Kardinalschnitten Meringue And Cream Slices

Austrian Christmas baking is known for its delightful treats that bring warmth and coziness to the holiday season. Today, we bring you a recipe for a classic Austrian dessert that will surely become a favorite in your festive baking repertoire – Kardinalschnitten, Meringue and Cream Slices. These heavenly slices are a perfect combination of light and airy meringue, creamy filling, and a touch of indulgent chocolate. Let’s dive into the joy of creating these delightful treats in your own kitchen!

**Kardinalschnitten Meringue And Cream Slices**

**Ingredients:**
– 4 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whisk until the meringue is glossy and holds its shape. Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a rectangular layer about 1-inch thick. Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, until it is crisp on the outside. Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool completely inside.
5. Once the meringue is cooled, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until it forms soft peaks.
6. Carefully transfer the meringue onto a serving platter. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the meringue layer.
7. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the whipped cream layer.
8. Place the Kardinalschnitten in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the chocolate to set.
9. When ready to serve, slice the Kardinalschnitten into squares or rectangles and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors.

These Kardinalschnitten Meringue and Cream Slices are an elegant and decadent addition to your Christmas dessert table. The contrast between the light meringue, velvety cream, and rich chocolate is sure to impress your guests and bring a touch of Austrian charm to your celebrations. Make a batch of these delightful slices and savor the magic of the holiday season with every bite!

Whether you serve them at a festive gathering or enjoy them with a cozy cup of tea by the fireplace, these Kardinalschnitten are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Austrian Christmas baking traditions. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the sweet aroma of meringue and cream fill your kitchen as you create these heavenly slices that will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Enjoy the joy of baking and indulging in these delightful Kardinalschnitten Meringue and Cream Slices this holiday season!