Strawberry and meringue cake

The perfect dessert for spring days, strawberry and meringue cake, is a delicious and refined choice that combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with a fluffy base and a light meringue foam. This simple yet flavorful recipe will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and turn any meal into a special moment.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

- For the base:
- 3 eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 200 g sugar
- 400 ml milk
- 150 ml sunflower oil
- 400 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest and juice of one lemon

- For the filling:
- 500 g fresh strawberries (halved)
- 2-3 tablespoons raw sugar (to sprinkle over the strawberries)

- For the meringue:
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the bases
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg yolks with 200 g of sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy. This process will not only improve the texture but also enhance the flavors.

Step 2: Combining the ingredients
Add the milk and oil to the yolk mixture and mix well. Then, gradually incorporate the sifted flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, lemon juice, and zest, mixing constantly until you obtain a smooth batter without lumps. A useful tip: sifting the flour not only removes any impurities but also introduces air into the mixture, resulting in a fluffier base.

Step 3: Baking the bases
Pour the batter into a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. While you wait, you can prepare the strawberries.

Step 4: Preparing the strawberries
Wash and halve the strawberries. After 30 minutes of baking, remove the tray from the oven and place the strawberries on top of the base, sprinkling raw sugar over them. This will create a delicious caramelization and enhance the flavor of the strawberries.

Step 5: Finishing the baking
Put the tray back in the oven for another 10 minutes. During this time, you can prepare the meringue. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until you obtain a firm and glossy foam. It is important to use a completely clean bowl, free of grease, to achieve perfect meringue.

Step 6: Applying the meringue
After 10 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and, using a spatula, spread the meringue over the strawberries, ensuring you cover the entire surface evenly. Put the cake back in the oven for another 5 minutes, until the meringue becomes slightly browned. This is the moment when the sweet and fragrant aroma of the dessert will fill the entire house.

Serving and suggestions
Once the cake has cooled slightly, you can cut it into portions and serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweet cream. This combination will provide a pleasant contrast between the warmth of the cake and the coolness of the ice cream. Additionally, a red fruit tea could perfectly complement the dessert, bringing a touch of freshness.

Tips and variations
If you want to personalize this recipe, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches. Another option would be to add a little rum or almond essence to the meringue mixture for a more intense flavor. Regarding calories, each serving has about 250-300 calories, depending on the portion size and the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Yes, you can use any seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries. Make sure the fruits are well washed and, if necessary, cut.

2. How can I make the meringue more stable?
By adding a teaspoon of lemon juice while beating the egg whites, you can help stabilize the meringue.

3. How long can the cake be stored?
The strawberry and meringue cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the optimal texture.

Conclusion
The strawberry and meringue cake is not just a delicious dessert but also a perfect way to bring a touch of spring into your home. With a simple process and the right ingredients, you can create a dessert that will surely impress anyone sitting at your table. Don't forget to have fun while cooking and to put a piece of your heart into every portion!

 Ingredients: 500 g strawberries, 400 g flour, 200 g sugar, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons raw sugar, 3 eggs, 400 ml milk, 150 ml sunflower oil, 1 packet baking powder, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 1 lemon

 Tags:  strawberry cake marshmallows