Bebinca is an indulgent dessert and not considered a health food. It is high in saturated fats, sugar, and calories. It should be enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Can I make Bebinca with fewer layers?

Yes, you can. While traditional Bebinca has at least 7 layers, you can make a version with 4-5 layers if you are short on time. Simply use a larger amount of batter for each layer.

Why did my Bebinca turn out dry?

Dryness can occur from over-baking each layer or, more commonly, from not using enough ghee between the layers. The ghee is essential for keeping the cake moist and rich.

Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks?

For an authentic Bebinca, it is strongly recommended to use only egg yolks. Using whole eggs will incorporate the egg whites, which will make the texture lighter and more like a standard cake, rather than the dense, rich, pudding-like consistency of traditional Bebinca.

How should I store Bebinca?

Bebinca has an excellent shelf life. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks.

Home / Recipes / goan / Bebinca

goanHardeggetariansoy free

Bebinca

RATING

4.6/5(178)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

The queen of Goan desserts, this rich, multi-layered pudding cake is a labor of love. Made with coconut milk, ghee, and egg yolks, each layer is individually baked to create a beautifully caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth treat.

PREP

20m

COOK

SERVES

1 SLICE

526 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 8 servings

10 pcsEgg Yolks · From large eggs, at room temperature1.5 cupCaster Sugar · Fine granulated sugar works well400 mlThick Coconut Milk · Use full-fat for the best rich texture1.5 cupMaida · Also known as all-purpose flour, sifted1 tspNutmeg Powder · Freshly grated is highly recommended1 pinchSalt1 cupGhee · Melted, for layering and greasing the pan

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

526

CALORIES · 1 SLICE

Protein7g · 5%

Carbs22g · 17%

Fat46g · 79%

Fiber2g

Sugar2g

Saturated fat30g

Cholesterol316mg

Sodium38mg

Potassium183mg

Phosphorus175mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 5 STEPS

1
Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks and caster sugar. Whisk vigorously for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and creamy.
- Slowly pour in the thick coconut milk while continuing to whisk gently. Ensure it is fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the maida (all-purpose flour), nutmeg powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three separate batches, whisking well after each addition to prevent lumps. The final batter should be smooth and have a thin, pourable consistency.
- For an extra smooth texture, strain the entire batter through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl. This step is crucial for a perfect Bebinca.
2
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
- Position an oven rack about 6-8 inches from the top heating element. Preheat the oven's broiler (also known as the grill) to a medium-high setting, around 200°C (400°F).
- Generously grease a 7-inch round, heavy-bottomed baking pan with about 1 tablespoon of melted ghee, ensuring the bottom and sides are well-coated.
3
Bake the First Layer
- Pour one ladle of batter (approximately 1/2 cup or 120 ml) into the greased pan. Swirl the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even layer.
- Place the pan under the preheated broiler. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and feels firm to the touch. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers can cook very quickly.
4
Build the Layers
- Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Generously brush the surface of the cooked layer with about 1 tablespoon of melted ghee.
- Gently pour another ladle of batter over the ghee-brushed layer, tilting the pan to ensure it spreads evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and broil for another 12-15 minutes, until the new layer is golden brown and set.
- Repeat this process—brushing with ghee, adding batter, and broiling—until all the batter is used. This should create 7 to 8 distinct layers. Subsequent layers may cook slightly faster, so adjust timing as needed.
5
Cool, Rest, and Serve
- After the final layer is baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This can take 4-5 hours.
- For the best texture and flavor, cover the cooled Bebinca and let it rest overnight at room temperature. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- To serve, run a thin knife around the edges of the pan and carefully invert the Bebinca onto a serving plate. Cut into slices or wedges.
- Serve as is, or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For authentic richness, use only egg yolks. Egg whites will result in a lighter, more cake-like texture, which is not traditional.
2
Do not skip brushing ghee between layers. It is essential for flavor, moisture, and preventing the layers from merging.
3
Using the oven's top broiler/grill is key to the traditional method, as it cooks each layer from the top down, creating the distinct caramelized tops.
4
Patience is crucial. Allow the Bebinca to cool completely before slicing to ensure the layers are firm and do not crumble.
5
The flavor of Bebinca deepens and improves over time. It often tastes even better on the second or third day.
6
For perfectly even layers, use the same ladle or measuring cup for pouring the batter each time.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Flavor Twist

Add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder along with the nutmeg for a different aromatic profile.

Sweetener Swap

For a more rustic and earthy flavor, you can replace the caster sugar with an equal amount of finely grated palm jaggery. Ensure the jaggery is fully dissolved in the coconut milk before mixing.

Add a Crunch

Sprinkle a thin layer of finely chopped almonds or cashews over the ghee before adding the batter for one or two of the middle layers to introduce a textural contrast.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

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Dense Energy Source

The combination of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, along with fats from ghee and coconut milk, provides a quick and substantial source of energy.

brain

Rich in Choline

Egg yolks are one of the best dietary sources of choline, an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in brain health, memory, and nervous system function.

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Contains Healthy Fats

Coconut milk provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat that is metabolized differently by the body and can be used more readily for energy.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A single slice of Bebinca is quite rich and calorie-dense. It contains approximately 650-670 calories, primarily from ghee, sugar, and coconut milk.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

fusion·5 min·347 cal

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Bebinca

For 8 servings

Prepare the Batter

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Bake the First Layer

Build the Layers

Cool, Rest, and Serve