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Venezuelan Bienmesabe

Venezuelan Bienmesabe

Janice Díaz Santana
This classic Venezuelan dessert is a coconut lover’s dream! It features layers of moist vanilla sponge cake soaked in sweet wine, cognac, or rum for a rich, boozy flavor. Between the layers, there’s a luscious coconut cream, and the whole cake is elegantly covered with a firm, glossy frosting. Perfect for special occasions, it’s a delightful combination of tropical flavors and indulgent textures.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Waiting Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine International
Servings 10 servings

Ingredients
 
 

For the genoise sponge cake:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 4 eggs separated

For the coconut cream:

  • 15 oz coconut cream (1 can)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp coconut rum

For the Swiss meringue:

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar until pale and thick.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, gradually adding the remaining sugar.
  • Gently fold the flour into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
  • Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan.

For the coconut cream:

  • In a saucepan, combine the coconut cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a spoonful of the hot coconut mixture to the yolks, stirring constantly to temper them.
  • Pour the tempered egg yolks into the saucepan with the coconut mixture, stirring continuously.
  • Cook for another few minutes until the mixture thickens further.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the coconut rum to taste. Allow the coconut cream to cool completely.

For the Swiss meringue:

  • In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites and sugar.
  • Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.
  • Whisk constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the mixture with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff, glossy peaks form.

For assembly:

  • Once the genoise sponge cake has cooled, slice it horizontally into two layers.
  • Place one layer of the cake on a serving platter and spread a generous amount of coconut cream on top.
  • Place the second layer of cake on top and cover the entire cake with the Swiss meringue.
  • Refrigerate the bienmesabe for at least 8 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Venezuelan Bienmesabe
Venezolano Bienmesabe
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