Berry fruit cake with meringue

Berry meringue cake is a quick dessert, perfect for any occasion, combining the fluffy texture of meringue with the delicious flavors of berries. This simple yet impressive recipe will delight your senses and bring a touch of flavor to your table. Here’s how you can prepare this spectacular dessert!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 4 eggs (separate the egg whites from the yolks)
- 150 g sugar (60 g for yolks and 90 g for meringue)
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 200 g mixed berries (either fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C if using a fan oven). Prepare a baking tray (approximately 20x30 cm) by lining it with parchment paper so that the cake releases easily after baking.

2. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Using an electric mixer, beat the yolks together with 60 g of sugar until you achieve a creamy, light-colored mixture. This process will help incorporate air, giving the cake a fluffier texture.

3. Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the yolk mixture. Continue mixing until all ingredients are perfectly combined.

4. In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the yolk mixture, mixing with a spatula to avoid lumps.

5. If using frozen berries, it is recommended to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake. Add the berries to the batter and gently mix to distribute them evenly.

6. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until foamy. Gradually add the 90 g of sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue. A useful trick is to turn the bowl with the meringue upside down to check the consistency; if it doesn’t move, it’s ready!

7. Carefully fold the meringue into the berry batter using a spatula to maintain the air in the mixture. This step is essential for achieving a light and fluffy cake.

8. Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cake turns golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray before cutting it. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and added sweetness.

Serving suggestion: Serve the berry meringue cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a delicious contrast of flavors. This combination will turn the dessert into a true delight for your taste buds!

Possible variations: Experiment with different types of fruits, such as peaches, strawberries, or raspberries, to customize the recipe to your preferences. You can also add some chopped nuts to the batter for an extra crunch.

With this berry meringue cake recipe, you will surely impress family and friends! Feel free to explore and adapt the recipe to make it truly yours. Enjoy!