Sour cake with plums and meringue
Sour plum cake with meringue is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of fresh fruits with the fluffy texture of meringue. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for impressing friends and family on any occasion. Let's get started!
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
Base:
- 7 eggs (3 yolks and 4 whites)
- 400 g ripe plums, halved
- 300 g butter at room temperature
- 300 g sugar
- 300 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- a little lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter. It will incorporate much better into the mixture. Prepare the baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, add the 4 egg whites and a pinch of salt. Beat them with a mixer on low speed for 2 minutes, then increase the speed and continue until they form a foam. Add the lemon juice and mix until you achieve a firm foam. This step is essential to ensure an airy meringue.
3. Preparing the base mixture: In another bowl, mix the butter with the sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until it becomes a fluffy cream. Add the 3 yolks one at a time, mixing well after each. The grated orange zest will add a fresh and aromatic note.
4. Combining the ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add to the butter mixture, gently folding with a spatula. Finally, incorporate the egg white foam using slow bottom-to-top motions to avoid losing air from the mixture.
5. Assembling the cake: Pour the base mixture into the prepared tray and place the halved plums cut side up. If you want an even more aromatic flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.
6. Baking the bases: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Preparing the meringue: While the base is baking, prepare the meringue. Beat the 3 egg whites with the sugar and cornstarch until firm peaks form. Add the lemon juice in the last minutes of mixing.
8. Finishing the cake: After the base is baked, remove the tray from the oven and spread the meringue evenly on top. You can create patterns with a fork or a kitchen comb for a decorative look. Put the tray back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the meringue turns golden.
9. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool completely in the tray, then you can cut it into servings. It is delicious both warm and cold. Serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or ice cream for a perfect contrast.
Personalized suggestion: Instead of plums, you can try using peaches or apricots for an equally delicious version. This sour plum cake with meringue will surely become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients: Base: 7 eggs, 3 yolks, 400 g ripe plums, 300 g butter, 300 g sugar, 300 g flour, vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1 packet baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Meringue: 3 egg whites, a little lemon juice, 5 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
