Meringue cake with ladyfingers

Meringue and ladyfinger cake – a sweet delight that will enchant all your senses! If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert, this recipe is the perfect choice. With a light and airy base, a smooth cream, and a crunchy layer of ladyfingers, our cake promises to become a favorite among your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12-14 servings

The story of the cake
This meringue and ladyfinger cake is a savory combination that brings together various textures and flavors. Inspired by traditional recipes but with a modern twist, it proves to be perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings. With crunchy nuts and a rich cream, each slice will take you on a journey of flavors.

Ingredients
For the base:
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar (preferably homemade from powdered sugar and vanilla pods)
- 200 g toasted walnuts (coarsely chopped)

For the cream:
- 5 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of milk
- 400 ml liquid cream

Other necessary ingredients:
- 15 ladyfingers
- 200 ml brewed coffee
- Chocolate decorations (for garnish)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the tray
Start by preparing a 28/35 cm tray. Line it with baking paper and sprinkle the coarsely chopped toasted walnuts on the bottom of the tray. This step will provide an intense flavor and a crunchy texture to your base.

Step 2: Preparing the bases
1. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a firm and glossy meringue. You can use an electric mixer to do this quickly and efficiently.
2. Add the ground walnuts, lemon juice, flour, and baking powder. Gently fold with a spatula using up-and-down motions to avoid deflating the meringue. This will ensure a fluffy base.
3. Pour the meringue mixture over the walnuts in the tray and level it gently with the spatula.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for 30-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and firm to the touch.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
1. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and then add the milk.
2. Place the mixture over a steam bath, stirring constantly until the cream thickens and becomes velvety. When ready, remove from heat and let it cool completely.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm. Then, gently fold in one tablespoon of whipped cream into the cooled cream, mixing lightly to retain the air in the whipped cream.

Step 4: Assembling
1. Once the base has cooled, pour half of the cream over it, spreading it evenly.
2. Dip the ladyfingers in the cooled coffee and place a layer over the cream.
3. Add the remaining cream and level it again.
4. Decorate with chocolate decorations for an attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions
This cake is delicious both cold and at room temperature. You can serve it alongside a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea to balance the sweetness. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or extra whipped cream can perfectly complement the experience.

Variations
If you want to try a different version, you can replace the walnuts with ground almonds or hazelnuts. You can also add flavors such as rum or orange essence to the cream for a more sophisticated taste.

Nutritional benefits
This cake, rich in walnuts, offers proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Walnuts are an excellent source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health. However, it is important to consume in moderation, as it is a calorie-rich dessert.

Frequently asked questions
- How can I tell if the base is ready? Do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean from the center of the bases, it is ready.
- Can I use gluten-free ladyfingers? Yes, you can replace regular ladyfingers with gluten-free ones for a suitable option for those with intolerance.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

This meringue and ladyfinger cake is a wonderful choice for dessert lovers, having a perfect balance between textures and flavors. Try making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base: 5 egg whites, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of ground walnuts, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar, +200 g of roasted walnuts. Cream: 5 egg yolks, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of milk, 400 ml of liquid cream. Other necessary ingredients: 15 ladyfingers, 200 ml of natural coffee, chocolate decorations.