There’s a moment in every baking adventure when you realize you’ve stumbled upon something truly special. For me, that moment happened while trying to impress my friends at a gathering—I took on the challenge of crafting a Meringue Cake. The delicate layers of crisp meringue meeting whipped cream and fresh raspberries create a delightful contrast that not only tastes divine but also looks like a masterpiece on any dessert table.
As I whisked those egg whites, the soft peaks began to form, and the kitchen filled with the sweet, airy fragrance reminiscent of lovely afternoons spent baking with loved ones. This cake isn’t just a treat for the eyes; with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and a balance of sweetness and tartness, it’s the perfect antidote to the monotonous fast food routine. With each bite, you’ll find yourself uplifted—not to mention, it’s easier to make than it appears!
So, if you’re ready to transform your dessert game and impress your family and friends with a show-stopping Meringue Cake, let’s dive into this recipe that promises to be both exciting and incredibly satisfying.
Why is Meringue Cake so special?
Deliciously light and airy: Each slice of Meringue Cake melts in your mouth, providing a cloud-like experience that’s simply irresistible.
Elegant presentation: The stunning layers of meringue, cream, and fresh raspberries make this cake a showstopper for any occasion.
Effortless elegance: Despite its fancy appearance, the baking process is straightforward, letting you dazzle without the stress.
Fresh flavors: The tartness of raspberries balances perfectly with the sweetness of meringue, creating a symphony of taste that delights the palate.
Ideal for celebrations: Serve this dessert at gatherings, and watch as guests are enchanted, leaving them with sweet memories to cherish!
Want more indulgent delights? Check out our Decadent Cheesecake for another crowd-pleaser!
Meringue Cake Ingredients
For the Meringue
- 6 large egg whites – Use room temperature eggs for better volume and stability.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This sweetener contributes to the meringue’s shine and structure.
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar – Gradually adding this helps achieve those lovely soft peaks.
- 1 pinch of salt – A little salt enhances the flavor of the meringue.
For the Cream Filling
- 1 liter liquid cream (heavy cream) – Make sure it’s very cold for the best whipping results.
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar – Mix this in to add sweetness while keeping the cream stable.
For the Assembly
- 2 cups raspberries – Fresh raspberries add a burst of tangy flavor that brightens up the cake.
- 3 discs of meringue – These should be baked to a crisp perfection for the best texture.
- 1 cup raspberry preserves – This sweet jam pairs beautifully with the tartness of fresh raspberries.
- sweetened whipped cream – Use this as a luscious topping to complement the layers of meringue.
Dive into creating your own stunning Meringue Cake using these ingredients, and let the sweet joy of baking elevate your home-cooked dessert experience!
How to Make Meringue Cake
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Prepare three circles of parchment paper or silicone, 20 cm in diameter. After that, preheat the oven to 200°F (100°C). This ensures uniform cooking for the meringue layers.
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Beat the egg whites in a large bowl on medium speed until they become frothy and soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and salt on low speed, then increase to high speed for about 7 minutes until you’re rewarded with glossy hard peaks.
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Divide the meringue mixture into three equal parts. Spread these onto the prepared parchment discs, or use a pastry bag to pipe them into perfect circles. This will give you those beautiful, signature meringue layers.
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Bake the meringue discs for 1 hour and 30 minutes until they feel solid to the touch and dry. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool. This helps prevent cracking.
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Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Ensure the cream is very cold, then beat it at medium speed until it doubles in size and forms soft peaks. Add in the powdered sugar and beat at high speed until it’s firm, which should take about 2 more minutes.
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Assemble your cake by adding a dollop of whipped cream onto a serving plate, then place a meringue disc on top and spread half of the raspberry preserves over it. This is where the flavor journey begins!
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Layer more whipped cream and then sprinkle with fresh raspberries. Add another meringue disc on top and repeat this layering process. Finish with the final meringue disc and encase the entire cake in whipped cream. Freeze for a lovely texture.
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Refrigerate the cake about 2 hours before you’re ready to serve. This ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully together and leads to a refreshingly chilled dessert!
Optional: Garnish with additional fresh raspberries or mint leaves for a pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Meringue Cake
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Egg Whites Matter: Always use fresh, room temperature egg whites for optimal volume and stability in your meringue cake.
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Gradual Sugar Addition: When adding sugar, do so slowly. This technique is vital for achieving that coveted glossy texture in your meringue.
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Cool Baking: Allow the meringue to cool in the oven after baking to prevent cracks, ensuring your meringue layers remain perfect for assembly.
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Chill Well: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters prior to whipping the cream; this helps to achieve fluffy, stable whipped cream that beautifully complements your meringue cake.
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Layer with Care: When assembling, be generous with the raspberry preserves and whipped cream between the layers to enhance the flavors of your meringue cake.
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Serve Chilled: Don’t skip the refrigeration step before serving; this allows the cake’s flavors to meld and the textures to shine brilliantly.
What to Serve with Meringue Cake?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing delightful sides that enhance the flavors and textures of your Meringue Cake.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness, contrasting beautifully with the sweet meringue layers. The freshness helps cleanse the palate.
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Mint Sprigs: Garnishing with mint adds a refreshing aroma and a hint of coolness, making each bite of cake feel sophisticated and invigorating.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing delivers a creamy richness that complements the light and airy texture of the meringue, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce over your Meringue Cake adds a touch of indulgence. The bittersweet notes of chocolate perfectly counter the sweetness of the meringue.
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Almond Biscotti: These crunchy, nutty treats provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft and airy cake, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
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Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing citrus drink that cleanses the palate and adds zest to your dessert table, making every bite of Meringue Cake even more delightful.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of a rich coffee or espresso can enhance the sweetness of the cake and provide a perfect ending to your meal.
Pairing these delightful options with your Meringue Cake will surely impress your guests and make for an unforgettable dessert experience!
Make Ahead Options
Prepare your Meringue Cake with ease by making components ahead of time for a stress-free dessert experience! You can make the meringue discs up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake and cool them completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. The whipped cream can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead; store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble, layer the meringue, raspberry preserves, and cream, and then refrigerate the completed cake for just 2 hours before serving. This way, you’ll have a delightful, homemade dessert at your fingertips without last-minute fuss!
Meringue Cake Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delightful cake! The possibilities are endless, making each rendition uniquely yours.
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Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a rich, tropical flavor that adds a hint of sweetness.
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Fruit Swaps: Substitute raspberries with strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for a fresh twist. Each fruit offers its unique burst of flavor while keeping it vibrant and delicious!
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Nutty Crunch: Fold toasted almonds or hazelnuts into your whipped cream. This adds both texture and a warm, nutty undertone that enhances the cake’s layers.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over each layer before assembling for an indulgent, chocolatey surprise inside your cake. The combination of meringue and chocolate is heavenly!
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Flavored Cream: Add vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream for a subtle flavor boost. Just a teaspoon can transform your cream into a fragrant delight that complements the meringue beautifully.
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Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the meringue mix for a warm spice kick. These aromatic spices create an inviting twist that elevates the entire cake.
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the whipped cream or raspberry preserves for a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness perfectly. The bright notes of citrus can truly awaken the flavors!
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Heat Level: If you like a little kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your raspberry preserves. It transforms the flavor profile and adds an unexpected twist that’s sure to impress!
How to Store and Freeze Meringue Cake
Room Temperature: Meringue Cake is best consumed fresh; however, you can store it at room temperature for up to 1 day, covered loosely with foil to prevent moisture.
Fridge: If stored in the refrigerator, Meringue Cake can last for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or a cake dome to keep it from absorbing any odors.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Avoid reheating meringue layers, as they may lose their crisp texture. Instead, simply serve chilled from the refrigerator or thawed from the freezer for the best flavor experience.
Meringue Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of egg whites should I use for Meringue Cake?
Absolutely! For the best results, always use fresh, room temperature egg whites. They whip up to a greater volume and create a more stable meringue. If you’re using egg whites from a carton, make sure they are pasteurized for safety.
How should I store my Meringue Cake after baking?
Meringue Cake is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s covered well with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from soaking up any odors.
Can I freeze Meringue Cake, and if so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Meringue Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying!
What should I do if my meringue turns out weepy or flat?
The more the merrier! If your meringue turns out weepy or flat, it might be due to excess moisture. Always ensure your bowl and whisk are completely dry before whipping. Also, avoid any grease or yolk in the egg whites. If your meringue is already mixed, try beating for a little longer to help incorporate more air.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
It’s important to be cautious! This Meringue Cake recipe contains egg whites and dairy, making it unsuitable for those with egg or dairy allergies. If you have a dairy allergy, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy whipped topping. Additionally, always check for cross-contamination if you are serving someone with a severe allergy.
Can I use frozen raspberries in the Meringue Cake?
Very! While fresh raspberries offer the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen raspberries in a pinch. Thaw them first and drain off excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the cake. Just remember that the flavor might be slightly different, but they will still add a beautiful color and tang!
Decadent Meringue Cake with Raspberries You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare three circles of parchment paper or silicone, 20 cm in diameter. Preheat the oven to 200°F (100°C).
- Beat the egg whites in a large bowl on medium speed until frothy and soft peaks form, gradually adding sugar and salt.
- Divide the meringue mixture into three equal parts and spread it onto the prepared parchment discs.
- Bake the meringue discs for 1 hour and 30 minutes until solid to the touch. Cool in the oven to prevent cracking.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Beat the cream until it doubles in size, adding powdered sugar and beating until firm.
- Assemble your cake by layering meringue discs with whipped cream and raspberry preserves.
- Encapsulate the cake with whipped cream, freeze for texture, and refrigerate for about 2 hours before serving.