Egg white cake with plums

Meringue Cake with Plums – A delicacy that is easy to prepare, perfect for utilizing leftover egg whites from various recipes. This recipe not only combines the sweet taste of the cake with the aroma of the fruits, but also offers a fluffy and airy texture, thanks to the meringue made from egg whites. It is a quick and simple dessert, suitable for any occasion, whether you want to impress guests or simply indulge yourself.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of egg whites (approximately 7-8 egg whites)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of baking powder for sweets
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 500 g plums (fresh or frozen)
- a pinch of salt (optional)

A touch of history: The cake, in its various forms, has been consumed for centuries, being a popular dessert in many cultures. This specific recipe with egg whites is a clever way to avoid wasting leftover egg whites, turning them into a light and tasty dessert. The plums add a note of freshness and natural sweetness, creating a delicious contrast with the fluffy texture of the cake.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature to achieve a more stable foam. If you have frozen egg whites, let them thaw completely before use.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix. When the mixture becomes a shiny and firm meringue, it's time to stop the mixer.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Sifting the flour is an important step, as it helps aerate it, contributing to a lighter texture of the cake. Add the flour mixture to the egg white meringue, mixing gently with a wooden spatula or spoon, using up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the mixture.

4. Preparing the baking pan: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring it is well secured to prevent sticking.

5. Dividing the mixture: Pour 2/3 of the mixture into the prepared pan. This will form the base of the cake. In the remaining mixture, add the two tablespoons of cocoa powder and gently mix with a fork to achieve a marbled effect. This will not only add a color contrast but also an intense chocolate flavor.

6. Preparing the plums: Cut the plums into small cubes and, to prevent them from sticking together in the cake, quickly toss them in a small amount of flour. This simple trick will help keep the plums evenly distributed in the batter.

7. Adding the plums: Place the plum cubes on top of the mixture in the pan. If desired, you can also add a few plum slices on the surface of the cake for a more attractive appearance.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center, and it should come out clean).

9. Cooling: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and variations: This meringue cake with plums is delicious and simple to serve, either as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can experiment with other seasonal fruits or even nuts to add extra texture and flavor. For example, by adding some chocolate chips or ground nuts to the mixture, you can create an even richer version of this dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace the plums with peaches, apples, or cherries, depending on your preferences. Make sure the fruits are well cleaned and cut.

2. How can I make this cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 25%, depending on how sweet your plums are.

3. What can I do with leftover egg whites? Egg whites can be used in many other recipes, such as meringues, mousses, or even omelets, to create light and airy dishes.

Nutritional benefits: This meringue cake with plums is a good source of protein due to the egg whites, and the plums add vitamins and antioxidants, being also rich in fiber, making this dessert a healthier choice.

Calories: A serving of this cake contains approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the serving size and the fruits used.

By experimenting with this recipe, you will not only get a delicious dessert but also learn to utilize the ingredients you have, reducing waste. Try it and enjoy a slice of freshly made cake, savoring every bite!