Goan Sweet and Spiced Bebinca Layered Dessert
A traditional Goan multi-layered baked pudding featuring coconut milk, jaggery, and aromatic spices. This indian-inspired desserts ready in about 110 minutes layers (120 g) all-purpose flour, coconut milk, large eggs, beaten into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 3/4 cup (150 g) jaggery (or brown sugar), grated
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) ghee or clarified butter
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
- a pinch salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish with ghee.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt.
- Step 3: In a separate saucepan over low heat, warm 2 cups coconut milk and 3/4 cup grated jaggery, stirring until jaggery dissolves completely; remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 4: Gradually add the warm coconut-jaggery mixture to the flour, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Step 5: Add 4 beaten large eggs, 1 tsp cardamom powder, 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/2 cup melted ghee; mix until smooth and well combined.
- Step 6: Pour a thin layer (about 1/4 cup) of batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
- Step 7: Remove from oven, pour another thin layer of batter over the baked layer, and bake for another 10-12 minutes; repeat layering and baking process until all batter is used, about 7-8 layers.
- Step 8: After final layer is baked, let the bebinca cool completely to set before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Goan Sweet and Spiced Bebinca Layered Dessert take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Goan Sweet and Spiced Bebinca Layered Dessert?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Goan Sweet and Spiced Bebinca Layered Dessert?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Goan Sweet and Spiced Bebinca Layered Dessert for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Goan Sweet and Spiced Bebinca Layered Dessert?
Indian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.