Description
This Meringue Roulade Cake is a light and airy dessert, featuring a delicate baked meringue sheet rolled around a luscious orange curd and cream filling. The contrast of crispy meringue, tangy citrus curd, and smooth whipped cream makes this an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for special occasions or afternoon treats, this roulade is as stunning as it is delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meringue
- 6 egg whites
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp lemon juice or distilled vinegar
- 1/2 cup canned mandarins (or fruit of choice, plus extra for garnish)
For the Orange Curd
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Cream Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Line a 16”x12” baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease with oil.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
- In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Increase to high speed, gradually adding sugar until glossy and stiff peaks form (8-10 minutes).
- Fold in corn starch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Bake the Meringue
- Spread the meringue evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a spatula to create texture on the surface.
- Sprinkle with thinly sliced almonds (optional).
- Bake for 45-47 minutes until golden brown. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and leave the meringue inside for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Orange Curd
- In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and egg yolks.
- Cook over low heat, whisking constantly until thick (8-10 minutes).
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap (directly touching the surface) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 5: Cool the Meringue
- Remove from oven and cool slightly.
- Place a clean sheet of parchment paper over the meringue and carefully flip it upside down.
Step 6: Make the Cream Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy (30 seconds).
- Gradually add heavy cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Assemble the Roulade
- Spread the orange curd over the meringue, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Spread the cream filling evenly.
- Place fresh mandarins or fruit of choice in a line at the center.
Step 8: Roll the Cake
- Using parchment paper as a guide, gently roll from the short side for a thicker roulade (or the long side for a thinner roulade).
- Wrap tightly in parchment paper and transfer to the serving tray.
Step 9: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Garnish with dollops of cream, fresh fruit, and powdered sugar.
Notes
- A smaller pan may require longer baking, while a larger pan may dry out faster.
- Fresh orange juice is recommended over bottled for the best flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 567
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 102mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 248mg