Cake

Meringue Cake with Plum Jam: A Nostalgic Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 12

I will present to you a delicious recipe for meringue cake with plum jam, which combines the soft texture of the cake with the crunchy meringue and the sweet flavor of the jam. This cake is perfect for enjoying at a family gathering, a tea with friends, or even as a special dessert during holidays.

A bit of history

Meringue cakes have a long tradition in international cuisine. This combination of textures and flavors has been appreciated for centuries due to its versatility. The plum jam adds not only a delicious taste but also a touch of originality, making our cake a true feast for the senses.

Ingredients

- 4 eggs (make sure they are fresh for better meringue)
- 200 g butter (choose quality butter for an intense flavor)
- 200 g sugar (divided: 200 g for the batter and 150 g for the meringue)
- 30 g cocoa (you can use good quality cocoa for a more intense taste)
- 200 ml milk (whole milk adds extra creaminess)
- 200 g flour (type 650 wheat flour is ideal)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help the cake rise)
- 2 tablespoons plum jam (if you don't have plum jam, you can use other types, but the taste will change)

Preparation

1. Beat the butter with the sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter (at room temperature) and 200 g of sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy white, about 4-5 minutes. This is a crucial step, as the air incorporated into the butter will help the cake be light and fluffy.

2. Add the eggs: Start adding the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each yolk is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will ensure a uniform texture.

3. Incorporate the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Gradually add them to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Do this step with a spatula or a wooden spoon to avoid losing air from the mixture.

4. Prepare the baking pan: Grease a baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Make sure it is well covered to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, leveling it with a spatula.

5. Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes. Check if it's done using the toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is baked.

6. Prepare the meringue: While the cake is baking, you can prepare the meringue. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer, gradually adding the 150 g of sugar. If you want a perfect meringue, you can use the bain-marie method: place the bowl with egg whites over a pot of hot water (not boiling). Continue beating until the egg whites become stiff and glossy, about 15-20 minutes.

7. Assemble the cake: When the cake is baked, take it out of the oven and spread the 2 tablespoons of plum jam on top. Then, spread the meringue evenly over the cake. Put the cake back in the oven on low heat for 5-10 minutes, until the meringue becomes slightly golden.

8. Serving: Once the cake is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly, then cut it into portions with a wet knife. This trick will help you get nice, even slices.

Serving suggestions

This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a cup of aromatic tea. You can also garnish it with a few slices of fresh plums for added color and a fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- If you want a gluten-free version, you can replace the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- You can experiment with other types of jam: peach or raspberry for a different note.

Nutritional information

A serving of this cake contains approximately 300 calories, making it a good choice for an occasional dessert. The butter and sugar contribute to the caloric intake, but the cake also provides nutrients from the eggs and cocoa.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

2. What if the meringue doesn't hold?
Make sure the bowl and utensils are completely clean and free of grease.

3. How do I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze it, but the meringue won't have the same texture after thawing.

This meringue cake with plum jam is more than just a dessert; it is a tasting experience that will delight you with every bite. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors!