Crispy cake with vanilla cream and cherries

Crispy cake with vanilla cream and cherries

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn't love a cake that combines textures and flavors? The crispy cake with vanilla cream and cherries is a dessert that will impress any guest. With a light and crunchy meringue, smooth vanilla cream, and a tart note of cherries, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge yourself on an ordinary day.

A brief history of meringue cake
Meringue was discovered in Europe in the 18th century and quickly became a popular ingredient in desserts due to its unique texture and ability to sweeten dishes. It is widely used in various types of cakes, symbolizing finesse and elegance in pastry. Meringue cake is a classic choice in many cultures, and the combination with cherries and vanilla adds a personal and refined touch.

Necessary ingredients

*For the layers:*
- 4 egg whites (approximately 120 g)
- 450 g powdered sugar
- grated seeds from 2 vanilla pods

*For the cream:*
- 4 packets of vanilla pudding (approximately 200 g)
- 1.2 liters of milk
- 50 g sugar

*For decoration:*
- cherries from compote, well drained
- chopped salted nuts

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the vanilla cream
In a saucepan, add 1.2 liters of milk and 50 g of sugar. Place over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent sticking. When the milk begins to boil, add the 4 packets of vanilla pudding, stirring continuously. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes or until the cream thickens. Once you have the desired consistency, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

2. Preparing the meringue layers
Preheat the oven to 130 °C. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using a mixer. When the egg whites become frothy, gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a shiny and firm meringue. Add the vanilla seeds and gently fold in with a spatula.

3. Forming the layers
Line two baking trays with parchment paper. Divide the meringue into 4 equal parts. Using a spoon, spread each portion of meringue into a circle with a diameter of about 20-25 cm. Make sure the meringue is evenly distributed to achieve flat layers.

4. Baking the layers
Reduce the oven temperature to 120 °C and place the trays with the meringue layers inside. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven, leaving the layers to cool inside. This step is essential to avoid cracking the layers.

5. Assembling the cake
Once the layers have completely cooled, start assembling the cake. Place one meringue layer on a platter, add a generous layer of vanilla cream, and sprinkle the cherries. Repeat this process with the other layers, finishing with a meringue layer. Decorate the cake with cherries and chopped nuts.

6. Serving and variations
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to set. This cake is served cold, and for an extra touch of flavor, you can accompany it with vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. Also, if you want to experiment, you can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries.

Useful tips for a perfect result
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for a fluffier meringue.
- Use quality ingredients, especially the vanilla pods, to enhance the flavor.
- Do not open the oven during baking the layers, as a sudden temperature change can cause cracking.
- If you want a sweeter cake, you can add a little extra sugar to the cream or use cherries in syrup.

Nutritional information
Calories per serving: approximately 350 kcal
Nutritional benefits: The vanilla cream provides calcium from milk, while the cherries bring antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of milk for the vanilla cream?
Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan option.

- What can I do if the meringue doesn't rise well?
Make sure the bowl and utensils used are completely clean and free of grease.

- How do I store the cake for several days?
Wrap it well in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.

Enjoy every slice of this crispy cake with vanilla cream and cherries, and cherish the moments spent with loved ones! This recipe is not just a dessert but an experience that will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the layers: 4 egg whites, 450g powdered sugar, the grated seeds from 2 vanilla pods. For the cream: 4 packets of vanilla pudding, 1.2 liters of milk, 50g sugar. For decoration: well-drained compote, coarsely chopped salted peanuts.