Haitian Bean Cakes with Coconut and Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy spiced bean cakes with a hint of coconut, perfect for a vegetarian meal. This haitian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes layers black beans, all-purpose flour, grated coconut into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Haitian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mash 1.5 cups cooked black beans until mostly smooth. Add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup grated coconut, 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into 8 portions and shape into oval cakes about 1 inch thick.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry cakes for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Serve hot with fresh mango or a simple green salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Haitian Bean Cakes with Coconut and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Haitian Bean Cakes with Coconut and Thyme?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Haitian Bean Cakes with Coconut and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Haitian Bean Cakes with Coconut and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Haitian Bean Cakes with Coconut and Thyme vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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