This Meringue Cake with Custard Filling combines the light and airy texture of meringue with the creamy, tangy flavor of custard. Perfectly balanced and beautifully presented, this dessert is ideal for special occasions or a delightful treat to enjoy with family and friends. The contrast of the crispy meringue and smooth custard is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the custard:
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10 pieces egg yolks from large eggs
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1 10-oz can condensed milk
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Pinch of salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon lime juice (or dayap if you can find it)
For the meringue:
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10 pieces egg whites from large eggs (room temperature)
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½ teaspoon cream of tartar
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¾ cup granulated sugar
For dusting:
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Confectioner’s sugar
Directions
For the custard:
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In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, combine egg yolks, condensed milk, and a pinch of salt (do not turn on the stove yet).
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Mix the ingredients thoroughly and then start cooking over low heat. Stir frequently to avoid scrambling the eggs or burning the custard. Watch closely.
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Once the mixture thickens and begins to take shape, add vanilla extract and lime juice.
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When the custard reaches a thick but spreadable consistency, remove the pan from heat, transfer the custard to a heatproof container, and set aside to cool.
For the meringue:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Set aside.
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In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or using a handheld electric mixer, add cream of tartar to the egg whites and whisk on low-medium speed until foamy.
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Gradually add sugar, about 1 teaspoon at a time, and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
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Transfer the meringue to the prepared pan and spread it evenly, handling it gently.
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Bake the meringue for 20 minutes or until the top turns light brown.
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Turn off the oven, slightly open the oven door, and leave the meringue inside for another 10 minutes to cool gradually.
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Remove from the oven and let it continue cooling on the counter.
Assembly:
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Once the meringue has cooled, run a thin, sharp knife around the edges of the pan and dust the top with confectioner’s sugar. Make sure the entire meringue is covered to prevent it from sticking during rolling.
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Place a piece of wax paper on top of the meringue, then cover the meringue with another pan that is slightly larger than the one used to bake the meringue.
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Carefully flip the meringue, remove the jelly roll pan, and gently peel off the parchment paper.
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Spread the custard evenly over the meringue, and then use the wax paper to help you roll the meringue.
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Cover the rolled meringue with wax paper and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrients
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Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving
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Fat: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Protein: 6g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 28g
The Lightness of Meringue
Meringue is a dessert staple known for its light and airy texture, created by whipping egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. The beauty of meringue lies in its simplicity; just egg whites, sugar, and a small amount of cream of tartar are needed to create this cloud-like confection. The high sugar content helps stabilize the egg whites, while the cream of tartar ensures that the meringue holds its shape during baking.
In this recipe, the meringue is spread evenly in a jelly roll pan and baked until the top turns a light brown, creating a delicate crispness. The baked meringue acts as both a base and a protective shell for the custard, ensuring that the final dessert holds together beautifully when served. The result is a meringue that’s crisp on the outside but soft and tender on the inside, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
One of the unique aspects of meringue is its ability to absorb flavors from the ingredients it’s paired with, in this case, the creamy custard. The combination of the light meringue and the rich custard filling creates a contrast in both texture and flavor, making it an irresistible treat for anyone who enjoys a mix of sweetness and lightness in their desserts.
The Richness of Custard
The custard filling in this dessert is what truly elevates it from being a simple meringue to a show-stopping treat. The custard is made by gently cooking egg yolks, condensed milk, and a pinch of salt over low heat, allowing the mixture to thicken into a creamy, luscious texture. Condensed milk, known for its sweetness and richness, serves as the base of the custard, providing a smooth and indulgent flavor. The combination of vanilla extract and lime juice adds depth to the custard, with the lime juice offering a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the condensed milk.
This custard filling is thick but still spreadable, making it ideal for layering between the meringue. The richness of the custard contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the meringue, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. The tangy lime juice not only enhances the custard’s flavor but also cuts through the richness of the meringue, providing a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
The custard filling also adds a creamy element to the dessert, which complements the crunchy, airy meringue. The smoothness of the custard provides a velvety contrast to the crispness of the meringue, creating a satisfying and well-rounded texture that makes every bite feel luxurious.
The Perfect Assembly: Creating Layers of Flavor
The process of assembling the Meringue Cake with Custard Filling is what truly transforms it into a beautiful and delicious dessert. Once the meringue has cooled and is ready to be rolled, it’s important to carefully spread the custard evenly over the meringue. The custard is thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to create a uniform layer across the meringue.
After spreading the custard, the meringue is carefully rolled up, using the wax paper to help create a tight, even roll. The rolling process ensures that the custard is fully encased by the meringue, giving each slice of the dessert a beautiful swirl of both custard and meringue. The gentle rolling technique also helps maintain the structure of the dessert, ensuring that the meringue doesn’t break or crumble.
Once the meringue is rolled and sealed, it is best to serve the dessert immediately to enjoy the contrast between the crisp meringue and the creamy custard. However, if you prefer, you can refrigerate the dessert for a short period to allow the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to serve it fresh for the best texture and flavor.
The Sweetness of Confectioner’s Sugar
The final touch to this Meringue Cake with Custard Filling is a dusting of confectioner’s sugar on top of the meringue. This simple yet elegant addition enhances the dessert’s appearance, giving it a soft, powdery finish. The sweetness of the confectioner’s sugar also complements the richness of the custard, while its fine texture adds a delicate contrast to the crunchy meringue. The dusting of sugar also creates a lovely visual effect, making the dessert look even more inviting and sophisticated.
While the meringue and custard are the main stars of the dessert, the dusting of confectioner’s sugar adds a touch of refinement, elevating the dessert’s overall presentation. It’s a small but significant detail that transforms the dessert from a homemade treat to an elegant dish fit for any special occasion.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Meringue Cake with Custard Filling is an ideal dessert for special occasions, from birthdays to holidays and dinner parties. Its light and airy texture make it a refreshing option after a rich meal, offering a sweet finish without being overly heavy. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a wide range of palates.
The dessert is also visually striking, with its delicate layers of meringue and custard creating an elegant and inviting presentation. The swirls of custard and meringue, along with the dusting of powdered sugar, make this dessert a beautiful addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this dessert is sure to impress.
Additionally, Meringue Cake with Custard Filling is versatile enough to be customized with different flavorings. For example, you can experiment with different citrus juices, such as lemon or orange, to add variety to the custard filling. You can also incorporate other toppings, such as fresh fruit or whipped cream, to make the dessert even more decadent.
The Delightful Combination of Meringue and Custard
What makes Meringue Cake with Custard Filling truly special is the balance between the two primary components: the light, crispy meringue and the rich, smooth custard. The meringue provides a satisfying crunch and sweetness, while the custard adds a creamy and tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the meringue. The two textures come together perfectly, making each bite a delightful combination of lightness and richness.
The success of this dessert lies in the harmony of these two elements. The meringue serves as the perfect base for the custard, allowing it to shine without overwhelming the palate. The custard provides the richness and creaminess that enhances the flavor of the meringue, creating a balanced and indulgent treat that is both comforting and refreshing.
Conclusion
Meringue Cake with Custard Filling is a beautiful, indulgent dessert that perfectly combines the lightness of meringue with the richness of custard. Its delicate layers of meringue and custard create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a special celebration or enjoying it as a simple dessert with family and friends, this cake is sure to impress. The contrast between the airy meringue and creamy custard, along with the dusting of powdered sugar, makes it a visually stunning dessert that will leave a lasting impression. With its perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor, Meringue Cake with Custard Filling is a dessert you’ll want to make time and time again.