Lemon Meringue Cake

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I don’t often make big cakes, but I do try to make this a few times a year. I love the contrast of the soft sponge and the crunchy meringue and the filling is pretty yummy too. I also love that it’s not too tricky to make although getting the cake out of the tins without cracking the meringue it pretty much impossible, but that’s where the icing sugar comes in. It hides a multitude of sins! Plus I like the home-made look that you end up with.

Cake Ingredients
3 unwaxed lemons
200g softened butter
200g caster sugar
3 medium eggs
250g self-raising flour (sifted)
6 tbsp. milk

Meringue Ingredients
2 medium egg whites
100g caster sugar

Filling Ingredients
250g tub mascarpone
Half a 450g jar of lemon curd
2 tbsp sifted icing sugar (plus extra for dusting)

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 160C (gas mark 3), or 140C for fan assisted ovens and line two 20cm round cake tins with greaseproof paper. I line the sides too so they don’t stick.

Method
1.  the zest from the lemons and put in a bowl with the other cake ingredients. Beat together with an electric hand mixer for a few minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy before popping them into the tins and smoothing out the tops.
2.  Whisk the egg whites until stiff and then gradually whisk in the sugar. Share the meringue evenly between the two cake tins leaving a 2cm edge round the side. Swirl the meringue with the tip of a knife.
3.  Bake the cakes for 35 minutes until the meringue is crisp and golden and the cake firm. I test mine be inserting a skewer into the cake, if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
4.  Let the cakes cool in the tins for 10 minutes or so before trying to remove them. This is the tricky bit! Use a tea towel to lightly tip the cakes out, or if you’ve used a loose-bottom tin pop it on top of a can and gently push down. Once out, leave them to cool completely.
5.  For the filling beat together the mascarpone and sugar. Pour spoonfuls of the lemon curd over the mascarpone and swirl together gently.
6.  Set one cake on a serving plate and spread with the filling. Layer the second cake on top and lightly dust with the extra icing sugar.

Now put the kettle on, cut a big slice and enjoy a tea and cake break!

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9 Comments

  1. October 20, 2014 / 9:39 pm

    This is such a great idea for a cake! Never heard of it before, will have to try it although I’m awful at meringue! x

    • October 21, 2014 / 9:02 am

      I’m rubbish at meringue too, but it is really easy to do. Plus the “rustic” look means you can get away with it being less than perfect! x

  2. October 21, 2014 / 11:07 am

    You have just combined my favourite flavours in a cake, will definitely have to try making this
    Alison recently posted…Halloween Pumpkin SoupMy Profile

  3. October 21, 2014 / 8:01 pm

    I love the crunch of meringue in a cake or dessert too. I want a slice of this please! Sounds delightful #tastytuesdays
    Hay In A Day recently posted…Caramel Apple Sponge PuddingMy Profile

  4. Stacey Guilliatt (Nobody Said It Was Easy)
    November 13, 2014 / 9:59 pm

    Love lemony flavours, this sounds delish! #tastytuesdays
    Stacey Guilliatt (Nobody Said It Was Easy) recently posted…Recipe – 3D Rainbow cupcakesMy Profile

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