Torta Bejarana

Torta Bejarana is a Venezuelan dessert with a long history that dates back to 18th century Caracas. The cake is based on a fragrant mixture of ripe, mashed plantains, toasted corn flour, butter, eggs, and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. It usually includes grated cheese, while the sweetness comes from cane sugar (panela) or molasses. This dense and rustic cake was invented by the Bejarana sisters—hence the name—who created it based on affordable and readily available ingredients. Before baking, the cake is usually sprinkled with sesame seeds, and it can be served drizzled with molasses.