Sponge cake with strawberries and meringue

Strawberry Sponge Cake with Meringue: An Unforgettable Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 10-12

In a world full of sophisticated desserts, strawberry sponge cake with meringue remains a classic that blends simplicity with refinement. This cake not only delights your taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of warm summer days and fresh fruits. In this recipe, you will discover how to make a fluffy sponge cake topped with sweet meringue that will surely be the highlight of any meal.

Ingredients

For the sponge cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 250 g sugar
- 150 ml milk
- 8 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- Fresh strawberries (about 250 g, but you can add more to taste)

For the meringue:
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g sugar

Necessary utensils
- Baking tray (29x35 cm)
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Baking paper
- Knife for cutting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tray
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Grease the tray with oil and line it with baking paper. This step will ensure that your sponge cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, add the whole eggs and the two egg yolks. Use the mixer to beat them together with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you achieve a frothy and light-colored mixture. This is the moment when air is incorporated into the mix, giving your sponge cake that light and fluffy texture.

Step 3: Adding Oil and Milk
Gradually add the oil, as if making mayonnaise, while stirring constantly. Then, incorporate the milk, continuing to mix. This step is essential for achieving a moist and flavorful sponge cake.

Step 4: Adding Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Sift this mixture over the egg mixture, alternating with the milk, to avoid forming lumps. Gently fold with a spatula so as not to deflate the batter.

Step 5: Adding Strawberries
Once you have a homogeneous batter, pour it into the prepared tray. Add the strawberries, cut in halves or quarters, on top of the batter, distributing them evenly. You can choose to add more strawberries, depending on your preferences.

Step 6: Baking the Sponge Cake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it is done; if it comes out clean, the sponge cake is perfect.

Step 7: Preparing the Meringue
While the sponge cake is baking, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the meringue becomes glossy and forms firm peaks. This step will ensure a fluffy and airy texture.

Step 8: Assembling the Meringue
When the sponge cake is ready and has cooled slightly, use a piping bag or spatula to spread the meringue on top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes, being careful not to burn the meringue.

Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Allow the sponge cake to cool completely in the tray. Once cool, cut it with a knife dipped in water for clean cuts. Serving is a special moment; you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce to enhance the flavors.

Chef's Tip
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a bit of lemon zest to the sponge cake mixture or experiment with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches. This cake keeps well in the fridge and becomes even tastier the next day.

Nutritional Values
Per serving, the strawberry sponge cake with meringue contains approximately:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits?
Of course! The sponge cake is versatile and pairs well with many fruits. You can try peaches, blueberries, or even plums.

How can I make the meringue more flavorful?
Add a little vanilla essence or almond extract to the meringue for a special taste.

Can I freeze the sponge cake?
Yes, but it is recommended not to add the meringue before freezing. You can freeze the plain sponge cake and add the fresh meringue before serving.

Conclusion
This recipe for strawberry sponge cake with meringue is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of happiness into your life and the lives of your loved ones. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, each bite will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 4 eggs, 2 egg yolks, 250 g sugar, 150 ml milk, 8 tbsp oil, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 1 packet baking powder, strawberries (to taste). Glaze: 2 egg whites, 100 g sugar.

 Tags:  sponge cake strawberries meringue