Meringue cake with strawberries

Meringue and Strawberry Cake - a delicacy that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the airy texture of meringue, offering a refreshing and flavorful dessert. This recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a pleasant challenge for cooking enthusiasts. Preparing this quick dessert will take you on a culinary journey, and the final result will impress both family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The History of the Dessert

The Meringue and Strawberry Cake is a classic example of a dessert that has been beloved for generations. Meringue, with its light and crunchy texture, has its origins in European culinary tradition, where it was initially used in sophisticated dishes. The combination with fresh fruits has always brought an element of freshness and vitality, and strawberries, with their sweet and floral aroma, are perfect to contrast with the sweetness of the meringue.

Necessary Ingredients

- 600 g of fresh strawberries
- 200 g of flour
- 150 g of sugar
- 150 ml of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 6 eggs
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 50 ml of sparkling water
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- For meringue:
- Egg whites from 4 eggs
- 50 g of sugar (for meringue)

Preparing the Cake

1. Separating the Eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure there are no traces of yolk in the whites, as they need to be very clean to achieve perfect meringue.

2. Beating the Egg Whites: Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue that forms peaks. This process can take between 5 and 10 minutes, but your patience will be rewarded with a perfect texture.

3. Preparing the Yolk Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with the oil, sparkling water, vanilla sugar, and grated lemon zest. Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

4. Combining the Ingredients: Gently fold the meringue into the yolk mixture using a spatula. It is important to mix gently so as not to lose the air trapped in the meringue. Then, add the flour and the baking powder mixed with a little lemon juice, mixing again gently.

5. Preparing the Baking Tray: Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the tray.

6. Adding the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries and remove the stems. If they are large, cut them in half; if they are smaller, you can leave them whole. Arrange the strawberries evenly on top of the batter.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 5 minutes at this temperature. Then, reduce the temperature to 210°C and continue baking for 15 minutes.

8. Toothpick Test: After a total of 20 minutes, use a toothpick to check if the cake is baked. If the toothpick comes out clean, it's time to add the meringue.

9. Preparing the Meringue: Beat the egg whites for the meringue with 50 g of sugar until firm. Spread the meringue evenly over the cake and leave it in the oven for another 5 minutes at 150°C until it turns golden.

10. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before cutting. This step is essential for achieving a clean cut and helping the meringue stabilize.

Practical Tips

- Buy fresh strawberries, preferably organic, to enjoy their natural flavor. By looking for firm fruits with vibrant color, you ensure that your cake will be delicious.
- If you enjoy variations, you can replace strawberries with other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a different taste.
- Use a fan oven to achieve even baking and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
- Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste may vary.

2. How can I make the meringue more flavorful?
- You can add a little vanilla or almond extract to the meringue for an extra flavor boost.

3. Is it possible to freeze the cake?
- While it's best to consume the cake fresh, you can freeze the cake without meringue, adding it later after thawing.

Combining with Other Recipes and Drinks

This meringue and strawberry cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. You can also enjoy a fruit tea or fresh lemonade alongside this dessert to enhance the fruity flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them excellent for the immune system and skin health. Additionally, this cake provides a source of carbohydrates from the flour, and the egg whites supply protein, offering a nutritional balance.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! The meringue and strawberry cake will surely become a favorite in your home, bringing a touch of joy and indulgence in every slice. Enjoy!