Egg white cake with fruits and chocolate

Egg White Cake with Fruits and Chocolate: a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the fluffy texture of the cake with the sweetness of berries and creamy chocolate. This recipe is not only an excellent way to use up leftover egg whites from other dishes but also offers a quick and tasty dessert, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 216 g egg whites (approximately 7 egg whites)
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 200 ml yogurt or buttermilk
- 200 g flour
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 150 g mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g chocolate chips (dark or milk)
- 1 pinch of salt

The story behind the recipe:
Egg white cake is a popular choice in many kitchens due to its ease of preparation and versatility. In the past, housewives used the leftover egg whites after making mayonnaise or other desserts with yolks. Thus, this delicious recipe was born, combining ingredient conservation with a spectacular result. The addition of berries and chocolate makes this cake not only tasty but also colorful.

Step by step for a perfect cake:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature, as they will whip better. You can use frozen egg whites, but it is important to fully thaw them before use.

2. Whip the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and start mixing them with an electric mixer on medium speed. When they become frothy, gradually add the granulated sugar and rum essence. Continue mixing until you achieve a stiff and shiny meringue—this may take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add oil and milk: With the mixer running, drizzle in the oil. Then, add the yogurt or buttermilk. Mix these ingredients well until everything is homogenized.

4. Incorporate dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet composition, mixing on low speed, just until no traces of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.

5. Add flavors and chocolate: Use a spatula to fold in the lemon zest and chocolate chips into the batter. Ensure they are evenly distributed.

6. Berries: Add the mixed berries to the batter, reserving a few for decoration later. These will add a note of freshness and a delicious contrast to the chocolate.

7. Prepare the pan: Prepare a bundt pan (or a loaf pan) greased with a bit of oil. Sprinkle some cherries or berries at the bottom of the pan for an attractive look.

8. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the pan, leveling it evenly. Decorate with the reserved berries on top. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the cake for about 35 minutes. Check if it is baked by doing the toothpick test—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Cooling and serving: After removing it from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a plate. You can serve it plain or dusted with sugar. It is delicious warm or at room temperature!

Practical tips:
- Gluten-free option: You can use gluten-free flour for a version of this cake that is friendly to those with food intolerances.
- Flavors: Instead of rum essence, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or almond extract.
- Seasonal fruits: Take advantage of seasonal fruits—peaches, apples, or even bananas can be used to create delicious variations of the recipe.
- Storing the cake: The cake stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days or can be frozen for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits:
This egg white cake is a good source of protein, thanks to the egg whites, and contains antioxidants from the berries. Additionally, yogurt or buttermilk adds a boost of calcium and probiotics, beneficial for digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use only yolks? Although the recipe is designed for egg whites, you can experiment with using yolks, but you'll need to adjust the proportions of other ingredients.
- What can I do with leftover yolks? Leftover yolks can be used for making sauces, creams, or even in other cake recipes.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? A cup of fruit tea or flavored coffee are excellent accompaniments to this dessert.

In conclusion, the egg white cake with fruits and chocolate is not only an easy-to-make dessert but also a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into something special. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or enjoy it on a lazy weekend morning, this cake is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!