Delight Cake with Cherries and Meringue

Delight Cake with Cherries and Meringue - A Unique Culinary Experience

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines the fresh flavors of fruit with the light and airy texture of meringue? The Delight Cake with cherries and meringue is a recipe that not only satisfies the taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to your table. This cake is adapted for the Montignac diet but can easily be transformed into a classic version without compromising on flavor.

A Brief History of Meringue Cake
Meringue, that delicate and airy layer, was popularized in Europe in the 19th century. Over time, it has evolved into various forms and combinations, becoming a staple ingredient in many desserts. Here, combined with cherries, the meringue adds a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the soft base.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons fructose (or sugar, if you prefer)
- 250 g soy flour (for a gluten-free version, use almond flour)
- 60 g butter (melted, for a richer taste)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 200 ml milk (or sweet cream mixed with water)

For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons fructose
- 250 g pitted and well-drained cherries

Other necessities:
- 17 x 25 cm baking tray, well greased with butter or lined with parchment paper

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). In a large bowl, add the 3 egg yolks and the 2 tablespoons of fructose. Use a mixer to beat them well until they become a creamy mixture. Add the melted butter and vanilla essence, mixing gently.

2. Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the soy flour with the baking powder. Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk to the yolk mixture, stirring continuously until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. The texture should be slightly thicker but not too dense.

3. Baking the Base
Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level it on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test.

4. Preparing the Meringue
Meanwhile, let's prepare the meringue! Use a clean, dry bowl to beat the 3 egg whites. Start beating at low speed, then gradually increase the speed. When the egg whites start to become frothy, gradually add the fructose. Continue beating until you obtain a firm and glossy meringue.

5. Adding the Cherries
Once you have the meringue, add the well-drained cherries, cut in half. Use a spatula to gently fold them into the meringue, being careful not to let it collapse.

6. Assembling and Final Baking
After the base has baked, remove it from the oven and add the meringue on top, spreading it evenly. Put the cake back in the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the meringue becomes lightly golden and crispy.

7. Cooling
Turn off the oven, but do not remove the cake! Let it cool in the oven, so the meringue will not collapse.

Serving and Suggestions
The Delight Cake with cherries and meringue is perfect served plain, but you can accompany it with vanilla ice cream or a dark chocolate sauce. Additionally, a cup of green tea or an espresso can perfectly complement this culinary experience.

Tips and Tricks
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start cooking to achieve a uniform mixture.
- You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or blueberries, to add a personalized touch to your cake.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, adjust the amount of fructose in the meringue, considering that cherries are already tart.

Nutritional Information
This cake contains approximately per serving:
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 4 g

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace fructose with regular sugar?
Yes, you can use regular sugar, but the taste and final texture may vary.

2. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Use almond flour or a combination of rice flour and potato flour to achieve a gluten-free base.

3. How long can this cake be stored?
It is best consumed within the first 2-3 days, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

The Delight Cake with cherries and meringue is not just a recipe, but an experience that will make you feel like a true chef in your own kitchen. So put on your apron and let's bring this delicious delicacy to life!