Brazo de Mercedes

condensed milk

🥗Healthier: coconut cream

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Coconut cream offers a rich flavor with fewer calories.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a similar texture with a unique taste.

sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia reduces calories while maintaining sweetness.

egg whites

🥗Healthier: aquafaba

💰Cheaper: egg replacer

Aquafaba is a vegan alternative that whips up similarly.

Whip 8 extra large egg whites with 1 teaspoon cream of tartar until frothy.

Gradually add 1 cup sugar while continuing to beat until medium stiff peaks form.

Optionally add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and check the consistency.

Fold in 2 tablespoons cornstarch to stabilize the meringue.

Prepare a 12 by 16 baking pan (or 14 by 10 or 15 by 11) with an overhang of about 1 inch.

Spread the meringue mixture evenly in the pan, smoothing it out with a cake comb for an even surface.

Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until slightly brown and dry to the touch.

In a saucepan over low heat, combine 8 egg yolks, 1 cup condensed milk, and 1/4 cup butter, stirring continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Once the mixture starts to heat up, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract or vanilla for flavor.

Prepare a cheesecloth or towel with parchment paper and a little shortening to prevent sticking, then sprinkle a mixture of confectioner's sugar and cornstarch on top.

After baking, lift the meringue using the overhang, then flip it over and slowly peel off the parchment paper.

Pipe the filling into a pastry bag for easier application, then spread it over the meringue.

Roll the meringue gently, folding it rather than rolling it tightly, then cool it down.

Unwrap the rolled dessert and dust with cornstarch and confectioner's sugar before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens