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Brazo de Mercedes
Meringue roll with custard filling
Filipino meringue roll with egg-yolk custard
A soft, golden-topped meringue rolled around a thick, sweet custard of egg yolks and condensed milk, brazo de Mercedes ('Mercedes's arm') is a fixture at Filipino parties, handaan feasts and Christmas noche buena. The meringue is marshmallowy inside with a lightly browned skin; the filling is rich and silky, much like yema. It uses up a whole carton of eggs and no flour. A runny custard is the usual letdown; it oozes out when you roll, so cook it until a spoon drawn across the pan leaves a trail that holds. Chef's tip: roll the meringue while it's still warm, using the baking paper to guide it, and don't worry about a few cracks; the icing sugar hides them.
- Total time
- 85 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 10
Ingredients
For the custard filling
- 10 egg yolks
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk1 tin
- 1 oz butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 lemon (optional)finely grated zest
For the meringue
- 10 egg whitesat room temperature
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 7 oz caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp vegetable oilfor the tray
To finish
- 2 tbsp icing sugar (optional)
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Method
0/10 doneStep 1: Whisk 10 egg yolks and 14 oz sweetened condensed milk in a heavy pan, add 1 oz butter and cook over a low heat, stirring constantly, for 15–20 minutes, until very thick and a spoon drawn through leaves a clear trail.
18 minStep 2: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 lemon if using, then cool, with baking paper pressed on the surface.
Step 3: Heat the oven to 350°F (300°F fan). Brush a 30 × 40 cm tray with 1 tsp vegetable oil and line it with baking paper, then brush the paper with oil too.
Step 4: Whisk 10 egg whites with ½ tsp cream of tartar until foamy, then add 7 oz caster sugar gradually and whisk to stiff, glossy peaks. Whisk in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
8 minStep 5: Spread the meringue evenly in the tray.
Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and an even golden brown on top.
22 minStep 7: Lay a fresh sheet of baking paper on a board and turn the meringue out onto it, golden side down. Peel off the baking paper.
Step 8: Spread the custard over the meringue, leaving 2 cm clear along one long edge.
Step 9: Starting from the long edge with custard, roll up firmly using the paper to lift and guide it, ending seam side down.
Step 10: Chill for 1 hour, then dust with 2 tbsp icing sugar and slice with a knife dipped in hot water. Keeps for 2 days in the fridge.
60 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 300 kcal
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbs
- 42 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does brazo de Mercedes take?
- About 85 minutes in total: 40 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 10 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
- Oat, soy or almond milk, same amount (use unsweetened for savoury dishes).
- What can I use instead of butter?
- The same weight of ghee or coconut oil (for frying and most baking).
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