Louise Cake
A soft shortcake base, a layer of raspberry jam, and a light coconut meringue baked until crisp on top and chewy underneath. A New Zealand tearoom classic.
Method
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Heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a 20 x 30 cm tin with baking paper.
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Beat the butter and sugar until pale, then beat in the egg yolks and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder and milk to make a soft dough.
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Press the dough evenly into the base of the tin and bake for 12 minutes, until just set and pale.
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Spread the jam over the warm base.
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Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks. Add the sugar a tablespoon at a time, whisking until glossy, then fold in the coconut.
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Spread the meringue over the jam, right to the edges, and swirl the top lightly.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the meringue is crisp and golden.
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Cool in the tin for at least 1 hour, then cut into 16 squares.
Chef’s Tips
- Whisk the whites to stiff peaks before adding sugar. The sugar goes in a spoonful at a time.
- Bake the base first. It stays crisp under the jam and the meringue.
- Cut with a hot, wet knife, wiping it between cuts, so the meringue does not shatter.
Pairing Suggestions
- A cup of tea
- Whipped cream
- A pot of coffee
Storage & Reheating
Keep in an airtight tin up to 4 days. The meringue softens after that.
Common questions
How long does Louise Cake take to make?
About 1 hour 5 minutes of hands-on work — 30 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of cooking — plus 1 hour of Cooling, so allow 2 hours 5 minutes from start to finish. The recipe serves 16.
What are the key tips for making Louise Cake?
Whisk the whites to stiff peaks before adding sugar. The sugar goes in a spoonful at a time. Bake the base first. It stays crisp under the jam and the meringue. Cut with a hot, wet knife, wiping it between cuts, so the meringue does not shatter.
What should I serve with Louise Cake?
A cup of tea; Whipped cream; A pot of coffee.
Is Louise Cake suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Louise Cake?
About 188 kcal per serving, with 2 g protein, 27 g carbohydrate and 8 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
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Written and tested by Turab
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