Meringue cake with Turkish delight and a mix of candied fruits with hazelnuts

Meringue cake with Turkish delight and mixed candied fruits and hazelnuts

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert that brings a touch of magic to your days, this meringue cake with Turkish delight and mixed candied fruits is the perfect choice. This recipe is not only simple but also offers a combination of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a sweet snack alongside a cup of tea or as a sophisticated dessert for a special occasion, this cake is suitable for any moment.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (350 ml) of egg whites (about 5-6 egg whites)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of mixed candied fruits (apricots, raisins, cherries) and hazelnuts
- 50 ml of oil
- 50 g of candied orange peel (or fresh peel)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 100 g of colored Turkish delight (cut into cubes)
- 1 packet of baking powder

Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: approximately 180 kcal
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 3 g

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature, which will help achieve a more stable foam. Also, weigh and measure all the ingredients before you start to avoid any rush during preparation.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and start beating them with an electric mixer at medium speed. When the egg whites start to foam, gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a stiff and glossy foam. It is important that the sugar is completely dissolved and that the egg whites form stiff peaks.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder over the egg white foam. This step will help prevent lumps from forming. Use a spatula to gently fold in the flour with upward motions, so as not to deflate the air in the mixture.

4. Including the wet ingredients: Add the oil, orange peel, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix gently until the ingredients are well integrated.

5. Adding the Turkish delight and candied fruits: Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes and dust it with flour (this trick will prevent the pieces from sticking together in the mixture). Add the Turkish delight and the mixed candied fruits and hazelnuts to the bowl with the batter. Gently fold to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a large loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure to cover it evenly.

7. Baking: Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the cake is well risen and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it only after it has cooled completely.

9. Serving suggestions: The cake is delicious on its own, but you can dust it with powdered sugar for a more elegant look or glaze it with melted chocolate or a lemon glaze. Whichever option you choose, it will surely be a delight!

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have mixed candied fruits on hand, you can use fresh seasonal fruits, but make sure they are well drained to avoid adding moisture to the mixture.
- You can customize the recipe by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
- For a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 20% without significantly affecting the texture of the cake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can egg whites be replaced with whole eggs?
It is not recommended, as beaten egg whites give the cake an airy texture.
2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped and does not have any glaze or powdered sugar applied.

This meringue cake with Turkish delight and mixed candied fruits is not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to enjoy moments spent in the kitchen. Every bite will take you on a journey of flavors and textures, making it a dessert you will definitely want to repeat. Enjoy!