Meringue Cake

Meringue Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meringue Layers:

• 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toppings:

• Fresh fruits (such as berries, kiwi, mango, passion fruit)
• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Mint leaves (optional)
• A dusting of powdered sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Meringue

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Draw two 8-inch circles on the parchment paper as a guide for the meringue layers. Flip the paper so the pencil marks are on the underside.
2. Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Sugar Gradually: With the mixer running on high speed, gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. This helps dissolve the sugar completely and avoids deflating the meringue. Continue beating until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks, about 7-10 minutes. To check if the sugar is fully dissolved, rub a small amount of meringue between your fingers; it should feel smooth.
4. Incorporate Other Ingredients: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and cornstarch using a spatula. This combination helps stabilize the meringue and creates a crisp shell with a soft, marshmallowy center.

Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Meringue

5. Shape the Meringue: Spoon the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spreading it evenly within the drawn circles. Use the back of a spoon to create a slight dip in the center of each meringue round to hold the filling.
6. Bake the Meringue: Place the meringues in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely. This gradual cooling process prevents the meringue from cracking. It’s best to let them cool in the oven for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Preparing the Whipped Cream

7. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or it may turn into butter. The whipped cream should be thick yet smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Assembling the Meringue Cake

8. Assemble the Cake: Place one meringue layer on a serving plate. Spoon a generous amount of whipped cream onto the center and spread it out evenly. Add a layer of fresh fruits like sliced strawberries, kiwi, and raspberries on top of the cream. Place the second meringue layer over the fruit and gently press down.
9. Decorate: Top the second layer with more whipped cream. Pile on more fresh fruits, arranging them decoratively. Add chocolate shavings or curls for an extra touch of elegance. Sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar and garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Step 5: Serving and Storing

10. Serve Immediately: Meringue cake is best enjoyed fresh. Its contrasting textures—a crispy outer shell, a soft, marshmallow-like interior, airy whipped cream, and juicy fruits—make it a crowd-pleaser. Slice with a sharp knife to prevent crushing the meringue.
11. Storing Leftovers: If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Note that the meringue will absorb moisture from the whipped cream and fruit, becoming softer over time. It’s still delicious but loses its crispness.

Tips for Success:

• Egg Whites: Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume. Even a small amount of fat or yolk in the egg whites can prevent them from whipping properly. Use a clean, dry bowl and beaters.
• Sugar: Adding sugar gradually is key to achieving a glossy, stable meringue.
• Baking: The low, slow baking process dries out the meringue, giving it a crisp exterior and a chewy, marshmallowy interior.
• Variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate meringue or a teaspoon of instant coffee granules for a coffee-flavored twist.

This meringue cake is light, airy, and the perfect dessert for celebrations. Its delicate sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tartness of fresh fruits, making it a refreshing treat any time of the year.