Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Fiji: Banana and Cassava Pudding (Recipe)

Baked banana and cassava pudding garnished with toasted coconut

In this article

Bring a taste of the South Pacific to your kitchen with Banana and Cassava Pudding, one of Fiji’s most beloved sweet treats. This warm, comforting bake marries the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the gentle, nutty character of cassava, all bound together with rich coconut milk and a whisper of warming spice. Easy to put together and impossible to resist, it captures the laid-back tropical spirit of the islands in every spoonful.

About Banana and Cassava Pudding

Banana and Cassava Pudding is a traditional dish from Fiji, celebrated above all for its wonderfully creamy texture. This dessert combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the nutty aroma of cassava, creating a flavour experience quite unlike any other. The pudding is often finished with warming spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, which lend it an extra dimension of flavour. Ideal as a dessert or a snack, it conveys the tropical flair of the South Seas and is remarkably simple to make at home.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

2 ripe bananas
200 g cassava (grated or boiled)
100 ml coconut milk
50 g sugar or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg

Shopping for the ingredients

To prepare Banana and Cassava Pudding, it is worth buying your ingredients fresh to achieve the very best flavour. Ripe bananas are essential, as they provide the desired sweetness. When buying cassava, choose only high-quality produce that is free from mould or blemishes. Where possible, use unsweetened coconut milk so it does not overpower the natural flavour of the other ingredients. Many of the same tropical staples appear in the much-loved Coconut Cassava.

Preparing the dish

To make Banana and Cassava Pudding, a little careful preparation goes a long way. First, peel the bananas and mash them well in a bowl until they form a smooth purée. The grated cassava should also be prepared and can be used either fresh or pre-cooked. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl so the flavours can mingle harmoniously before baking.

Step-by-step instructions

Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
Add the grated cassava and mix thoroughly.
Stir in the coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Bake at 180 °C for about 30–40 minutes, until the pudding is firm and lightly golden brown.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

The recipe for Banana and Cassava Pudding is naturally gluten-free, as it contains neither wheat nor any other gluten-bearing ingredients. The use of coconut milk also makes it an excellent lactose-free alternative to dishes made with conventional dairy. Simply take care not to introduce any additional ingredients that contain gluten or lactose into your pudding. This makes the dessert an ideal choice for anyone with allergies or a more careful approach to their diet.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy Banana and Cassava Pudding with ease, as every ingredient used is entirely plant-based. Swap the sugar for alternative sweeteners such as agave syrup or coconut blossom sugar to make the pudding a touch healthier. You can also combine and vary the spices as you please to suit your own palate. It is a lovely way to bring a vegan tropical dessert into your repertoire without using any animal products.

More tips and tricks

To make your Banana and Cassava Pudding even more delicious, try folding in nuts or dried fruit. These add not only extra flavour but also an interesting texture. A scattering of desiccated coconut gives the pudding an extra helping of tropical flair. Keep an eye on the baking time and test the pudding with a wooden skewer to make sure it is perfectly cooked through. For a similar coconut-laced bake, take a look at Cassava Cake.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The recipe for Banana and Cassava Pudding is easy to tailor to your personal preferences. Do you have a sweet tooth? Simply add a little more sugar or honey. You can also try different spices, or replace the bananas with other fruits such as mango or pineapple to explore new flavours. Be creative and experiment with the ingredients until you have found your own perfect version.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have cassava to hand, wholesome manioc or even potatoes can serve as a good alternative, though the flavour will vary. When it comes to sweeteners, maple syrup or stevia are two more excellent options. For the coconut flavour, you can also use coconut yoghurt in place of coconut milk to keep that lovely creaminess. Substitutions like these broaden the recipe and enrich it with fresh flavour notes — much as they would in a dish like Cassava and Coconut Cake.

Drink pairing ideas

Banana and Cassava Pudding pairs beautifully with a refreshing drink. An ice-cold fruit smoothie or some coconut water is perfect for underscoring the tropical flavours. For those who fancy something with an alcoholic twist, a light margarita made with fresh fruit could be a wonderful choice. Enjoy your dessert with a drink that complements the pudding and rounds off the experience, such as a glass of Coconut Banana Shake.

Serving and presentation ideas

Thoughtful presentation can make Banana and Cassava Pudding look even more appetising. Serve the pudding in decorative bowls or glasses, and garnish it with fresh fruit and a touch of desiccated coconut. A few mint leaves can also make a pretty decorative accent. These small details help to impress your guests and make their dining experience truly memorable.

A bit of history

Banana and Cassava Pudding has its origins in the traditional cuisine of Fiji, which is strongly shaped by the country’s cultural diversity. The ingredients reflect the local agriculture and show just how creative and versatile the island’s cooks can be. Cassava, also known as manioc, is a staple food across many tropical regions and features in all manner of dishes. This recipe is not only a treat for the palate but also a window into the traditions and eating habits of the Fijian people, much like the wider world of Fijian cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Banana and Cassava Pudding

Banana and Cassava Pudding is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that brings the tropical flair of Fiji straight to your plate. With its unique combination of sweet bananas and nutty cassava, it delights not only the palate but also the eye when presented with care. Its simple preparation, the scope for adapting it to different tastes and the many possible variations make this dish a genuine favourite. Let the flavours of Fiji inspire you and savour this tropical experience.