Orange Delight (from egg whites)

Orange Delight – A delicate meringue cake

When it comes to cakes, few can rival the magic of an orange cake. This recipe, which started as a simple roll, has evolved into a delicious cake, perfect for any occasion. Its fine base, made from whipped egg whites, is complemented by an orange cream that will delight your taste buds. Moreover, it's a simple and quick recipe, ideal for those who want to bring a touch of sunshine to every day.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 4 egg whites
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 150-200 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla (or vanilla extract)

*For the orange cream:*
- 250 ml fresh orange juice
- 250 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 50 g flour
- 120 g sugar
- Grated zest of one orange
- Optional: a sheet of gelatin (for a firmer consistency)

Step 1: Preparing the orange cream

Start by preparing the cream, as it needs to cool before assembling the cake. In a saucepan, combine the milk with the orange juice and half of the sugar. Place the mixture over medium heat and bring it close to a boil.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume. Add the flour and mix well to avoid lumps. When the milk with orange has started to boil, pour the egg mixture into the saucepan, constantly stirring with a whisk.

Let the cream simmer on low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens. Finally, add the grated orange zest for extra flavor. If you want a firmer cream, you can add a sheet of gelatin, pre-hydrated according to the instructions. Turn off the heat and let the cream cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Preparing the base

Now let’s move on to the base. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This is the fine base of your cake.

Gently fold the melted (and slightly cooled) butter into the meringue, mixing lightly with a spatula. Add the vanilla, flour, and baking powder, gently mixing until you obtain a smooth batter.

Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and level it well. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes or until the base is lightly browned and passes the toothpick test. Allow the base to cool completely in the tray.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

Once the base has cooled, carefully cut it into 4 equal parts. Now it's time to assemble the orange delight. You can use a loaf pan or a serving platter. Place the first layer of base on the tray and soak it with a little orange juice to add moisture and flavor.

Add a generous layer of orange cream, then continue with another layer of base, following the same procedure: soak, add cream, and repeat until all ingredients are used. Ensure that the last layer is cream. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set and blend the flavors.

Serving suggestions

After the cake has chilled, you can cut it into slices and serve it on a nice platter. Adding some orange slices or a mint leaf as decoration will make the dessert even more appealing. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce.

Variations and useful tips

If you want to experiment, you can replace the orange juice with lemon juice for a tangier version. Additionally, adding some ground almonds to the base will provide an interesting texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- How long can the cake be stored? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed on the first day.
- Can I use egg whites from a carton? It is recommended to use fresh egg whites, as they have a better texture and whip more easily.

Nutritional benefits

This orange cake is a good source of vitamin C from the orange juice, and the egg whites are rich in protein, making it a lighter option compared to other cakes that contain more fats. A serving contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

In conclusion, this orange cake is not only an elegant dessert but also a true treat for the senses. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by the inviting aroma of oranges. By experimenting with your personalized version, you will turn this recipe into your favorite! Bon appétit!