Festive Meringue Cake with Citrus and Spices

This Festive Meringue Cake with Citrus and Spices is a show-stopping dessert perfect for celebrating the New Year or any special occasion. Featuring a crisp meringue base topped with fresh citrus slices, dried fruit, star anise, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The combination of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors will surely impress your guests. Light, airy, and full of festive charm, this cake is an elegant addition to any New Year’s celebration, providing a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.

 

Recipe for Festive Meringue Cake with Citrus and Spices

Ingredients:

• For the Meringue:

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar for every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. This will provide a similar effect for stabilizing the egg whites.

• A pinch of salt

• For the Topping:

• • 2-3 mandarins, peeled and sliced into segments
  • 1/2 cup dried citrus slices (e.g., oranges or lemons)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup cranberries (fresh or sugared)
  • 2-3 star anise
  • A few almonds (optional, for extra crunch)
  • Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

 

1. Prepare the Meringue:

• Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a circle on it (about 8 inches in diameter) as a guide for your meringue base.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and the cream of tartar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
• Gently fold in vanilla extract.
• Spoon the meringue onto the parchment paper, shaping it into a round disk, keeping the edges a little higher to create a well for the toppings.
• Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar to avoid cracking.

2. Prepare the Toppings:

• While the meringue cools, prepare the toppings. Peel and slice the mandarins into segments.
• If using fresh cranberries, you can sugar them by tossing them in a little granulated sugar or leave them fresh for a tart bite.
• Arrange the dried citrus slices and star anise alongside the fresh fruit, and set the rosemary or thyme sprigs aside for garnish.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the meringue has cooled, carefully transfer it to a serving platter.
• Spoon whipped cream or mascarpone cheese onto the center of the meringue base (optional, depending on your preference).
• Arrange the citrus segments, dried citrus slices, cranberries, and star anise on top of the meringue. Add a few almonds for extra texture, and sprinkle ground cinnamon over the entire cake for a warm, festive aroma.
• Garnish with rosemary or thyme sprigs.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice the meringue cake into portions and serve immediately. Enjoying the delightful contrast of textures and the refreshing, zesty flavors from the fruit.

This Festive Meringue Cake with Citrus and Spices will make your New Year’s table sparkle. Fantastic color and flavor, offering a refreshing and light dessert to close out your celebrations.