Queen Marie Cake

Queen Mary Cake – The Delight That Will Enchant Your Senses

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Queen Mary Cake is an iconic dessert that masterfully combines flavors of walnut and coconut in a perfect harmony of textures. The origins of this cake are rooted in culinary tradition, having a rich history and often being prepared for holidays or special events. This recipe will not only bring a touch of refinement to your table but will also delight every guest with its unmistakable taste.

The ingredients needed to create this delicious dessert are:

For Layer 1:
- 6 egg whites
- 250 g sugar
- 250 g coconut
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda

For Layer 2:
- 6 egg whites
- 250 g ground walnuts
- 250 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cream:
- 12 egg yolks
- 250 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 30 ml vanilla essence (preferably Oetker)
- 250 g margarine, at room temperature

Practical tips about ingredients:
1. Coconut: Make sure to use fresh or quality ground coconut to achieve an intense flavor. Dried coconut can be used, but it will add a less fine texture.
2. Ground walnuts: You can use Romanian walnuts, which have a stronger taste and a richer texture. If you want a more easily digestible option, you can also use ground hazelnuts.
3. Sugar: Powdered sugar is ideal for achieving a fine meringue. If you don’t have it, you can grind granulated sugar in a blender.
4. Margarine: Ensure that the margarine is at room temperature for better incorporation into the cream. If you want a healthier alternative, you can use butter.

Preparation techniques:
1. Beat the egg whites: Use an electric mixer to achieve a fine meringue. Make sure the bowl is clean and dry, without any trace of fat.
2. Bain-marie: It is essential to cook the cream in a bain-marie to avoid curdling the egg yolks. Ensure that the water in the pot below does not touch the bottom of the bowl containing the yolks.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Layer 1:
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue. Now is the time to add the coconut, flour, and the baking soda that has been extinguished. Gently fold in using a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a large baking tray (33x40 cm) lined with baking paper and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, until it turns lightly golden.
- Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

2. Layer 2:
- Following the same method, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you achieve a firm meringue. Add the ground walnuts, flour, and baking soda. Gently mix to integrate the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into the same tray (after removing the first layer) and bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes.

3. The Cream:
- In a stainless steel or ceramic bowl, combine the egg yolks with the sugar and milk. Place the bowl over a bain-marie and stir constantly until the cream thickens.
- Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool slightly, then incorporate the vanilla essence and the whipped margarine.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Place the first walnut layer on a platter, spread the egg cream evenly, and place the coconut layer on top.
- Reserve 3 tablespoons of cream for decorating the cake. You can sprinkle a little coconut on top for a more attractive appearance.

5. Cooling and serving:
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours before slicing. This will help set the layers and make the slices easier to cut.

Serving suggestions:
Queen Mary Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. Give it a special touch with a chocolate sauce or fresh fruits.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, but it is recommended to freeze it without the cream. Assemble the cake after thawing.
- Can I use another type of sweetener? Yes, you can use natural sweeteners, but the texture of the meringue may change.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake provides a combination of proteins from the egg whites, healthy fats from the nuts and coconut, and a moderate portion of carbohydrates from the sugar. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while coconut brings fiber and antioxidants. However, consumption should be moderate, considering the caloric content.

Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process, as cooking is an art and a pleasure. Queen Mary Cake is not just a dessert but an experience that will bring smiles and unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Savor every slice!