Pan-Fried Goan Bebinca Layered Coconut Dessert

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Goan layered dessert made with coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and ghee, pan-fried in thin layers to create a rich and sweet delicacy. This indian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers coconut milk, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 400 ml coconut milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 6 egg yolks until smooth and slightly frothy.
  2. Step 2: Sift 1/4 cup all-purpose flour into the mixture and add 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, whisking gently to combine without lumps.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp melted ghee to enrich the batter, ensuring a uniform consistency.
  4. Step 4: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and lightly grease with 1 tbsp butter.
  5. Step 5: Pour a thin layer (about 3 tbsp) of the batter into the skillet, swirling to cover the base evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden.
  6. Step 6: Carefully flip the layer and cook the other side for 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Remove the cooked layer and set aside on a plate. Repeat the process, layering each cooked sheet on top of the previous one to form a stack of 8-10 layers.
  8. Step 8: Once all layers are cooked and stacked, press gently and chill for 1 hour to set the dessert before slicing into squares to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Goan Bebinca Layered Coconut Dessert take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Pan-Fried Goan Bebinca Layered Coconut 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 Pan-Fried Goan Bebinca Layered Coconut 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 Pan-Fried Goan Bebinca Layered Coconut 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 Pan-Fried Goan Bebinca Layered Coconut 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.

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