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Venezuelan Bienmesabe
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 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
8 hrs
Total Time
8 hrs 50 mins
Servings: 10 servings
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
International
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.
Cup of Yum
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.