Chocolate and strawberry meringue cake

Chocolate and Strawberry Meringue Cake: A Perfect Delicacy for Any Occasion

On a sunny day, when sweet aromas and fresh fruits delight our senses, nothing compares to a chocolate and strawberry meringue cake that brings joy to the table. This elegant and savory recipe combines the light texture of meringue with the richness of chocolate and the freshness of strawberries. I will show you how to prepare this refined dessert step by step, so you can impress your friends and family or treat yourself.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Necessary ingredients:

For the layers:
- 125 g flour
- 25 g cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 100 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 4 eggs, separated
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 25 g almond flakes, for decoration

For the meringue:
- 200 g egg whites (about 6 egg whites)
- 200 g powdered sugar

For the filling cream:
- 200 g whipped cream
- 200 g mascarpone
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 200 g strawberries, sliced
- 4 whole strawberries, for decoration

For the syrup:
- 4 oranges, juiced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Powdered sugar, to taste

For the glaze:
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 3 teaspoons butter
- 20 ml milk

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the oven and pans:
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Prepare two round pans (20 cm in diameter) by greasing them with butter and dusting with flour, so the layers do not stick.

2. Preparing the layers:
In a bowl, mix the soft butter with 100 g of powdered sugar using a mixer on medium speed until you get a creamy and fluffy mixture. Add the egg yolks and mix well. Incorporate the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until smooth.

3. Beating the egg whites:
In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with 200 g of powdered sugar until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This is key to achieving a light and airy texture in your cake.

4. Assembling the layers:
Divide the cocoa mixture evenly between the two pans. On top, add half of the meringue to each pan, then sprinkle the almond flakes. Bake the layers for 30-35 minutes or until the meringue is golden and crispy. Let the layers cool completely before removing them from the pans.

5. Preparing the cream:
In a bowl, beat the whipped cream with the powdered sugar until it becomes firm. Add the mascarpone and continue mixing until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream.

6. Preparing the syrup:
Squeeze the juice of the oranges and lemon into a bowl and add powdered sugar to taste. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.

7. Assembling the cake:
Once the layers have cooled, soak each layer with the citrus syrup. Place the first layer with the meringue side down, add a layer of whipped cream, followed by the sliced strawberries, then place the second layer with the meringue side up.

8. Decorating the cake:
Melt the dark chocolate together with the butter and milk in a bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring well until it becomes a smooth glaze. Pour the glaze over the cake and decorate with whole strawberries.

Serving and suggestions:
The chocolate and strawberry meringue cake is perfect served at a party or as a special dessert for the family. You can accompany this delight with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits and calories:
This cake contains ingredients rich in antioxidants, thanks to the strawberries and dark chocolate. The calories per serving are approximately 350-400, depending on portioning and the ingredients used. The meringue layers are light and airy, while the cream adds a boost of protein and healthy fats.

Possible variations:
To customize the recipe, you can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries. You can also experiment with different flavor extracts or add ground nuts to the mascarpone cream for an enriched taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can the cake be prepared in advance? Yes, the layers can be baked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, while assembly can be done a few hours before serving.
- How can I prevent the meringue from collapsing? Make sure the egg whites are beaten well and contain no trace of yolk. Using a clean bowl, either metal or glass, helps achieve a perfect meringue.

In conclusion, this chocolate and strawberry meringue cake is an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine elegance with flavor. With each bite, you will discover an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds and bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. I encourage you to try this wonderful recipe and personalize it to your liking!