Balcarce Cake is a traditional Argentinian dessert that originated in the city of Balcarce, Buenos Aires province. It is a type of sponge cake that is filled with dulce de leche, a caramel-like sauce made from sweetened condensed milk, and topped with meringue and fruit.
It is typically made with a light and airy sponge cake base, which is layered with dulce de leche and topped with a layer of meringue. The meringue is then torched until it forms a light golden brown crust. The cake is typically garnished with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, peaches, or kiwis, and served as a dessert or snack.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Balcarce cake is a traditional Argentinian dessert named after the town of Balcarce in the province of Buenos Aires, where it is said to have originated.
In Argentina, Balcarce cake is considered a staple dessert and is often served at special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. It is also a popular dessert in cafes and bakeries throughout the country.
Balcarce cake is a symbol of the country’s love for sweet treats and its passion for traditional, home-style cooking. It is considered to be a dessert that brings people together and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Argentinian Balcarce Cake Recipe
Balcarce Cake is a traditional Argentinian dessert that originated in the city of Balcarce, Buenos Aires province. It is a type of sponge cake that is filled with dulce de leche, a caramel-like sauce made from sweetened condensed milk, and topped with meringue and fruit.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups
- Sugar - 1/2 cup
- Salt - 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter, cut into small pieces - 1/2 cup
- Egg yolks - 2
- Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
- Dulce de leche - 1 1/2 cups
- Egg whites - 2
- Cream of tartar - 1/4 tsp
- Sugar - 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Begin by taking a large bowl and adding 1/2 cup of sugar, flour, and salt to it. Whisk all the ingredients together.
- Now, with the help of a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until the mixture looks similar to coarse crumbs.
- It’s time to add vanilla extract and egg yolks and combine until you obtain a dough.
- Take a 9-inch round tart pan and press the dough into it.
- Allow the crust to bake in a 350°F oven until it turns slightly golden. This should take you about 15 minutes.
- Take the crust out of the oven and add the dulce de leche evenly on top of it.
- Next, take another bowl and add egg whites and cream of tartar to it. Beat both ingredients until you find soft peaks forming.
- Slowly, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, while making sure to keep beating the mixture.
- Add the meringue mixture on top of the dulce de leche and spread uniformly.
- Bake the Balcarce cake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 199Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 4g