Brazo de Mercedes, meaning “Mercedes’ arm” in Spanish, is a beloved Filipino dessert that’s known for its heavenly combination of textures and flavors. The pillowy soft meringue, with its melt-in-your-mouth quality, perfectly complements the rich and creamy custard filling. This elegant dessert, while impressive, is surprisingly simple to create at home, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
What is Brazo de Mercedes?
Brazo de Mercedes is a type of rolled meringue cake that is a staple in Filipino celebrations and family gatherings. Its name evokes a sense of delicateness and refinement, mirroring the dessert itself. While similar to a custard cake in its richness, Brazo de Mercedes distinguishes itself with a light and airy meringue exterior encasing a luscious custard filling, rather than having the custard on top. This construction provides a delightful textural contrast that sets it apart and makes each bite a truly enjoyable experience.
How To Make Brazo De Mercedes: Step-by-Step Recipe
Creating Brazo de Mercedes involves making two main components: the meringue base and the custard filling. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through each step:
Preparing the Meringue Base
Begin by separating your eggs carefully, as you’ll need the whites for the meringue and the yolks for the filling. In a clean, grease-free bowl, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar. The cream of tartar is essential as it helps stabilize the egg whites, allowing them to whip into stiff, glossy peaks. Using an electric mixer, start beating the mixture until soft peaks begin to form. This is a crucial step for achieving the signature airy texture of the meringue.
Sweetening the Meringue
Once soft peaks have formed, gradually add granulated sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat with your electric mixer. Add the sugar in a steady stream to ensure it dissolves properly and doesn’t deflate the whites. Continue beating until the meringue reaches a semi-firm texture and forms stiff, glossy peaks. This indicates that the meringue is properly sweetened and has the right consistency for baking.
Prepping for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature is key for baking the meringue to a light and fluffy perfection. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking sheet. Line a baking sheet or a large baking tray with wax paper. Lightly grease the wax paper to prevent the meringue from sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal and rolling of the meringue later on.
Baking the Meringue
Gently spoon the prepared meringue onto the greased wax paper, and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the baking sheet. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on the meringue; it’s ready when the top turns a light to medium golden brown. This baking time ensures the meringue is cooked through but remains soft and pliable for rolling.
Making the Creamy Filling
While the meringue is baking, you can prepare the rich custard filling. In a small pot, combine the egg yolks and condensed milk. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth custard. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. This process requires patience and constant stirring to achieve the perfect creamy texture. Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat and stir in vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the custard, adding a warm, aromatic note. Set the filling aside to cool slightly as you prepare to assemble the Brazo de Mercedes.
Cooling and Assembling
After the meringue is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This slight cooling period makes it easier to handle. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar evenly over the top of the meringue. This adds a touch of sweetness and prevents the meringue from sticking to the wax paper you’ll use for flipping. Place another piece of wax paper on top of the sugared meringue. Then, using a baking pan or tray that’s larger than the meringue, carefully flip the meringue so that it’s upside down. Gently remove the wax paper that was originally on the bottom of the meringue. You should now have the baked side facing upwards, ready for the filling.
Rolling the Brazo de Mercedes
Spread the prepared custard filling evenly over the surface of the meringue. Make sure to leave a small border on the edges to prevent the filling from squeezing out during rolling. Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the meringue, enclosing the custard filling inside. Roll it firmly but gently to maintain its shape and prevent cracks. Once rolled, transfer your Brazo de Mercedes to a serving plate. You can dust the top with more confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish. Your homemade Brazo de Mercedes is now ready to be sliced and served!
Brazo De Mercedes Ingredients & Equipment
You’ll be pleased to know that Brazo de Mercedes requires just a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some essential equipment:
Equipment
- Electric mixer: Essential for whipping the egg whites to the perfect meringue consistency.
- Oven: For baking the meringue base.
- Wax paper: Prevents sticking and aids in rolling the cake.
- Baking sheet or rectangular baking tray: To bake the meringue and assist in flipping it.
- Small pot: For cooking the custard filling.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the meringue and filling.
- Spatula: For spreading meringue and filling, and for rolling the cake.
Ingredients
- 10 large eggs, separated: Yolks for the custard filling and whites for the meringue.
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites for a perfect meringue.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Flavors both the meringue and the custard filling.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the meringue and contributes to its texture.
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar: For dusting and adding a touch of sweetness.
- 14 ounces condensed milk: Provides richness and sweetness to the custard filling.
Serving Suggestions for Brazo De Mercedes
Brazo de Mercedes is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. For a classic presentation, simply dust the top with confectioners’ sugar before slicing and serving. To elevate the dessert, consider garnishing with fresh fruits like berries or sliced strawberries, which add a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the cake. For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle caramel syrup or chocolate sauce over the slices just before serving. Brazo de Mercedes is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or family gatherings. Its beautiful swirl of meringue and custard makes it an impressive centerpiece for any dessert table.
More Cake Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed making Brazo de Mercedes and are eager to explore more delicious cake recipes, here are a few delightful options to try next:
Black Forest Cupcake Recipe
Fruity Prune Cake
Strawberry Angel Food Cake
New York Style Cheesecake
Brazo de Mercedes is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of Filipino heritage and a testament to the simple joys of home baking. With its delicate meringue and rich custard, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Brazo de Mercedes for yourself!
