Cherry and meringue cake
The cherry and meringue cake is a refined dessert, perfect for adding a touch of freshness and sweetness to any meal. This delicious recipe combines a fluffy base with sour cherries and a light meringue, resulting in a dessert that will delight anyone's taste buds. Here’s how to prepare this cherry and meringue cake, step by step.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
### Ingredients
For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 kg cherries (fresh or canned)
For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 2-3 drops of lemon juice
- 1 vanilla essence
For decoration:
- Cherry syrup (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
### Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure you have a medium-sized baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) ready.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.
3. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the vanilla essence and add them to the egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air.
4. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the egg mixture, mixing gently.
5. The last ingredient to add is the cherries. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit them. If using canned cherries, drain them well to avoid a soggy base.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared tray, smoothing the surface.
Step 2: Baking the base
1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the base is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center of the base; if it comes out clean, it’s done).
2. Once the base is baked, let it cool completely.
Step 3: Preparing the meringue
1. Once the base has cooled, you can start preparing the meringue. Beat the egg whites with the mixer until frothy.
2. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix, then add the lemon juice and vanilla essence. Beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.
Step 4: Combining and decorating
1. Go to the cooled base and spread the meringue evenly on top. You can use a spatula to create shapes and peaks in the meringue.
2. Put the cake back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until the meringue turns slightly golden and crispy. Be careful not to leave it too long, as it can burn.
3. Once ready, let the cake cool completely before slicing.
4. Serve the cake with a drizzle of cherry syrup for extra flavor and beauty.
### Useful tips
- Choosing cherries: If you have access to fresh cherries, they are ideal for an intense flavor. If you opt for canned cherries, make sure to drain them well.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as cherries or peaches, to diversify the recipe.
- Serving: The cherry and meringue cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
This cherry and meringue cake recipe is not only simple but also a delicacy that will bring joy to any occasion. Get ready to impress friends and family with this delicious, easy-to-make dessert!
Ingredients: For the base: 4 eggs, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, vanilla essence, 2 cups of flour, 1 kg of sour cherries. For the meringue: 4 egg whites, 8 tablespoons of sugar, 2-3 drops of lemon juice, vanilla essence. For decoration: cherry syrup.
