Description
Louise Cake is a classic New Zealand dessert featuring a buttery shortbread base, a layer of sweet raspberry jam, and a fluffy coconut meringue topping. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors, ideal for teatime or special occasions.
Ingredients
150g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter, softened
100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks (reserve whites for topping)
1 tsp vanilla extract
200g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raspberry jam
2 large egg whites
100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups (100g) desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the slightly cooled base.
- In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in the desiccated coconut, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
- Spread the meringue mixture over the jam layer, creating soft peaks with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden on top.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
Swap raspberry jam with strawberry or plum for variety.
Add chopped almonds to the meringue for extra crunch.
Add lemon zest to the base for a citrus twist.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: New Zealand
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
