Louise Cake

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Indulge in the timeless charm of Louise Cake, a traditional New Zealand favorite that combines a trio of irresistible layers for the perfect sweet treat. This delightful dessert starts with a buttery shortbread base, topped with a luscious layer of fruity jam—raspberry or plum work beautifully—and crowned with a golden meringue mixed with desiccated coconut for a chewy, crispy finish. With just 25 minutes of prep time, this recipe effortlessly blends contrasting textures of crumbly, gooey, and airy in every bite. Ideal for afternoon teas, potlucks, or special occasions, Louise Cake offers a nostalgic, satisfying dessert that’s sure to impress.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 25 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 55 min
• Servings: 12 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

10 items

• 125 grams unsalted butter
• 75 grams granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 200 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 200 grams fruit jam (raspberry or plum works best)
• 2 large egg whites
• 100 grams granulated sugar (for meringue)
• 100 grams desiccated coconut

📝 Instructions

11 steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm (8x12-inch) baking tin with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.

3. Add the egg yolks to the creamed mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking tin to form the base. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to smooth it out.

6. Spread the fruit jam evenly over the base layer.

7. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar for the meringue, 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks.

8. Gently fold the desiccated coconut into the meringue mixture.

9. Spread the meringue evenly over the jam layer, making sure to cover it completely.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meringue is golden and crisp.

11. Allow the Louise Cake to cool completely in the tin before slicing into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (75.5g)

Calories		304
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		14.7 g	19%
	Saturated Fat	10.4 g	52%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		53 mg	18%
Sodium		104 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate		40.8 g	15%
	Dietary Fiber	2.3 g	8%
	Total Sugars	23.6 g
Protein		3.5 g	7%
Vitamin D		0.2 mcg	1%
Calcium		15 mg	1%
Iron		1.1 mg	6%
Potassium		91 mg	2%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1593 cal (42.8%%)

Protein: 168 cal (4.5%%)

Carbs: 1957 cal (52.6%%)