Meringue with nuts

Meringue Cake with Nuts – a simple yet flavorful dessert with refined textures. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that create a unique taste, perfect for concluding a family meal or enjoying alongside a cup of aromatic tea. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy step by step!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 16 pieces

Ingredients

- 5 eggs (at room temperature for better whipping)
- 10 tablespoons of sugar (preferably granulated)
- 10 tablespoons of oil or melted butter (if using butter, make sure to strain it to remove impurities)
- 10 tablespoons of sparkling water (for a fluffier batter)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (about 10g)
- 10 tablespoons of flour (sifted to avoid lumps)
- 40-50g of chopped walnuts (you can also use other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon (for a fresh taste)
- A handful of raisins (optional, for added sweetness)

The Whole Story of the Recipe

This meringue cake with nuts has deep roots in culinary tradition, where simple sweets made from accessible ingredients have always been cherished. It is said that the use of egg whites in cakes was a clever solution by housewives seeking to minimize waste in the kitchen. Thus, leftover egg whites from preparing other dishes became the base for delicious desserts.

Step by Step – Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature, as they will whip better, giving the cake an airy texture.

2. Preparing the base
In a large bowl, separate the yolks from the egg whites. Add the baking powder mixed with a few drops of lemon juice to the yolks. This step will help activate the leavening agent, giving the cake a fluffy texture.

3. Adding the sugar
Gradually incorporate the 6 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla sugar, and the grated orange zest into the yolk mixture. Use a whisk or mixer to achieve a creamy composition.

4. Including the oil and sparkling water
Add the oil or melted butter (preferably butter) and the sparkling water. Mix well until homogeneous.

5. Incorporating the flour
Add the sifted flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or at low speed with the mixer to avoid lumps. The mixture should be homogeneous but not too liquid.

6. Preparing the baking pan
Grease a medium-sized baking pan with butter and flour or line it with baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.

7. Baking the base
Pour the mixture into the pan and sprinkle the raisins on top. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

8. Preparing the egg whites
While the base is baking, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the 4 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.

9. Finalizing the cake
Once the base is ready, remove it from the oven and evenly distribute the beaten egg whites over it. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top. Place the pan back in the oven and leave it until the egg whites turn golden (about 10-15 minutes).

10. Cooling and serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan, then cut it into squares and serve on a platter. From the mentioned ingredients, you will get approximately 16 delicious servings.

Creative Variations

- Fruit Jam: Before adding the egg whites, spread fruit jam (peach, apricot, or raspberry) on the baked base for an extra fruity note.
- Chocolate: Instead of nuts, sprinkle grated chocolate on top of the egg whites for a decadent cake.
- Flavors: Experiment with various flavors by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg white mixture for a warm note.

Practical Tips

- Improve texture: Use a fork to incorporate the flour, which will help maintain air in the batter.
- Check the freshness of the eggs: Place the eggs in a glass of water. If they sink, they are fresh. If they float, it's time to discard them.
- Cooling the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it; otherwise, it may crumble.

Conclusion

Meringue Cake with Nuts is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. This simple yet flavorful recipe will surely bring smiles to your loved ones' faces. Enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee and savor every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use egg whites from a carton? Yes, but make sure the equivalent is 5 egg whites.
- How can I store the cake? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
- Is it possible to add fresh fruit? Yes, but make sure to chop it finely and dry it slightly to avoid adding too much moisture.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious cake, feel free to experiment and customize it to your taste! Enjoy!