Jam and meringue cake

The jam and meringue cake is a delicious dessert that combines the sweet flavors of jam with the fluffy textures of meringue, creating a perfect culinary experience for any occasion. This simple and quick recipe will delight both you and your loved ones, making it ideal for a weekend afternoon or a festive dessert. Let's discover together how we can prepare this wonderful jam and meringue cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:
- 6 eggs (separated into whites and yolks)
- 200 g sugar (100 g for cream, 100 g for meringue)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 300 g plum jam (or other preferred jam)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or vanilla essence)
- a pinch of salt

Recipe history:
The jam and meringue cake is a classic dessert found in many cultures, appreciated for its simplicity and versatility. It is said that meringue has its origins in medieval recipes when people began experimenting with whipped egg whites. Combining them with jam was an ingenious way to use seasonal fruits, providing a rich taste and pleasant texture. This recipe is a modern variant adapted to contemporary tastes but retains its traditional essence.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients:
It is essential to have all ingredients at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. This will help achieve a uniform and airy texture. Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready before starting.

2. Beat the butter cream:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and 100 g of sugar. Using a mixer, beat them together until you obtain a fluffy and light-colored cream. This step is crucial as the air incorporated into the butter will make the cake lighter.

3. Add the yolks:
Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will ensure an even integration of the ingredients. Finally, add the baking powder and flour, mixing with a spatula until everything is well incorporated.

4. Bake the base:
Line a baking dish with parchment paper and evenly spread the dough mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the base is lightly golden and passes the toothpick test.

5. Apply the jam:
After the base has cooled slightly, remove it from the oven and evenly spread the plum jam over the entire surface. Choose a quality jam, as this will significantly influence the final taste of the cake.

6. Prepare the meringue:
In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 100 g of sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and shiny meringue. Finally, fold in the ground walnuts, mixing with a spatula.

7. Finalize the cake:
Spread the meringue with walnuts over the jam in the dish, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly. Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the meringue becomes golden and slightly crispy.

8. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, you can cut it into squares and serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream. It is a wonderful cake, perfect to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot or berry jam, to vary the cake's flavor.
- If you want a more aromatic meringue, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the egg whites before beating them.
- Ensure that all utensils used for the egg whites are completely clean, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of nut?
Yes, you can use almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

- How can I improve the texture of the cake?
Make sure to beat the butter well and adhere to the proportions of the ingredients. Also, do not open the oven during the meringue baking to avoid it collapsing.

- What is the best way to store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its freshness.

This jam and meringue cake is not just a simple recipe but also a way to create unforgettable moments with loved ones. So, get ready to impress with this wonderful dessert that will surely bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it! Enjoy!