Brazo de Mercedes Recipe
Brazo de Mercedes is a classic Filipino dessert that has been a crowd favorite for generations. Known for its soft meringue exterior and rich custard filling, this roll cake is a delightful treat that often appears at family gatherings, fiestas, and special occasions. The term translates to, “Arm of Mercedes”. It might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. This is the perfect dessert if you’re craving something sweet and want to impress your friends and family. Check out the best Brazo de Mercedes recipe below.
Why People Love Brazo de Mercedes
There are so many reasons why Brazo de Mercedes is beloved in the Philippines. First off, it’s a light yet decadent dessert. The fluffy meringue has an airy texture that melts in your mouth, while the custard filling adds just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s not overly heavy, so you can enjoy a slice (or two) without feeling too guilty!
Another reason is its versatility. You can serve Brazo de Mercedes as a simple afternoon snack with coffee or as a fancy dessert for a dinner party. Its golden-brown top and creamy center also make it visually appealing—perfect for sharing on social media, too!
Lastly, for those who grew up in the Philippines, this dessert brings a sense of nostalgia. Whether it’s your mom, lola, or tita who made it, there’s always a memory tied to eating Brazo de Mercedes.
Brazo de Mercedes Recipe Cooking Tips
To make the perfect Brazo de Mercedes, here are a few helpful tips:
- Whisk the egg whites: The key to a light and airy meringue is properly whipped egg whites. Use a clean, dry, and deep mixing bowl. Then, whisk the egg whites until they form firm peaks. They’re ready when you lift the whisk with the egg whites holding their shape.
- Gently fold the egg yolk mixture: Gently fold the yolk mixture to the meringue. Overmixing can deflate the meringue, which will result in a dense roll.
- Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet or pan with parchment paper. Doing so prevents the meringue from sticking to the pan. It also lets you roll the meringue softly.
- Let it cool down: Set the meringue aside to let it cool completely before adding the custard filling. If the meringue’s too warm, the filling might melt, making it harder to roll.
- Don’t rush the custard – Cook the custard over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning or scrambling the eggs. Remember, patience is key here for that smooth, silky texture.
What to Serve With Brazo de Mercedes
While Brazo de Mercedes is already amazing on its own, there are a few ways to take it to the next level. Pairing this sweet treat with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea can balance out the sweetness. You can also serve Brazo de Mercedes with fresh fruit like mangoes or strawberries on the side, which add a burst of freshness.
Another great pair to this decadent dessert is heavy or regular whipping cream on top. This complements the meringue’s texture and adds a little extra indulgence without overwhelming the palate. Some people even enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a more decadent treat.
How to Store Brazo de Mercedes
Brazo de Mercedes is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it if you have leftovers. Just cover the box with plastic wrap or put slices in an airtight container to keep the meringue from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the meringue will gradually lose its crispness over time.
If you’re planning to make it ahead of time, we recommend baking the meringue and preparing the custard filling separately. Store them in the fridge and assemble the roll right before serving for the freshest results.
Brazo de Mercedes Recipe
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 slices
Ingredients
For the meringue:
- 10 large egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
For the custard filling:
- 10 large egg yolks
- 1 can (300ml) condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Then, line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- Next, beat the egg whites using a hand or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Use a large, deep mixing bowl for this.
- Slowly add the sugar, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract while beating. Keep on beating the mixture until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue evenly on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown. Once done, set aside to let it cool completely.
- Combine the egg yolks, condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning or scrambling the eggs. Do this until the mixture thickens. Then, stir in the butter until it melts.
- Once the meringue completely cools down, carefully flip it onto another sheet of parchment paper. Spread the custard evenly on top of the meringue, then gently roll the meringue to form a log.
- Place the Brazo de Mercedes in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. Slice and serve chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is called Brazo de Mercedes because it dates back to the spanish colonial period. During that time, people wanted to dedicate a dessert to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Mary’s devotional title was Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, which means, “Arm of Our Lady of Mercy”. Brazo de Mercedes means, “Mercedes’ Arm”, making it a dessert inspired by and dedicated to the Arm of Our Lady of Mercy.
The shelf life of Brazo de Mercedes is up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can be extended to five days, but the meringue’s texture will be different.
Brasso, Brazo, or Brazo de Mercedes is a classic dessert made of soft meringue and yolk custard. The light and airy meringue roll melts in your mouth, and the decadent custard is to die for.
Conclusion
Brazo de Mercedes is a timeless Filipino dessert that’s always a hit at any gathering. Its light, fluffy meringue combined with the creamy, sweet custard filling makes it the perfect indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give this easy Brazo de Mercedes recipe a try and share a slice of this delicious tradition with your loved ones!
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