Meringue cake with cocoa and raisins

Delicious Cake with Egg Whites, Cocoa, and Raisins

If you are looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe, you have come to the right place! This fluffy cake made from egg whites, cocoa, and raisins is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on a busy day. This delight is not only simple to make, but also a fantastic way to use up leftover egg whites from other dishes. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g egg whites (approximately 6 egg whites)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 g raisins (or other dried fruits)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 essence of rum (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing the pan

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the egg whites: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that the bowl and utensils used for beating the egg whites are completely clean and free of grease. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites – this will help stabilize the foam. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites at medium speed until they start to thicken.

2. Adding the sugar: When the egg whites have started to foam, gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar. Continue mixing until the egg whites become firm and glossy, forming stiff peaks. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and airy cake.

3. Incorporating the oil and flavors: Add the oil and grated lemon zest. Gently fold in with a spatula to incorporate the ingredients, being careful not to deflate the egg white foam.

4. The flour mixture: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Sift this mixture over the egg white composition and gently fold in with the spatula, using up-and-down motions. This will help maintain the air in the egg whites.

5. Assembling the cake: Prepare a baking pan (approximately 20x30 cm) by greasing it with butter. Pour half of the egg white mixture into the pan and level it with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the raisins or other dried fruits over this first half.

6. Cocoa and rum: In the remaining egg white mixture, add cocoa and the essence of rum. Gently mix until combined, then pour this mixture over the layer of raisins, leveling it again.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if the cake is baked, use a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. After it has cooled, cut it into servings and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want to add a personal touch, you can add chopped nuts or crushed chocolate to the egg white mixture.
- If you don't have raisins on hand, you can experiment with other dried fruits, such as apricots or prunes. These will add a different and delicious flavor to your cake.
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for the best results.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is an excellent source of protein from the egg whites, and the raisins add fiber and antioxidants. Cocoa, on the other hand, is rich in flavonoids that can have beneficial effects on heart health.

Delicious combinations:
Serve the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of coffee for a perfect contrast between hot and cold. Additionally, a refreshing fruit-based drink would perfectly complement this dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use the leftover yolks? Yes, the yolks can be used to make a cream or mayonnaise.
2. How can I store the cake? You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
3. Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake cut into portions. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap.

I hope this egg white, cocoa, and raisin cake recipe will become one of your favorites! Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!