Raspberry tray cake

Raspberry sheet cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends, a family party, or simply an afternoon of personal indulgence. This delicacy not only combines the sweet-tart flavor of raspberries with a slightly fluffy texture, but it is also easy to prepare, using accessible ingredients.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients
- 220 g flour
- 140 g margarine or butter
- 300 g sugar (divided into two portions: 50 g for yolks and 250 g for egg whites)
- 3 eggs
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 400 g raspberries (fresh or frozen)

Step by step

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. Make sure the raspberries are washed and dried if using fresh ones. If using frozen raspberries, let them thaw and drain the excess water.

2. Separate the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. It's important to ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites; otherwise, they will not whip properly.

3. Prepare the yolk mixture: In another bowl, beat the yolks with 50 g of sugar using a mixer or spatula. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes a golden cream and doubles in volume. This is the stage where air is incorporated, which will give the cake a fluffy texture.

4. Add the butter: Incorporate the margarine or butter, which should be soft, into the yolk mixture. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

5. Include the flour: Add the vanilla sugar and gradually the sifted flour, mixing continuously. It's important to fold gently so as not to lose the air in the mixture.

6. Prepare the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with 250 g of sugar until they form a firm, glossy meringue. This step is essential for achieving an airy and light texture in the cake.

7. Combine the ingredients: Gently fold the meringue into the yolk mixture using a spatula, being careful not to lose the incorporated air. Carefully add the raspberries, mixing gently to distribute them evenly.

8. Prepare the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with butter and a baking sheet, ensuring it is well covered to prevent sticking.

9. Pour the mixture: Pour the mixture into the tray and level it with a spatula or the back of a spoon to achieve an even surface.

10. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Every oven is different, so it is recommended to check the cake with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

11. Finishing: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, you can add a layer of raspberry meringue on top (if you wish to decorate it). Put the cake back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the meringue turns golden.

12. Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into servings. This dessert is delicious served plain, but you can add a spoonful of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of refinement.

Useful tips
- Raspberries: If you don't have fresh raspberries, you can also use other berries, such as blackberries or blueberries, and for a more exotic version, try mango or peaches.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, but be careful with the balance of flavors.
- Variations: For an interesting note, you can add grated lemon or orange zest to the yolk mixture for an extra freshness.

Nutritional benefits
Raspberry sheet cake offers a mix of carbohydrates from flour, healthy fats from butter or margarine, and proteins from eggs. Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and are an excellent source of fiber, making it a healthier choice compared to other cakes.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the final texture may change.
- How can I tell if the cake is done? Use a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.
- Can it be kept for the next day? Yes, the cake keeps well in the fridge and even becomes more delicious after a day.

Raspberry sheet cake is not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring a bit of joy into every day. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a delicious culinary experience!