Cake with jam and meringue

The jam and meringue cake is a dessert that brings joy and nostalgia in every bite. This delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a family meal to a party with friends. With a fluffy dough, filled with aromatic jam and a light meringue, it is an excellent choice for those who love desserts with a contrast of textures.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

A short story about the recipe
The jam and meringue cake is a classic dessert, appreciated in many cultures, that combines simplicity with refinement. Its origins can be traced back to pastry traditions, where the combination of fruit jams with meringue creates a delicious contrast between sweet and tart. This cake not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also offers an opportunity to experiment with different types of jams, making it versatile and adaptable to everyone’s tastes.

Necessary ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar (approximately 100 g)
- 1/2 cup oil (approximately 125 ml)
- 1 cup milk (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 packet baking powder (10 g)
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- Flour as needed (approximately 2-3 cups)

*For the meringue:*
- 4 egg whites
- 4 tablespoons sugar (approximately 60 g)
- Lemon juice (a few drops)
- Jam/preserve to taste (preferably strawberry or other seasonal fruits)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) by greasing it with oil and dusting it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla essence until you get a homogeneous mixture with an intense yellow color. This process will add a wonderful flavor to your cake.
- Gradually add the oil while continuing to mix, then pour in the milk in a thin stream. This will create a rich liquid base for the dough.
- In another bowl, mix the baking powder with a few tablespoons of flour. This will help activate the leavening agent and ensure a fluffy texture.
- Start adding the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture in small amounts until you obtain a fairly firm dough. The dough should be easy to roll out but not too soft.

2. Baking the dough
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared tray, ensuring it is distributed evenly across the surface. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden and is halfway baked.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly. At this point, you can spread your favorite jam on the dough - I recommend strawberry jam, which adds a fruity and sweet flavor, but you can also use peach or blackberry jam.

3. Preparing the meringue
- In a clean bowl, start beating the egg whites with the help of a mixer. It is important that the bowl is completely dry and free of grease to achieve a perfect meringue.
- When the egg whites become frothy, gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a stiff and glossy meringue. Add a few drops of lemon juice, which will help stabilize the meringue and add a subtle flavor.

4. Finalizing the cake
- After applying the jam on the dough, spread the meringue evenly on top. Use a spatula or spoon to create interesting shapes on the surface of the meringue, which will brown nicely during baking.
- Put the tray back in the oven and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the meringue becomes golden and crispy on the edges.

5. Cooling and serving
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. After it has cooled, you can cut the cake into portions and serve it with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. It is a perfect dessert, both for an afternoon snack and for a special event.

Practical tips
- You can experiment with different types of jams, such as peach, raspberry, or even a combination of jams. Each will provide a unique flavor to your cake.
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature before beating them, as this helps achieve a fluffier meringue.
- If you want a more flavorful meringue, you can add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract while mixing.

Frequently asked questions
- Why is it important to add lemon juice to the meringue?
Lemon juice helps stabilize the egg whites, giving them better structure and preventing them from collapsing.

- How can I keep the jam and meringue cake fresh?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain its texture.

- What drinks pair best with this cake?
A cup of green tea or a strong espresso will perfectly complement the sweetness of the cake. Additionally, a glass of cold milk is a classic and comforting choice.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is for you to try this delightful recipe! Whether you prepare it for your loved ones or enjoy it alone, the jam and meringue cake will surely bring smiles and unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!