How to Get Soft Peaks
To reach soft peaks stage, beat egg whites on medium speed until you can lift the beater from the whites and the points of the peaks slightly curl over.
Reduced-fat sour cream, egg whites and applesauce lighten up this gorgeous torte.
—KATHY OLSEN MARLBOROUGH, NH
PREP: 45 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 25 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 16 SERVINGS
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
CAKE
4 egg whites
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1. In a double boiler or metal bowl over simmering water, constantly whisk the sugar, cornstarch, sour cream and egg yolks until mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
2. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and extracts until blended. Press waxed paper onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
3. Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line two 8-in. round baking pans with waxed paper. Coat sides and paper with cooking spray; sprinkle with flour and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar until blended, about 2 minutes. Add egg yolks; mix well. Beat in the milk, applesauce and vanilla (mixture may appear curdled). Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to butter mixture. Transfer to prepared pans; set aside.
5. Using clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over batter; sprinkle with almonds and cinnamon.
6. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes (meringue will crack). Loosen edges of cakes from pans with a knife. Using two large spatulas, carefully remove one cake to a serving plate, meringue side up; remove remaining cake to a wire rack, meringue side up. Cool cakes completely.
7. Carefully spread custard over cake on serving plate; top with remaining cake. Store in the refrigerator.
PER SERVING 1 slice equals 215 cal., 8 g fat (4 g sat. fat), 79 mg chol., 99 mg sodium, 32 g carb., 1 g fiber, 4 g pro. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
How to Get Soft Peaks
To reach soft peaks stage, beat egg whites on medium speed until you can lift the beater from the whites and the points of the peaks slightly curl over.