Description
This Hot Chocolate Meringue Cake is a delightful dessert featuring crispy, cocoa-infused meringue layers and rich, fluffy whipped cream. With a hint of cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick, this cake is perfect for impressing guests at any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meringue:
- 6 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons sifted cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Whipped Cream:
- 4 cups whipped cream (freshly whipped, unsweetened)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Line two baking pans with parchment paper. Draw two 9-inch circles in the center of each sheet of parchment and set aside.
- Make the Meringue:
- In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy.
- Gradually stream in sugar, beating on high speed.
- Once the whites form soft peaks, sift in cocoa powder and cayenne pepper. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Shape and Bake:
- Spread the meringue evenly within the drawn circles on the parchment paper.
- Bake for 3 hours. Turn off the oven and let the meringues sit for 1 additional hour without opening the door.
- Cool the Meringue Layers:
- Remove the pans from the oven and cool the meringues completely on a wire rack.
- Store the meringues in a very dry, cool place until ready to assemble.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one meringue layer on a serving plate. Spread with half of the whipped cream.
- Top with the second meringue layer and spread the remaining whipped cream on top.
- Serve:
- Serve the cake within 2 hours for the best texture and presentation.
Enjoy this decadent Hot Chocolate Meringue Cake for a dreamy dessert that’s both light and rich, perfect for impressing your guests! 🍫✨
Notes
- Storage: Meringue layers can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
- Whipped Cream: Ensure your whipped cream is chilled for the best consistency. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead: The meringue layers can be prepared a day ahead of time. Just assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
- Alternative Flavor: For a different twist, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the meringue for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including cooling)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the cake)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg