Dreamy Cashew Sans Rival Cake (Easy Filipino Dessert)
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
A nostalgic Filipino dessert of crisp cashew meringue and silky buttercream. Chef RV’s easy Sans Rival recipe is freezer-friendly and perfect for celebrations.
Dreamy Cashew Sans Rival Cake (Easy Filipino Dessert) 🎂🌰
If you grew up in the Philippines, chances are you’ve had a slice of Sans Rival at a family celebration. This nostalgic dessert—literally meaning “without rival”—is a decadent combination of crisp cashew meringue layers, silky buttercream, and a generous coating of toasted cashews. ✨
Chef RV’s easy version makes this classic cake approachable for home bakers while still delivering that indulgent flavor and texture we love. It’s a flourless, gluten-free Filipino dessert that freezes beautifully, making it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or even as a business idea.
Why You’ll Love This Sans Rival 💛
- Crunch + Cream Perfection – The contrast of airy cashew meringue and velvety buttercream is unbeatable.
- Freezer-Friendly – This cake actually tastes better when chilled or frozen!
- Gluten-Free – No flour required, just egg whites, sugar, and cashews.
- Celebration-Worthy – A showstopper centerpiece for Christmas, birthdays, or fiestas.
Chef RV’s Pro Tips 👨🍳
- Whip it right – Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to achieve stiff, glossy meringue peaks.
- Work quickly – Pipe your meringue discs soon after mixing to avoid deflation.
- Chill before slicing – For clean slices (and business-ready presentation), freeze or refrigerate the cake before serving.
- Toast your cashews – It deepens the flavor and adds extra crunch.
Serving Ideas 🍴
This cake is rich on its own, but you can elevate it by:
- Serving with a cup of barako coffee ☕ for a true Filipino merienda.
- Adding a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent twist.
- Swapping cashews with pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for a unique flavor profile.
A Slice of Filipino Nostalgia 🇵🇭
More than just a cake, Sans Rival is a taste of Filipino heritage. Its French roots blend with local cashews and Filipino creativity, making it a dessert that’s both sophisticated and close to home.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, gifting it to family, or enjoying a frozen slice on a hot afternoon, this Sans Rival proves why its name means “without rival.” 💫
Dreamy Cashew Sans Rival Cake (Easy Filipino Dessert)
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoMA nostalgic Filipino dessert of crisp cashew meringue and silky buttercream. Chef RV’s easy Sans Rival recipe is freezer-friendly and perfect for celebrations.
Chef's Tips
Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to achieve stiff peaks in the meringue.
Mix and pipe the cashew meringue quickly to avoid deflation.
For a more business-ready version, chill or freeze before slicing.
Toast cashews in advance for enhanced flavor and texture.
Tools Used
Oven
Piping Bag
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Ingredients
Meringue Layers
Buttercream Frosting
Topping
Instructions
Prepare the Meringue Layers
- 1
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, then gradually add sugar.
- 2
Whip until stiff peaks form.
- 3
Gently fold in coarsely chopped cashews.
- 4
Pipe into 8-inch rounds on parchment paper.
- 5
Bake or dry at 250–275°F (120–135°C) for 2 hours until crisp.
- 6
Cool completely before assembly.
Make the Buttercream Frosting
- 1
Beat softened butter, powdered sugar, and cream until smooth and stable.
- 2
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to prevent curdling.
Assemble the Sans Rival
- 1
Place one meringue layer on a cake board, spread a thin layer of buttercream.
- 2
Repeat layering with 4–5 meringue discs.
- 3
Cover the top and sides with buttercream.
- 4
Press toasted cashews onto the sides and optionally on top.
- 5
Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Comments & Reviews
Ana G.
8/11/2024
I tried this at home and it brought back childhood memories. Thank you Chef RV and Jojo!
Carlo D.
9/12/2024
Perfectly sweet and nutty. I used pistachios instead—so good!
Leah M.
12/13/2024
Turned out amazing! I love that the buttercream isn’t too sweet.
Marco T.
2/14/2025
Made this for Christmas and everyone thought I bought it from a bakeshop!
Janelle R.
7/15/2025
A bit time-consuming but worth it—the cashew crunch is heavenly.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 120g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
