Chocolate Meringue Cake

This is a dense rich cake, something for the cooler months. We enjoy it at Easter time and shared it with the family, my brother had seconds and thats saying something as he is not a dessert guy. This cake is supposed to look rustic and uneven , don't be alarmed if it cracks or collapses a little. 

chocolate meringue cake

• 240g dark chocolate, chopped
• 180g unsalted butter, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 4 eggs, extra, separated
• ½ cup (90g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (50g) plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted
• ½ teaspoon baking powder, sifted
• ⅓ cup (40g) almond meal (ground almonds)
• 1 cup (220g) caster (superfine) sugar
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 3 teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch), sifted
• ¼ cup (25g) Dutch cocoa, sifted, plus extra, for dusting

Preheat oven to 160ºC (325ºF). Lightly grease a 24cm-round springform cake tin, line the base and sides with non-stick baking paper and set aside. Place the chocolate and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. Place the eggs, extra egg yolks, brown sugar and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk for 3–4 minutes or until pale and thick. Add the chocolate mixture, flour, baking powder and almond meal and fold gently to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F). Place the extra eggwhites in the clean bowl of an electric mixer and whisk on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, whisking until dissolved. Add the vinegar and whisk for a further 2–3 minutes or until the meringue is thick and glossy. Fold through the cornflour and cocoa and spoon the mixture onto the partially cooked cake. Spread evenly and return the cake to the oven for 20–25 minutes or until the meringue is golden and crisp. Allow the cake to stand at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before gently running a small knife around the edge and removing the ring. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving. Dust with the extra cocoa to serve. Serves 8–10.

Recipe Danna Hay