Jam and meringue cake
Jam and Meringue Cake: A Sweet Treat for the Whole Family
Total Preparation Time: 60 minutes Baking Time: 30 minutes Number of Servings: 12
This jam and meringue cake is a true delicacy, perfect for turning unused jams from the pantry into a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. With a fluffy texture and a crispy meringue topping, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. It is versatile, and you can experiment with different fillings, from fruit jams to sweet cheese or even caramelized apples. Let's discover this simple yet impressive recipe together!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 egg yolks
- 180 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 2 packets Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 200 ml milk
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet Dr. Oetker baking powder
For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Filling:
- 1 jar strawberry jam (or any jam of your choice)
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure it is well heated before putting the cake in, to achieve even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a creamy mixture that will double in volume and become lighter in color. Now add the oil and grated lemon zest, which will give the cake a fresh flavor.
Tips:
- Be careful not to use oil with a strong flavor, as this can affect the final taste.
- The lemon zest provides a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the jam.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixed with baking powder and the milk, gently mixing with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed. Continue until you achieve a homogeneous mixture, similar to thick cream.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the dough into a baking tray (20x30 cm) lined with baking paper. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. You will know it is ready when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Meringue
While the cake is baking, you can prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves.
Tricks for Perfect Meringue:
- Ensure the bowl and utensils are completely dry, as moisture can affect the meringue's consistency.
- Lemon juice is essential for achieving a meringue that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and generously spread strawberry jam over it. Then, cover the entire surface with the prepared meringue, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Final Baking
Put the cake back in the oven for another 10 minutes, until the meringue turns slightly golden. After this time, open the oven door and let the cake dry for 10 minutes. This will help stabilize the meringue and prevent excessive browning.
Note: If you are using an electric oven, you may need to adjust the temperature and baking time.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray on a rack. Once cooled, cut the cake with a sharp knife. It can be served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of elegance.
Variations and Suggestions
- Alternative fillings: Instead of strawberry jam, you can use cherry jam, peach jam, or even sweet cheese with raisins. Each variation will give a unique flavor to your cake.
- Additions: You can mix in chopped and roasted nuts into the jam for added texture.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a fragrant coffee or black tea, which will complement the sweetness of the dessert.
Nutritional Benefits
This cake contains simple ingredients, and the fruit jam provides a source of vitamins, especially vitamin C. However, it is important to enjoy the cake in moderation, considering the sugar content.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace the jam with fresh fruit? Yes, you can use fresh fruit, but make sure to prepare them (for example, by caramelizing) to avoid excess moisture.
2. How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. The meringue may start to lose its crispness, so it's best to consume it as soon as possible.
3. What can I do with leftover meringue? If you have leftover meringue, you can use it to make mini meringues or meringue cookies, baked until crispy.
This jam and meringue cake is not just a dessert but a sweet story that will bring joy and warmth to every meal. Try it and let yourself be inspired by its delicious flavors!
Ingredients: -3 egg yolks -180 g sugar -2 tablespoons oil -2 packets of Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar -grated zest of one lemon -200 ml milk -200 g flour -1 packet of Dr. Oetker baking powder Meringue: -3 egg whites -100 g sugar -1 tablespoon lemon juice Filling: -1 jar of strawberry jam
