Low Carb Berry Mascarpone Cloud Cake
Indulging in a delicious dessert while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle can be a challenge, but this Low Carb Berry Mascarpone Cloud Cake makes it easy. With light, fluffy meringue, rich mascarpone, and fresh berries, this cake is a true showstopper. Perfect for elegant gatherings or indulgent weekends, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Low Carb Berry Mascarpone Cloud Cake isn’t just a healthy dessert option; it’s a fantastic combination of textures and flavors. The airy meringue base is complemented by the creamy mascarpone and the tartness of mixed berries, creating an irresistible taste experience. With only 183 calories per serving, you can enjoy an elegant dessert that aligns perfectly with your low-carb diet.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful low-carb cake:
- 8 egg whites
- 160 g confectioner’s (powdered) sweetener
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 ml whipping cream
- 200 g mascarpone cheese
- 300 g mixed berries (or your preferred fruit)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Meringue: Preheat your oven to 100°C (212°F). In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites, sweetener, and cream of tartar. Whip on high speed for about 10 minutes, or until you achieve stiff peaks. This step is crucial for the structure of the cake, so be patient and ensure the egg whites are fully whipped.
Step 2: Add Flavor & Shape the Crust: Once the egg whites are whipped to perfection, gently fold in the vanilla extract. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, and carefully spread the meringue mixture into your desired shape—whether round or rectangular. This will serve as the fluffy base of your cake.
Step 3: Bake Slowly: Start baking the meringue at 100°C for 5-10 minutes. After that, lower the temperature to 75°C (167°F) and continue to bake for about 2 to 3 hours. This low-and-slow method will dry the meringue to create a light and airy texture while preventing it from browning too much.
Step 4: Check for Doneness: After about 2 hours, visually inspect the crust without poking it, as this can ruin its appearance. If it looks slightly cooked but still soft, leave it in for a little longer until it’s fully dried.
Step 5: Cool Gradually: Once the baking is done, turn off the oven, slightly open the door, and let the crust cool down completely inside the oven. For best results, leave it out on the counter overnight to cool and set thoroughly, which will enhance the overall texture of the meringue.
Step 6: Make the Filling: When you’re ready to serve, whip the whipping cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese to create a smooth, rich cream. This filling is what will add a luxurious texture to every slice of your cake.
Step 7: Assemble & Decorate: Spread the whipped cream mixture over the cooled meringue base. Finally, top the cake with fresh berries, such as blackberries and raspberries, or any fruit of your choice—this adds a pop of color and flavor that elevates the dessert.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Makes 8 Servings)
- Calories: 183 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Berry Mascarpone Cloud Cake
1. Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free of any grease before whipping the egg whites; any fat can prevent them from fluffing properly.
2. Experiment with different types of berries or fruits to find your favorite flavor combination. Strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches work wonderfully!
3. To add extra flavor to the filling, you can incorporate a splash of your favorite extract, such as almond or lemon.
4. This cake can be made a day in advance; just assemble it right before serving for best results.
5. If you want a sweeter filling, adjust the amount of sweetener in the cream to suit your taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen berries can be used; just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before decorating your cake.
How long can the meringue base be stored?
The meringue base can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. Just be aware that humidity can affect its crispiness.
Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with something else?
If you don’t have mascarpone cheese on hand, cream cheese is a good substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly.
I don’t have confectioner’s sweetener; what should I do?
You can blend regular granulated low-carb sweetener to a powder form using a blender or food processor as a substitute.
Can I add flavoring to the meringue base?
Absolutely! You can incorporate almond extract or lemon zest for added flavor to your meringue mixture before baking.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Berry Mascarpone Cloud Cake proves that you can enjoy a delicious dessert without compromising your diet. Its light, fluffy meringue crust combined with creamy mascarpone and fresh berries creates an exquisite dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy happy baking, and prepare to impress your guests with this elegant low-carb treat!
