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.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Waiting Time 8 hours hrs
Total Time 8 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine International
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
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.