Meringue cake with nuts and cream

Quick cake with egg whites and nuts, topped with fruit cream

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

This quick cake is perfect for moments when you want to impress without too much effort! With a fluffy texture and a delicate fruit cream, it's a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones. The story of this type of cake intertwines with the cooking traditions of skilled homemakers who, with just a few ingredients, managed to create true delights.

Ingredients:

- 6 egg whites (about 180g)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (about 90g)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (about 40g)
- 4 tablespoons of ground nuts (about 40g)
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- 200 ml of cream (ideally cold)
- 200 g of fresh fruits (raspberries, blackberries, or other seasonal fruits)
- 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar (about 30g)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the egg whites
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks, ensuring that your bowl is clean and dry. A drop of water or grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping well. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt at medium speed until they start to form foam.

Step 2: Adding the sugar
When the egg whites have started to double in volume, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and dense foam that forms peaks when you lift the mixer’s beaters. This is the key moment for getting an airy cake!

Step 3: Including the dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour with the ground nuts and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the egg white foam, gently folding with a spatula in an up-and-down motion. This step ensures that you do not lose the air in the egg whites, which is crucial for the texture of your cake.

Step 4: Baking
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture evenly. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean). It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to prevent the cake from sinking.

Step 5: Cooling
Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the tray, then transfer it to a wire rack. It is essential to wait for it to cool completely before applying the cream so that it does not melt.

Step 6: Preparing the cream
In a cold bowl, whip the cream with the powdered sugar until you achieve a firm texture. If you are using fresh fruits, make sure they are washed and cut (if necessary). Add the fruits to the cream and gently mix so that you do not crush them completely.

Step 7: Assembling
Spread the fruit cream evenly over the cooled cake. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so that the flavors blend perfectly.

Step 8: Serving
Cut the cake into portions and serve it cold. You can decorate with a few fresh fruits, mint leaves, or a drizzle of fruit syrup for a more attractive look.

Helpful tips:

- Choose seasonal fruits for an intense flavor and taste. Raspberries and blackberries pair perfectly with this cake, but you can also experiment with strawberries or peaches.
- If you want a richer texture, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the whipped cream.
- For a healthier option, you can replace sugar with a natural sweetener or honey, but adjust the quantity according to your taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of protein from the egg whites and antioxidants from the fruits. The nuts add healthy fats and fiber, making this recipe not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use egg yolks in this recipe?
Although the recipe is based on egg whites, you can use the yolks to make mayonnaise or another recipe. Don't waste them!

2. Is the cake suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can try replacing the egg whites with a plant-based substitute, such as aquafaba (chickpea water).

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake is best stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days.

This quick cake with egg whites and nuts, topped with a delicious fruit cream, is ideal for serving on any occasion, from parties to intimate gatherings. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!