Fluffy strawberry cake with meringue

Fluffy Strawberry Meringue Cake – a delicacy that combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with the airy texture of meringue, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. It is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends, and will surely become a family favorite. I will present the recipe step by step, sharing useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 5 eggs (preferably fresh, for better foam)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (fine sugar is preferable for quicker dissolving)
- 5 tablespoons of flour (white wheat flour is ideal)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (approximately 5 g)
- 500 g strawberries (hot or cold, according to preference)

For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites (carefully separated from the yolks)
- 100 g sugar (again, fine sugar is preferable)

Preparation:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. I recommend using room temperature eggs, as they whip better. You can keep the yolks in the fridge to use later in other recipes, such as mayonnaise or custard.

2. Whipping the egg whites: Use a mixer to whip the egg whites. Start at low speed and gradually increase. When the egg whites start to foam, add the sugar gradually, in a rain-like fashion. Continue mixing until you achieve a stiff and shiny foam that forms firm peaks. This is a crucial moment, as well-beaten foam is essential for the final texture of the cake.

3. Adding the yolks: In another bowl, add the lightly beaten yolks. Mix them with a whisk or spatula and add the baking powder activated with a little vinegar. This step will help activate the baking powder, ensuring that the base will be fluffy.

4. Combining the ingredients: Gradually add the flour, alternating with the egg white foam. Use a large spatula to mix the ingredients, being careful to retain the air in the meringue. Mix gently, folding from top to bottom, to achieve an airy batter.

5. Adding the strawberries: Prepare a baking tray measuring 28/36 cm, lined with baking paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and scatter the whole or halved strawberries, depending on preference. These will add a fresh taste and pleasant moisture to the cake.

6. Baking the base: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. When the base is nearly baked, it’s time to prepare the meringue.

7. Preparing the meringue: In a clean bowl, whip the 3 egg whites with the mixer until they become foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved.

8. Finalizing the cake: After 15 minutes of baking, remove the tray from the oven and spread the meringue evenly over the baked base. Place the tray back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden and crispy.

9. Cooling the cake: Once the cake is done, do not remove it immediately from the oven. Turn off the oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes. This will prevent the base from collapsing.

10. Serving: Once cooled, you can cut the cake into servings and serve it with a fruit sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. You can also add a few mint leaves for a more elegant appearance.

Useful tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to add a personal touch to this cake.
- If you don’t like meringue, you can skip this step and add a melted chocolate glaze over the cake after it has cooled.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 180
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g

This fluffy strawberry meringue cake is not only delicious but also an excellent way to celebrate summer and seasonal fruits. I encourage you to try it and share the result with friends and family. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!