Simple cake with nuts and meringue
Simple walnut and meringue cake - a perfect delicacy for moments when you're craving something sweet. This cake masterfully combines a fluffy walnut base with a flavorful jam topping, covered by a crunchy meringue that will impress any guest. Let's discover together the steps to achieve this simple yet absolutely delicious dessert.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 27 minutes
Total time: 47 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g sifted flour (regular flour)
- 50 g ground walnuts
- 1 cup lukewarm milk
- ½ packet baking powder
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
For the filling:
- 5-6 tablespoons apricot jam (or any preferred jam)
For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 150 g powdered sugar
Preparation
1. Preparing the base: Start by separating the eggs. Place the 4 yolks in a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar and mix with a mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and whitish, indicating that the sugar has dissolved. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base, as the incorporated air will help the base rise beautifully.
2. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gradually add them to the egg mixture, mixing continuously. Add the lukewarm milk and ground walnuts, continuing to mix until well combined. It's important not to overmix, to preserve the airy structure of the base.
3. Baking the base: Pour the mixture into a greased and floured baking pan. It is recommended to use a medium-sized pan, as a base that is too thin will bake too quickly, while one that is too thick will not bake evenly. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and bake the base for 18 minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure it is halfway baked; the base should be slightly firm but not fully baked.
4. Adding the jam: Once the base is ready, take it out of the oven and spread 5-6 tablespoons of apricot jam on top, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5. Preparing the meringue: In another bowl, place the 4 egg whites and powdered sugar. Whip on high speed until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue. It is essential to use a glass or stainless steel bowl, and for a perfect result, ensure there are no traces of yolk, as the fat will prevent them from whipping properly.
6. Completing the cake: Using a spoon, take some meringue and spread it over the jam on the base. You can choose to use the entire amount of meringue or just a portion, depending on your preferences. Put the cake back in the oven, leaving the door ajar for 10 minutes. This will help the meringue dry out and become crunchy. After 10 minutes, check if the meringue has turned golden. If the base is not fully baked, cover the cake with aluminum foil and let it bake for another 9 minutes.
7. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is ready, let it cool completely before cutting. You can use grated chocolate or chocolate dragees to decorate the cake before serving, adding an extra touch of flavor.
Useful tips
- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh walnuts and quality jam for the best flavor.
- Serving suggestion: The cake is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of green tea, which will balance the sweetness of the dessert.
- Customization options: You can replace the apricot jam with raspberry or cherry jam for a different note. Additionally, you can add spices like cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a more complex flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Why didn’t the base rise properly? Make sure you didn’t overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can ruin the airy structure.
- How can I tell if the meringue is ready? The meringue is ready when it is firm to the touch and has a pleasant golden color.
Nutritional benefits
The walnut and meringue cake is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats due to the walnuts. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, while the meringue provides a sweet taste without adding fats. This cake is a healthier dessert option compared to others that contain saturated fats.
This simple walnut and meringue cake recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to bring a touch of joy to any moment of the day. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones!
Ingredients: 4 eggs, 200 g sugar, 200 g sifted flour (I used regular flour), 50 g ground walnuts, 1 cup warm milk, half a packet of baking powder, 150 g powdered sugar, 1 sachet of vanilla sugar, apricot jam (5-6 tablespoons)
