Are you dreaming of a dessert that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This light-as-air cake with a swirled meringue topping is the perfect recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a delicious homemade treat that's sure to impress your friends and family. It's a delightful addition to any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant celebrations. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of fluffy cake and crisp meringue – a true taste of heaven!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Making sure your dry ingredients are well combined prevents clumps in your batter.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a lighter cake. An electric mixer makes this much easier!
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Meringue:
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the cream of tartar for stability.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. This process creates a stable meringue.
- Swirl & Bake: Spread the meringue evenly over the warm cake. Use a knife or toothpick to create a swirling pattern. For a beautiful browned meringue, use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the top.
- Bake Again: Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned and crisp.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also add fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. It’s a delightful treat any time of day – enjoy!
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cake batter for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate lovers: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a decadent chocolate cake.
- Nutty delight: Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) into the cake batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
This recipe provides a healthy balance of flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for a quick and delicious dessert. Enjoy creating this wonderful cake recipe!