Meringue Cake with Plums
Meringue Cake with Plums – A Sweet Delight for a Special Day
I invite you to discover a delicious recipe, perfect for celebrating the special moments in your life. The Meringue Cake with plums is an irresistible combination of textures and flavors, featuring a crispy meringue layer and a moist, fruit-filled center. This recipe is inspired by rich culinary traditions that blend sweetness with acidity, offering an unforgettable experience with every slice.
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
- 1/8 liter milk
- 50 g sugar (for caramelizing)
- 100 g sugar (for the batter)
- 175 g sugar (for meringue)
- 4 medium-sized eggs
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 150 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 3-4 drops of lemon flavoring
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter or margarine for greasing the pan
- 5 tablespoons plum or apple puree
- 3 very fresh egg whites
- 500 g pitted plums
- 250 g jelly sugar (2:1)
Step by Step for a Perfect Cake
Step 1: Preparing the caramel base
In a small pot, put 50 g of sugar to caramelize. Be careful not to burn it! When it turns golden, carefully add the milk. Stir gently to dissolve the caramelized sugar. Let it simmer lightly, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, add 2 eggs and the vanilla sugar, mixing well. Put back on low heat, without boiling, just to combine the flavors.
Step 2: Preparing the batter
In a large bowl, cream the butter or margarine until smooth. Add 100 g of sugar and continue mixing until fluffy. Incorporate the remaining 2 eggs, lemon flavoring, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix well until you get a smooth batter. Then, carefully add the previously prepared caramel mixture and mix again.
Step 3: Baking the batter
Grease a cake pan of about 26 cm with butter or margarine to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing it out. On top, add the plum or apple puree, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 175°C for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Preparing the meringue
Meanwhile, beat the 3 egg whites with 175 g of sugar until you achieve a firm meringue with stiff peaks. It is very important that the bowl is clean and free of grease; otherwise, the egg whites will not stiffen properly. After the 10 minutes of baking, remove the cake from the oven and spread the meringue evenly on top.
Step 5: Finishing the baking
Return the cake to the oven and bake for 25 minutes at the same temperature. The meringue should become golden and crispy on the outside. When done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan.
Step 6: Preparing the plums
In a saucepan, place the pitted plums along with 250 g of jelly sugar (2:1). Heat over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring gently until the plums release their juice. Once boiled, let them cool slightly.
Step 7: Assembling the cake
Once the cake has cooled, place the cooked plums on top, along with the resulting syrup, for added moisture and flavor. You can decorate with a few fresh mint leaves for a vibrant look.
Suggestions and Variations
This meringue cake recipe with plums can be customized to your taste. Instead of plums, you can use peaches or apples for a different version. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a more intense flavor.
Practical Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- If you want to save time, you can use store-bought fruit puree, but nothing compares to the flavor of fresh fruit.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge and can be enjoyed even after a few days, but it's best to consume it within 3-4 days to enjoy its freshness.
Nutritional Information
This meringue cake recipe with plums offers an average serving of about 350-400 calories. Plums provide a significant amount of vitamins and antioxidants, benefiting digestion and skin health. Additionally, the meringue adds a protein element from the egg whites, while the butter or margarine provides healthy fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Yes, peaches, apples, or even berries are excellent alternatives.
2. How can I tell if the meringue is ready?
The meringue is ready when it is firm and has a glossy texture, and when lifted with a spatula, it should form stiff peaks.
3. What drinks pair well with meringue cake?
A warm herbal tea or a sweet wine are excellent options, but a glass of champagne can make the cake shine even more.
I hope you enjoy this meringue cake with plums and share it with your loved ones! It is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of joy to every celebration. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1/8 liter of milk, 50+100+175 grams of sugar, 4 eggs (medium size M), 1 packet of vanilla sugar, 150 grams of butter or margarine, 3-4 drops of lemon flavor, 200 grams of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, lard or margarine for greasing the pan, 5 tablespoons of plum or apple puree, 3 very fresh egg whites, 500 grams of pitted plums, 250 grams of jelly sugar (2:1).
