippines.

Understanding how to find San Antonio cassava cake isn’t just about locating a bakery or vendor — it’s about navigating cultural networks, recognizing quality indicators, leveraging community resources, and knowing where to look beyond mainstream platforms. This tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to identify legitimate sellers, avoid common pitfalls, and connect with artisans who preserve the traditional methods of making this beloved treat. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know where to buy cassava cake in San Antonio, but you’ll also understand why certain vendors stand out, how to evaluate freshness, and how to support small businesses that keep this tradition alive.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Cassava Cake Is

Before searching for cassava cake, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Cassava cake is made from grated cassava (also known as yuca or manioc), mixed with coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and sometimes butter or margarine. It’s baked until golden brown, often topped with a layer of custard or grated coconut, and sliced into squares. The texture is chewy yet tender, with a distinct coconut aroma and a moist, custard-like center. In the Philippines, it’s a staple during fiestas and holidays, and in San Antonio, it’s often prepared by Filipino families or small bakeries serving the local Filipino-American community.

Be cautious of products labeled “cassava cake” that are actually made with tapioca flour or sweet potato — these are common substitutes but lack the authentic texture and flavor. True cassava cake uses fresh or dried grated cassava root, which gives it its signature elasticity and earthy sweetness. Knowing this distinction will help you identify genuine products and avoid misleading listings.

Step 2: Search Filipino-Owned Businesses in San Antonio

The most reliable source for authentic cassava cake in San Antonio is Filipino-owned businesses. Start by searching directories and platforms that highlight ethnic or minority-owned enterprises. Use keywords like “Filipino bakery San Antonio,” “Filipino dessert shop,” or “cassava cake San Antonio” in Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Look for businesses that list “Filipino cuisine” or “Asian desserts” in their categories.

One key indicator of authenticity is the presence of other Filipino staples on the menu — such as lumpia, pancit, adobo, or bibingka. A business that offers a full range of Filipino dishes is more likely to prepare cassava cake using traditional recipes than one that only sells a single dessert item. Additionally, check if the business has Filipino signage, uses Tagalog or other Filipino dialects in communications, or features photos of Filipino cultural events.

Step 3: Explore Local Filipino Community Centers and Churches

Many Filipino families in San Antonio prepare cassava cake at home and sell it through community networks rather than commercial storefronts. Filipino churches, cultural associations, and community centers often host weekend bazaars, fundraising events, or holiday markets where homemade desserts are sold. These events are prime opportunities to find freshly baked cassava cake made with family recipes passed down for generations.

Start by researching organizations such as the Filipino American Association of San Antonio (FAASA), the Philippine Consulate General in Houston’s outreach programs (which sometimes extend to San Antonio), and local Catholic churches with active Filipino congregations, such as St. Mary’s Cathedral or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Check their bulletin boards, social media pages, or newsletters for upcoming events. Many of these groups post weekly or monthly updates about bake sales, potlucks, or cultural festivals where cassava cake is a featured item.

Step 4: Use Social Media and Community Groups

Social media is one of the most powerful tools for finding niche food items like cassava cake. Join Facebook groups such as “Filipinos in San Antonio,” “San Antonio Foodies,” or “Texas Filipino Community.” These groups are often active with members sharing recommendations, posting photos of homemade desserts, and announcing pop-up sales.

Post a simple inquiry: “Looking for authentic cassava cake in San Antonio — any recommendations for homemade or locally baked?” You’ll likely receive multiple replies within hours, often with direct links to Instagram profiles or WhatsApp numbers of home bakers. Many sellers operate informally, without websites or storefronts, and rely entirely on word-of-mouth and social media to reach customers.

Instagram is particularly useful. Search hashtags like

SanAntonioCassavaCake, #FilipinoDessertSA, or #CassavaCakeTexas. Look for posts with high engagement (likes and comments) and photos showing the cake’s texture, packaging, and labeling. Authentic sellers often include details like “homemade,” “no preservatives,” or “baked daily.”

Step 5: Visit Filipino Grocery Stores

Filipino grocery stores are hubs for cultural food products and often carry cassava cake either in their refrigerated section or as a made-to-order item. In San Antonio, visit stores like:

• Manila Market – Located on NW Military Highway, this store stocks frozen and fresh Filipino desserts.
• Philippine Food Store – Offers a small bakery counter with daily baked goods.
• Asia Market – Carries a rotating selection of ethnic desserts, including cassava cake during holidays.

When visiting, ask the staff directly: “Do you sell freshly baked cassava cake? Do you make it in-house or source it from local bakers?” Many stores partner with home-based artisans and can provide names or contact information. Some even allow pre-orders for weekend pickup.

Be sure to check the expiration date and packaging. Authentic cassava cake should be sold in sealed, refrigerated containers with clear labeling of ingredients and preparation date. Avoid products that appear dry, cracked, or overly yellow — signs of age or improper storage.

Step 6: Check Farmers Markets and Pop-Up Events

San Antonio’s vibrant farmers market scene includes several vendors specializing in ethnic and artisanal foods. The San Antonio Farmers Market (on South Alamo Street) and the Southtown Farmers Market frequently feature Filipino vendors on weekends, especially during cultural celebrations like Philippine Independence Day (June 12) or Christmas season.

Look for vendors with handmade signs, traditional packaging (often wrapped in banana leaves or wax paper), and displays of other Filipino treats. Many sellers offer samples — take advantage of this to assess flavor and texture. A good cassava cake should be moist, slightly sticky, and have a balanced sweetness without being cloying.

Some pop-up events are announced only through social media or email lists. Subscribe to newsletters from organizations like the San Antonio Asian Cultural Alliance or follow local food bloggers who document pop-up food events. These sources often provide advance notice of cassava cake availability.

Step 7: Contact Local Filipino Chefs and Home Bakers

Many of the best cassava cakes in San Antonio come from home-based bakers who operate under Texas Cottage Food Laws. These individuals bake in their kitchens and sell directly to customers via pre-order. To find them, reach out to local Filipino chefs or culinary influencers who may have connections.

Search for Filipino food bloggers or YouTube creators based in Texas. Channels like “Filipino Food in Texas” or “Taste of the Philippines SA” often feature interviews with home bakers. You can also message them directly for recommendations.

Another approach is to contact culinary schools or community colleges in San Antonio with hospitality programs. Students or instructors involved in ethnic cuisine projects may know of home bakers who supply their classes or events.

Step 8: Order Online with Caution

While online ordering is convenient, it’s important to verify the legitimacy of sellers. Platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or even local delivery apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash) may list cassava cake, but quality varies widely. Look for sellers with:

• Multiple positive reviews mentioning texture, freshness, and authenticity
• Clear photos of the product with visible ingredients
• Transparency about preparation location and ingredients
• Shipping policies that indicate refrigerated or insulated packaging

Be wary of sellers who claim to ship nationwide but offer no information about their origin. Cassava cake is highly perishable and should be consumed within 3–5 days of baking. If a seller claims to ship it for a week or more without proper refrigeration, it’s likely not fresh or authentic.

Step 9: Ask for Recommendations from Filipino Restaurants

Even if a Filipino restaurant doesn’t sell cassava cake, its staff may know where to find it. Ask servers, managers, or owners: “Do you know anyone who makes homemade cassava cake? I’d love to try a real one.”

Restaurants like Manila Grill, Philippine Kitchen, or My Manila in San Antonio often have close ties to the local Filipino community. They may know of bakers who supply them with desserts or who sell to regular customers. Some even have a small counter where they sell desserts on weekends — it’s worth asking.

Step 10: Plan Your Visit Around Cultural Events

The best time to find authentic cassava cake in San Antonio is during cultural celebrations. Key events include:

• Philippine Independence Day (June 12) – Festivals at the San Antonio River Walk often feature food booths with traditional desserts.
• Christmas Season (December) – Many families bake cassava cake for the holidays; pop-ups and church bazaars are abundant.
• Filipino Heritage Month (June) – Local organizations host food fairs and cultural showcases.

Plan your search around these dates. Set calendar reminders and follow event pages on Facebook and Eventbrite. Arrive early — popular items like cassava cake often sell out within hours.

Best Practices

Know the Signs of Authenticity

Authentic cassava cake has specific characteristics:

• Texture: Slightly chewy, not rubbery or crumbly. It should hold its shape when sliced but yield gently to pressure.
• Color: Golden-brown top with a pale yellow interior. Avoid cakes that are overly browned or have dark spots — signs of overbaking or burnt sugar.
• Aroma: Distinct coconut scent, not artificial. If it smells like vanilla extract or margarine, it may be a substitute.
• Ingredients: Should list cassava flour or grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and butter. Avoid cakes with preservatives, cornstarch, or artificial flavors.

When in doubt, ask the seller for the ingredient list. Reputable vendors will gladly provide it.

Buy Fresh, Not Frozen

While frozen cassava cake is available, it’s not ideal. Freezing can alter the texture, making it dense or rubbery. Freshly baked cassava cake should be consumed within 2–3 days. If you must freeze it, do so immediately after purchase, wrapped tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature for 2–3 hours before serving.

Support Small, Home-Based Businesses

The most flavorful cassava cake in San Antonio is often made by home bakers who use family recipes and source ingredients from Filipino markets. These vendors typically operate on a small scale and rely on community support. Choosing them over large retailers helps preserve cultural traditions and sustains local entrepreneurship.

When you find a vendor you like, leave a review, share their page, and tell friends. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful marketing tool in this community.

Order in Advance

Most authentic cassava cake is made to order. Don’t assume it’s always in stock. Contact sellers 2–3 days in advance, especially during holidays or weekends. Many bakers prepare batches only once or twice a week.

Inspect Packaging and Hygiene

Even if the taste is perfect, poor packaging can compromise safety. Look for:

• Food-grade plastic wrap or sealed containers
• Labels with the baker’s name, contact info, and preparation date
• Refrigerated transport if delivered

If the cake is wrapped in newspaper, plastic bags without labeling, or sold at room temperature in hot weather, reconsider your purchase.

Learn Basic Filipino Terms

Knowing a few words in Tagalog can help you connect with sellers:

• Kakanin – General term for Filipino rice or cassava-based sweets
• Maniok – Filipino word for cassava
• Palaman – A term used for the coconut topping
• Galing – Means “excellent” or “well-made”

Using these terms shows respect and cultural awareness, and sellers are more likely to go the extra mile for you.

Tools and Resources

Online Directories

• Yelp – Search “Filipino bakery San Antonio” and filter by “desserts” and “4+ stars.”
• Google Maps – Use the “Food & Drink” filter and search “Filipino dessert” to see nearby options with photos and reviews.
• Facebook Marketplace – Search “cassava cake San Antonio” under the “Food” category. Many home bakers list here.
• Instagram – Use hashtags:

  SanAntonioFilipinoFood, #CassavaCakeTexas, #FilipinoDessert.

Community Organizations

• Filipino American Association of San Antonio (FAASA) – Hosts events and maintains a member directory.
• Philippine Consulate General – Houston – Provides cultural outreach and event calendars.
• San Antonio Asian Cultural Alliance – Coordinates multicultural food festivals.

Food Blogs and Influencers

• Taste of Texas Filipino – Blog featuring reviews of Filipino eateries in South Texas.
• San Antonio Eats – Local food critic who occasionally features ethnic desserts.
• Pinoy Foodie SA – Instagram account dedicated to Filipino food finds in the city.

Local Grocery Chains

• Manila Market – 12420 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78231
• Philippine Food Store – 10300 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
• Asia Market – 10101 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216

Event Calendars

• San Antonio River Walk Events – www.sanantonio.gov/riverwalk
• Eventbrite – Search “Filipino food festival San Antonio”
• Facebook Events – Join “Filipinos in San Antonio” group for real-time updates

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria’s Homemade Cassava Cake

Maria, a retired schoolteacher from Cebu, began baking cassava cake in her home kitchen after moving to San Antonio in 2015. She uses fresh grated cassava from Manila Market and coconut milk imported from the Philippines. Her cake is sold exclusively through Facebook and by word-of-mouth. She bakes every Friday and sells out within hours. Customers praise her cake for its “perfect chew” and “real coconut flavor.” She doesn’t advertise online — her reputation is built entirely on repeat customers. To find her, search “Maria cassava cake San Antonio” on Facebook and join the “Filipino Home Bakers SA” group.

Example 2: Manila Market Pop-Up

Manila Market hosts a monthly dessert pop-up on the second Saturday of each month. In December 2023, they featured cassava cake made by a local baker from San Jose, California, who had relocated to San Antonio. The cake was wrapped in banana leaves and sold for $8 per slice. Over 200 pieces sold out by noon. The market now offers pre-orders via WhatsApp. Customers who bought it described it as “the best they’d ever tasted outside the Philippines.”

Example 3: St. Mary’s Cathedral Fiesta

During the annual Filipino Fiesta at St. Mary’s Cathedral in June, over 15 home bakers set up tables selling cassava cake, bibingka, and other kakanin. One vendor, Liza from Davao, brought 100 pieces and sold them all in two hours. Her recipe includes a hint of pandan extract and a caramelized coconut topping. She now accepts pre-orders via text message. Her contact info was shared in the church’s monthly bulletin and on the FAASA Facebook page.

Example 4: Instagram Seller – @CassavaCakeSA

A young entrepreneur named Daniel started selling cassava cake on Instagram in 2022. He uses a recipe from his grandmother and sources ingredients from local Filipino markets. His posts include time-lapse videos of the baking process and customer testimonials. He offers delivery within San Antonio and ships frozen cakes nationwide with dry ice. His cakes have received over 300 five-star reviews. He now has a waiting list for holiday orders.

FAQs

Is cassava cake the same as cassava pudding?

No. Cassava cake is a baked, sliceable dessert with a firm, custard-like texture. Cassava pudding is a softer, more liquid dessert, often served warm and eaten with a spoon. They use similar ingredients but different preparation methods.

Can I find vegan cassava cake in San Antonio?

Yes, but it’s rare. Some home bakers offer vegan versions using plant-based milk, flax eggs, and coconut oil. Ask specifically for “vegan cassava cake” in community groups. You may need to place a custom order.

How long does cassava cake last?

When refrigerated, it lasts 3–5 days. If frozen, it can last up to 2 months. Always store in an airtight container to prevent drying.

Why is cassava cake sometimes expensive?

Authentic cassava cake is labor-intensive to make. Grating fresh cassava, sourcing high-quality coconut milk, and baking in small batches increase costs. Many sellers don’t use preservatives, so they can’t produce in bulk.

Can I make cassava cake at home?

Yes. Recipes are available online, but sourcing fresh cassava root may require a Filipino grocery store. Pre-grated frozen cassava is available in some Asian markets and can be a good substitute.

Are there gluten-free options?

Traditional cassava cake is naturally gluten-free since it uses cassava flour. Always confirm with the seller that no cross-contamination occurs in the kitchen.

What’s the best time of year to find cassava cake?

December through January, during the Christmas season, is peak time. Many families bake it for Noche Buena. June (Filipino Heritage Month) is also excellent.

Can I order cassava cake for a special event?

Yes. Most home bakers accept custom orders for birthdays, weddings, and cultural events. Give at least 5–7 days’ notice for larger quantities.

Conclusion

Finding authentic San Antonio cassava cake is more than a culinary quest — it’s a journey into the heart of a vibrant, resilient community that has brought a taste of home across oceans. The cake, with its humble ingredients and labor-intensive preparation, carries the stories of Filipino families who have built new lives in Texas while preserving the flavors of their heritage.

By following this guide, you’ve learned not just where to buy cassava cake, but how to recognize its authenticity, appreciate its cultural significance, and support the small businesses that make it possible. Whether you discover it at a church bazaar, through a Facebook post, or at a Filipino grocery counter, each bite connects you to a tradition that spans continents.

Don’t settle for the first option you find. Explore. Ask questions. Share your discoveries. The best cassava cake in San Antonio isn’t always the most visible — it’s often the one made with love, passed down through generations, and served with pride. When you find it, you’re not just buying a dessert. You’re honoring a culture.

Start your search today. Reach out to a community group. Visit a Filipino market. Post in a Facebook group. The cake is out there — waiting to be found.