Traditional Venezuelan Bienmesabe Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 cup of caster sugar
1 cup of ground almonds
1 teaspoon of baking powder
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup of honey
1/2 cup of water
1 cinnamon stick
2 cups of sweetened condensed milk
1 cup of coconut milk
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup of shredded coconut for garnishing

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a large bowl, beat the 4 large eggs and the cup of caster sugar until they turn light and fluffy.
Incorporate the ground almonds, baking powder, and the lemon zest and juice, mixing until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the syrup: in a saucepan, combine the honey, water, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
Once the syrup is cool, pour it over the cooled cake, making sure to cover it evenly. Let it rest for about an hour so the cake can absorb the syrup.
Prepare the topping: in another saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Once the topping is ready, pour it over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the topping and let the cake rest for a few hours before serving, so the flavours can meld together.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the cake batter and other ingredients.
Cake Pan - A pan used to bake the cake in the oven.
Saucepan - A pan used to prepare the syrup for soaking the cake and the topping.
Whisk - A utensil used to beat the eggs and sugar, and to mix the batter and other ingredients.
Spatula - A tool used for scraping the sides of the bowl, spreading the batter, and smoothing the topping.
Toothpick - A small pointed stick used to test if the cake is fully baked.
Measuring Cups - Tools used to measure precise amounts of ingredients, such as sugar, honey, and water.
Zester or Grater - A tool used to grate the zest from the lemon.
Juicer - A tool used to extract the juice from the lemon.
Oven - A kitchen appliance used to bake the cake.

Recipe variations

Use almond flour instead of ground almonds for a finer texture.
Replace the lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice for a citrus variation.
Add a layer of sliced fruit, such as peaches or berries, between the cake and the syrup for added freshness.
Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, on top of the cake for added crunch.
Instead of the cinnamon stick, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the syrup for a spicier flavor.
Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetener.
Use a different type of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, instead of coconut milk.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour.
For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute and use plant-based milk in place of dairy milk.

Recipe overview

Bienmesabe is a delightful dessert hailing from Andalusia, Spain, although it also has a variant in Venezuelan cuisine. It is a succulent almond cake soaked in a sweet honey syrup and topped with a rich coconut cream. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout amongst other traditional Spanish desserts. This recipe will guide you step by step on how to create this wonderful dessert from scratch. Expect a moist, flavorful cake with a gooey topping that harmoniously blends the taste of coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Garnished with shredded coconut, this dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy a slice of Bienmesabe as the perfect sweet ending to a meal.

Common questions

Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds? Yes, you can use almond flour as a substitute for ground almonds in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of citrus zest and juice instead of lemon? Absolutely! You can experiment with different citrus flavors by using orange, lime, or even a combination of different citrus fruits.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey for the syrup? Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for honey in the syrup recipe if you prefer the flavor.
Can I use a different type of milk instead of coconut milk? Yes, you can use regular milk or another non-dairy milk of your choice instead of coconut milk.
Can I skip the shredded coconut topping? Certainly! The shredded coconut is optional and can be omitted if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. The flavors actually meld together and improve if the cake is allowed to rest for a few hours before serving.
How should I store the leftover cake? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for a few days.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the cake batter.
Cake Pan - A pan to bake the cake in.
Saucepan - Used for making the syrup and the topping.
Whisk - Used to beat the eggs and sugar, and to mix the topping.
Spatula - A tool for scraping the cake batter and spreading the topping.
Toothpick - Used to test the doneness of the cake.
Grater/Zester - Used to zest the lemon.

Origin stories

Bienmesabe, meaning "it tastes good to me" in Spanish, hails from the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of Northwestern Africa. This dessert holds a special place in the hearts of the Canarian people and is often served during festive occasions. The unique combination of almonds, honey, and citrus in the cake reflects the region's rich history and cultural exchanges over centuries. Its ingredients speak of the Arabic influence in Spanish cuisine, while its name is a testament to the Spanish love for good food. Every bite of Bienmesabe is not just a delight for the taste buds, but also a journey through time and cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.