Brazo De Mercedes, a Filipino rolled meringue cake, is known for its cloud-like meringue exterior and rich, creamy custard filling. This dessert offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making it a favorite for special occasions and everyday indulgence. The name “Brazo de Mercedes,” meaning “Lady of Mercy’s Arm,” evokes a sense of elegance and delicacy, perfectly capturing the essence of this beloved treat. While it may seem intricate, making Brazo de Mercedes at home is achievable with clear instructions and a bit of patience. Let’s explore how to create this classic Filipino dessert in your own kitchen.
Understanding Brazo de Mercedes
Brazo de Mercedes is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience. It features a soft, sponge-like meringue that melts in your mouth, harmonizing beautifully with the sweet and rich custard filling. Unlike some custard cakes where the custard is on top, Brazo de Mercedes encases the creamy filling within a fluffy meringue roll. This construction gives it a unique texture profile that is both light and satisfying. For those familiar with leche flan, another popular Filipino dessert, Brazo de Mercedes offers a fluffier and less dense alternative, focusing on the meringue’s airy quality.
Step-by-Step Brazo de Mercedes Recipe
Creating Brazo de Mercedes involves two main components: the meringue base and the custard filling. Each requires attention to detail to achieve the best results.
Preparing the Meringue Base
The meringue is the soul of Brazo de Mercedes, providing its signature light and airy texture.
- Whipping the Egg Whites: In a clean, grease-free bowl, combine 10 large egg whites with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer, begin beating the mixture until soft peaks form. Cream of tartar is essential as it stabilizes the egg whites, helping to create a firm and voluminous meringue.
- Sweetening the Meringue: Gradually add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat with the electric mixer. Continue mixing until the meringue reaches a semi-firm, glossy texture. This step is crucial for sweetness and for creating the stable structure needed for baking and rolling.
Baking the Meringue
Proper baking is key to achieving the perfect meringue base.
- Preheating and Preparing Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet or a large rectangular baking tray with wax paper. Lightly grease the wax paper to prevent sticking, ensuring easy removal of the meringue after baking.
- Spreading and Baking: Spoon the prepared meringue onto the greased wax paper. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the baking sheet, aiming for a uniform thickness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the top of the meringue turns a light to medium golden brown. Keep a close watch to prevent over-browning, which can make the meringue brittle.
Making the Creamy Custard Filling
While the meringue is baking, prepare the rich custard filling that complements it perfectly.
- Combining Ingredients: In a small pot, combine 10 large egg yolks and 14 ounces of condensed milk. Egg yolks are the base of the custard, providing richness and a smooth texture, while condensed milk adds sweetness and creaminess.
- Cooking the Custard: Heat the mixture over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking. Continue stirring until the custard thickens to a smooth, pudding-like consistency. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Adding Vanilla Extract: Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the custard, adding a warm and aromatic note. Set the custard filling aside to cool slightly as you prepare to assemble the Brazo de Mercedes.
Assembling the Brazo de Mercedes
The assembly process requires careful handling to create the signature rolled shape.
- Cooling and Preparing for Rolling: Once the meringue is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar evenly over the top of the meringue. This adds a touch of sweetness and prevents sticking during rolling. Place a fresh piece of wax paper over the sugared meringue.
- Flipping and Removing Wax Paper: Use another baking pan or tray to carefully flip the meringue. The bottom side should now be facing up. Gently peel off the original wax paper that was used for baking, revealing the underside of the meringue.
- Filling and Rolling: Spread the prepared custard filling evenly over the surface of the meringue. Starting from one of the longest sides, carefully begin to roll the meringue, using the wax paper underneath to help lift and guide the roll. Enclose the custard filling as you roll, forming a log shape. Roll firmly but gently to avoid cracking the meringue.
- Transferring and Serving: Once rolled, carefully transfer your Brazo de Mercedes to a serving plate. Dust the top with additional confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish. The dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Brazo De Mercedes Ingredients and Essential Equipment
To make Brazo de Mercedes successfully, you’ll need a few key ingredients and equipment.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer: Crucial for whipping egg whites to the required peaks for the meringue. Hand whisking is possible but significantly more laborious and less efficient.
- Oven: Essential for baking the meringue to a light and fluffy consistency.
- Baking Sheet or Rectangular Baking Tray: Provides a flat surface for baking the meringue.
- Wax Paper: Prevents the meringue from sticking and aids in rolling the cake.
- Small Pot: For cooking the custard filling to a smooth, thick consistency.
Ingredients
- Large Eggs (10, separated): Yolks for the rich custard and whites for the airy meringue.
- Cream of Tartar (1/2 teaspoon): Stabilizes egg whites, essential for a firm meringue.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds flavor to the custard filling.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue.
- Confectioners’ Sugar (3 tablespoons + for dusting): Used for dusting and adding a delicate sweetness.
- Condensed Milk (14 ounces): Provides sweetness and creaminess to the custard filling.
Serving Brazo De Mercedes
Brazo de Mercedes is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways. For an elegant presentation, slice the roll into generous portions to reveal the swirl of meringue and custard. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar on top enhances its visual appeal. Consider garnishing with fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added color and a touch of freshness. For an extra layer of flavor, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup can also be a delightful addition. Brazo de Mercedes is perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or as a special treat any day of the week.
Explore More Cake Recipes
If you enjoyed making Brazo de Mercedes, you might also like to try these other delicious cake recipes:
Black Forest Cupcake Recipe
Fruity Prune Cake
Strawberry Angel Food Cake
New York Style Cheesecake
Conclusion
Brazo de Mercedes is a testament to the delightful simplicity of Filipino desserts. With its airy meringue and luscious custard, it’s a treat that’s both impressive and comforting. By following these steps, you can create a homemade Brazo de Mercedes that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process and the delicious reward of this classic Filipino meringue roll cake.
Watch the Video on How to Make Brazo de Mercedes
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