Meringue Cake

Meringue Cake - A Sweet Indulgence with Tempting Textures

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, we aim to explore a recipe that perfectly combines a moist and fragrant dough with a fluffy and crispy meringue, culminating in a meringue cake that will delight any dessert lover. This cake is not just a simple dessert; it is a story of flavors and textures that will add a touch of magic to any occasion. Whether you prepare it for an anniversary, a celebration, or simply to treat yourself, you are guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 4 eggs
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 60 ml oil (I recommend sunflower oil for a neutral taste)
- 200 ml sparkling water (choose one with fine bubbles to add air and lightness to the dough)
- 3 g salt
- 400 g flour
- 3 g ammonium (or baking powder, if you prefer)
- 40 g cocoa (good quality cocoa will add a deep flavor)
- 100 g candied orange peel (for an extra touch of flavor and texture)
- 100 g raisins (soaked in rum or milk for an intense sweetness)

For the Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (helps stabilize the meringue)

For Garnishing:
- 50 g chopped nuts (optional, but recommended for a delicious crunch)
- 20 g chocolate (for a decadent finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by separating the eggs, placing the yolks in a large bowl. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa, then mix well with a mixer until you get a smooth cream. It is important for the sugar to dissolve completely to avoid a grainy texture.

2. Adding Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously. Then, incorporate the sparkling water in which you have dissolved the salt and ammonium. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

3. Incorporating Flour and Flavors:
Sift the flour over the yolk mixture, adding it in a rain to avoid lumps. Continue mixing until the flour is completely incorporated. Then, add the raisins and candied orange peel, gently mixing with a spatula.

4. Baking the Dough:
Line a 25x40 cm baking tray with parchment paper and pour the dough mixture into the tray. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature (about 180°C) and place the tray in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes without opening the oven door to allow the cake to rise evenly.

5. Preparing the Meringue:
While the dough is in the oven, you can prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix. When the meringue becomes glossy, add the cornstarch and vinegar, mixing until it becomes very firm and shiny.

6. Finalizing the Cake:
After the 30 minutes are up, remove the cake from the oven. Using a spoon, spread the meringue over the entire surface of the cake, being careful not to penetrate it. Sprinkle the crushed nuts on top of the meringue and return the cake to the oven for another 10 minutes on low heat until the meringue becomes lightly golden.

7. Cooling and Garnishing:
After the 10 minutes, turn off the heat, but leave the cake in the oven to cool gradually. This will help the meringue stay soft inside and crispy outside. Once completely cooled, melt the chocolate in a bain-marie and use it to decorate the cake.

Serving and Suggestions

This meringue cake is perfect to be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea. You can also add a berry sauce for a delicious contrast. If you want to add a touch of originality, try using candied lemon peel instead of orange or adding spices like cinnamon to the dough.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is a source of energy due to the sugar and eggs, which provide valuable proteins. Cocoa adds antioxidants, and raisins offer fiber and vitamins. However, moderate consumption is essential, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste, but it will slightly change the texture.

2. How can I make the meringue more flavorful?
You can add a few drops of almond or lavender extract to the meringue for an extra flavor boost.

3. What is the best way to store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent it from drying out.

4. What drinks pair well with the cake?
An espresso coffee or a citrus tea are excellent choices. Also, a sweet wine or a citrus liqueur can add a pleasant contrast.

I hope you find this recipe captivating and that it inspires you to create a delicious cake! Enjoy!