Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your dessert game forever! This Outrageous Chocolate Mandarin Meringue Cake is not just a dessert—it's a decadent symphony of rich dark chocolate, tangy mandarin oranges, and cloud-like meringue that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy. Imagine cutting into a luxurious cake where each slice reveals layers of intense chocolate, bursts of citrusy brightness, and a crown of golden, toasted meringue that looks like it was crafted by pastry angels.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 4 egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and the 4 large eggs until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually fold the melted chocolate into the egg mixture until well combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Gently fold in the mandarin orange segments, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the meringue. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add ½ cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.
- Carefully spoon the meringue over the whipped cream layer, creating peaks and swirls as desired.
- Using a kitchen torch, lightly toast the meringue until golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the cake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional mandarin orange segments on the side, if desired.
- Enjoy your Outrageous Chocolate Mandarin Meringue Cake!
Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the most intense flavor profile.
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when making meringue.
- When folding ingredients, use a gentle, figure-eight motion to maintain the batter's airiness.
- For perfectly smooth meringue, make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free of any oil or egg yolk.
- If you don't have a kitchen torch, the broiler method works great—but watch it like a hawk to prevent burning!
- Let the cake cool completely before adding whipped cream and meringue to prevent melting.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a hint of orange zest to the chocolate batter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 277kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 145mg
