Prestiños de Yuca
Costa RicanDessert

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Prestiños de Yuca are beloved Costa Rican sweet fritters made from grated cassava (yuca) that are fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and pillowy inside. These delightful treats are then generously drizzled with a fragrant tapa de dulce syrup infused with cinnamon and ginger, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Dating back generations in Costa Rican homes, prestiños are traditionally served during special gatherings and holidays, though many families enjoy them year-round as an afternoon snack with coffee. The cassava base provides a unique slightly nutty flavor and distinctive texture that sets these fritters apart from wheat-based versions found in other Latin American countries. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior shell and the tender, almost custard-like center, all enhanced by the sweet, aromatic syrup that seeps into every crevice.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Peel the cassava root and remove the fibrous core. Grate the cassava finely using a box grater or food processor. Place grated cassava in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cassava, flour, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until a thick, sticky batter forms. The mixture should hold together when pressed but remain pliable.

  3. Prepare the syrup by combining tapa de dulce (or brown sugar), water, cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, and a squeeze of lime juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Strain and keep warm.

  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. The oil should be about 2 inches deep. Test temperature by dropping a small amount of batter - it should sizzle immediately and float.

  5. Using two spoons, shape the batter into oval fritters about 3 inches long. Carefully drop 3-4 fritters at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd.

  6. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. The fritters will puff up slightly as they cook. Use a slotted spoon to turn them and ensure even browning.

  7. Remove fried prestiños to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While still warm, arrange on a serving platter.

  8. Drizzle the warm spiced syrup generously over the fritters, allowing it to soak in slightly. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Prestiños de Yuca

4.5 (17)

Traditional Costa Rican cassava fritters drizzled with warm spiced syrup, creating golden crispy pillows with a tender interior that are perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence.

medium
45 min
8 servings

Ingredients

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Fritter Batter

  • 2 pieces plantain, peeled and grated (substitute for cassava)
  • 3/4 cups flour, sifted
  • 2 pieces eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla-extract, pure extract preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
  • 1/4 teaspoons nutmeg, ground
  • 1/4 teaspoons salt

Frying

  • 4 cups vegetable-oil, for deep frying

Syrup

  • 1 cups honey, or brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, fresh, peeled and sliced
  • 1 pieces lime, juiced

Chef Tips

expert advice
For best results, squeeze as much liquid as possible from the grated cassava - excess moisture will make the fritters dense instead of light.
If you cannot find tapa de dulce (Costa Rican unrefined cane sugar), substitute with dark brown sugar and a tablespoon of molasses for similar depth of flavor.
The oil temperature is crucial: too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool and they absorb excess oil and become greasy.
A kitchen thermometer is highly recommended.
These prestiños are best served warm, but can be made ahead and reheated in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
For a variation, some Costa Rican cooks add a tablespoon of grated coconut to the batter for extra texture and tropical flavor.
The syrup can be made up to 3 days in advance and reheated before serving.
For a lighter version, you can brush the fritters with the syrup instead of drizzling, though traditionally they are quite generously coated.
Prestiños de Yuca | Cuisinao