Japonaise cake

Indulge in the decadent layers of a Japonaise cake with this easy-to-follow recipe. Crispy meringue made from egg whites and sugar, almond-infused layers, and a luscious espresso buttercream come together for a dessert that's both elegant and delicious. Perfect for special occasions or a gourmet treat at home!

21 Mar 2024
Cook time 125 min
Prep time 30 min
10 Servings
9 Ingredients

Japonaise cake is a classic French dessert that combines elements of meringue and mousse to create a delightful and sophisticated treat. Known for its light, airy texture and rich, nutty flavors, this cake is perfect for special occasions. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to make your own Japonaise cake at home using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Ingredients:

4 egg whites

130g

1 cup sugar

200g

1/2 cup almonds

60g

1/2 cup water

120g

1 cup brown sugar

230g

2 tbsp milk (1% fat)

30g

1 tsp espresso coffee

1 cup butter

220g

1 cup almonds

120g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Draw three 8-inch (20 cm) circles on the parchment paper as guides for your meringue layers.

2. Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the 4 egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the 1 cup of sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and forms stiff peaks.

3. Fold in Ground Almonds: Gently fold in the finely ground 1/2 cup of almonds into the meringue mixture, making sure not to deflate the meringue.

4. Shape Meringue Disks: Spoon or pipe the meringue mixture onto the drawn circles on the parchment paper, spreading evenly to form three disks.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the meringue layers are crisp and dry. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar.

6. Heat Water and Brown Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup of brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Continue boiling without stirring until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 235°F or 113°C on a candy thermometer).

7. Whisk Espresso, Milk, and Sugar Syrup: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the espresso coffee and milk until the espresso is fully dissolved. Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the bowl, whisking continuously.

8. Cool the Mixture: Let the mixture cool to room temperature before proceeding.

9. Whip in Butter: Once cooled, gradually add the softened butter (1 cup) to the mixture, beating until creamy and smooth.

10. Layer and Frost: Place one meringue disk on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the coffee buttercream on top. Repeat with the remaining meringue disks, finishing with a layer of buttercream on the top and sides of the cake.

11. Coat with Chopped Almonds: Press the finely chopped 1 cup of almonds onto the sides of the cake. Optionally, you can also sprinkle some on top for decoration.

12. Chill: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the frosting.

13. Enjoy: Slice and serve the Japonaise cake chilled. Enjoy this deliciously nutty and creamy treat!

Tips:

- Ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature before whisking them to achieve maximum volume.

- When folding the almonds into the meringue, do so gently to avoid deflating the mixture.

- Use finely ground almonds for a smoother texture in your meringue layers.

- Allow the meringue layers to cool completely before assembling the cake to prevent the filling from melting.

- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

With its delicate meringue layers and smooth, flavorful filling, the Japonaise cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. By following this recipe, you can create a gourmet dessert that showcases the elegance of French pastry right in your own kitchen. Enjoy your homemade Japonaise cake, and don't be surprised if it's quickly devoured by everyone who tastes it!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size	110 grams
Energy
Calories 440kcal	18%
Protein
Protein 6g	4%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 45g	13%
Fiber 2.25g	6%
Sugar 44g	43%
Fat
Fat 27g	32%
Saturated 11g	36%
Cholesterol 50mg	-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 170ug	19%
Choline 15mg	3%
Vitamin B1 0.04mg	3%
Vitamin B2 0.27mg	20%
Vitamin B3 0.72mg	4%
Vitamin B6 0.04mg	2%
Vitamin B9 10ug	2%
Vitamin B12 0.03ug	1%
Vitamin C 0.00mg	0%
Vitamin E 4.61mg	31%
Vitamin K 1.54ug	1%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 80mg	6%
Copper, Cu 0.20mg	0%
Iron, Fe 0.87mg	8%
Magnesium, Mg 55mg	13%
Phosphorus, P 100mg	8%
Potassium, K 190mg	6%
Selenium, Se 3.56ug	6%
Sodium, Na 33mg	2%
Zinc, Zn 0.60mg	5%
Water
Water 33g	-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Japonaise cake

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Tips:

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