Sans Rival is a type of Filipino cake that originated in the city of Dumaguete, in the province of Negros Oriental in the Philippines. The name "sans rival" means "without rival" in French, and refers to the cake's reputation as one of the most delicious and beloved desserts in the Philippines.
Sans Rival is a layered cake made with alternating layers of buttercream frosting and meringue, which is a mixture of whipped egg whites and sugar. The layers are then topped with chopped cashews or almonds, which give the cake a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
The cake is typically rectangular in shape, and is served sliced into individual portions. It is a popular dessert for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays, and is often served alongside other Filipino desserts such as leche flan and bibingka.
In recent years, variations of the classic Sans Rival recipe have emerged, with some bakers adding different flavors and ingredients such as chocolate, coffee, and different types of nuts. Nonetheless, the classic version with cashews remains the most popular and well-known.