Sunbeam with almonds

Sunshine with Almonds - The Cake That Delights Your Senses

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 50 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 10-12

Do you want to bring a ray of sunshine into your life and the lives of your loved ones? Then the 'Sunshine with Almonds' cake is the perfect choice! This delicious recipe was inspired by a culinary challenge that led to the creation of a sweet masterpiece, combining meringue with whipped cream and candied apricots. Get ready to enjoy a light and elegant dessert that will impress everyone!

A Short Story
The origins of this cake lie in the desire to use leftover egg whites from another recipe. The initial idea was to create meringues, but as life is full of surprises, I decided to focus on a dessert that brings joy and sweetness. The vibrant color of the candied apricots adds a touch of optimism, while the texture of the meringue and cream blends perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors and sensations.

Ingredients
For the layers (meringues):
- 8 egg whites
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 100 g ground almonds

For the filling:
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 80 g sugar

For decoration:
- 200 g candied apricots
- 100 ml water
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin
- A handful of almond flakes

Ingredient Details
- Egg whites: Make sure there are no traces of yolk, as fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.
- Ground almonds: You can also use whole almonds, which you can grind at home to ensure freshness.
- Candied apricots: They bring a sweet-sour taste and a pleasant texture, but you can also experiment with other candied fruits, such as peaches.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Layers
1. Start by preheating the oven to 160°C.
2. In a large bowl, place the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Beat them with a mixer until frothy.
3. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks.
4. Gently fold in the ground almonds with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
5. Divide the mixture in two and pour each part into removable-bottom cake pans lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake the layers in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are lightly golden and firm. Let them cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Apricot Puree
1. Place the candied apricots in a pot along with the water and sugar. Boil them for 20 minutes until soft.
2. Drain the syrup and puree the apricots with a food processor until smooth.
3. Cool the syrup and add the gelatin. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then heat it in a double boiler until completely dissolved.

Step 3: Preparing the Whipped Cream
1. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the sugar until it becomes firm.
2. Divide the dissolved gelatin into two parts: add one part to the apricot puree and incorporate the other part into the whipped cream.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. On a platter, place the first layer of meringue. Add a portion of the whipped cream, smoothing it evenly.
2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
3. Place the second layer of meringue on top, then add the apricot puree and sprinkle with almond flakes.
4. Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours to cool and set.

Step 5: Serving
1. Carefully remove the sides of the removable pan.
2. You can decorate the cake with a few slices of candied apricots or almond flakes for an elegant look.
3. Serve it cold, alongside a cup of tea or coffee, for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Practical Tips
- For a lighter cake: You can replace part of the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
- Variations: Instead of apricots, you can use mango puree or berries for a different flavor.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the meringues a day in advance? Yes, they store well in an airtight container.
- How can I prevent the meringue layers from sticking? Using parchment paper is essential, and allowing the layers to cool completely before assembly helps.

Nutritional Information
This Sunshine with Almonds cake recipe offers about 250 calories per serving, being a sweet option but with a moderate caloric intake. The almonds provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while the candied apricots bring antioxidants and vitamins.

Conclusion
The Sunshine with Almonds cake is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring a touch of joy and warmth to any gathering. Whether you choose to enjoy it with loved ones or give it as a gift, this dessert will surely remain in everyone’s memories. Don’t hesitate to experiment and bring your own variations, and the result will always be a reason for happiness. Enjoy!