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Louise slice
New Zealand shortcake with raspberry jam and coconut meringue
New ZealandLouise slice, or Louise cake, is a New Zealand tea-time classic found on church cake stalls and in grandma's tins from Invercargill to Whangārei. A buttery shortcake base is spread with raspberry jam and topped with a chewy coconut meringue that bakes to pale gold. It is light and pretty, and very easy. A common mistake is baking the meringue too hot, which browns it before it sets inside. Chef's tip: spread the meringue right to the edges so the jam doesn't bubble through.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 16
Ingredients
For the base
- 3 ½ oz buttersoftened
- 1 ¾ oz caster sugar
- 7 oz plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 5 ½ oz raspberry jam
For the topping
- 3 ½ oz caster sugar
- 2 ⅞ oz desiccated coconut
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (325°F fan) and line a 20 × 30 cm tin.
5 minStep 2: Beat 3 ½ oz butter and 1 ¾ oz caster sugar, then beat in 2 egg yolks. Mix in 7 oz plain flour and 1 tsp baking powder and press evenly into the tin.
5 minStep 3: Bake for 12–15 minutes until just set and pale. Spread with 5 ½ oz raspberry jam.
15 minStep 4: Whisk 2 egg whites to stiff peaks, add 3 ½ oz caster sugar a spoonful at a time and whisk until glossy. Fold in 2 ⅞ oz desiccated coconut.
5 minStep 5: Spread over the jam right to the edges and bake for 20–25 minutes until light golden and crisp on top.
25 minStep 6: Cool completely in the tin before cutting into squares.
60 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 210 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 28 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fibre
- 1 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does louise slice take?
- About 60 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 16 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- What can I use instead of butter?
- The same weight of ghee or coconut oil (for frying and most baking).
- What can I use instead of caster sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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