Sans Rival (Filipino Cashew Meringue Cake)

Sans Rival (Filipino Cashew Meringue Cake)

Sans rival is a luxurious Filipino layer cake made of crisp cashew meringue wafers and rich French buttercream. Its name, meaning “without rival” in French, reflects its status as a celebrated dessert in the Philippines, particularly in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup finely ground cashews
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped cashews (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and trace 8-inch circles as guides.
2. Make meringue: Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add 3/4 cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in ground cashews and flour.
3. Bake meringue layers: Divide batter equally among traced circles, spreading evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes until dry. Cool completely.
4. Make buttercream: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and vanilla. Whip until light and fluffy.
5. Assemble cake: Place one meringue layer on a plate. Spread with buttercream, then repeat layers. Frost the outside and top with chopped cashews. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Tips & Notes

• For a nut-free version, replace cashews with toasted coconut.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQ

What’s the origin of sans rival?

Sources conflict: some link it to the French dacquoise, while others trace it to a Spanish-Romanov cake called tarta imperial rusa.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, pili nuts or pistachios are traditional alternatives to cashews.

Related guides

• Banana Cue: Filipino Caramelized Fried Bananas
• Bibingka (Filipino Coconut Rice Cake)
• Bibingkang Malagkit (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)
• Filipino Biko Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Sticky Rice Cake
• Brazo de Mercedes Recipe

Sources

• Sans rival
• Sans Rival Cake