The Classic Louise Cake Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Sweet memories of New Zealand baking fill kitchens with the classic louise cake, a delightful treat passed down through generations.

This cherished dessert combines soft, tender sponge layers with a luscious jam center and coconut meringue topping.

Every bite tells a story of traditional home cooking and comfort.

The louise cake brings pure joy to afternoon tea or family gatherings.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

You’ll love how effortlessly this cake comes together, creating a nostalgic dessert that celebrates simple, elegant flavors.

Prepare to fall in love with this timeless New Zealand classic that promises to delight your taste buds.

Coconut Raspberry Squares What to Love

• Craft a Delightful Dessert: Create a showstopping treat that impresses friends and family with layers of buttery base, fruity jam, and fluffy coconut meringue.
• Enjoy Versatile Texture Adventure: Experience a perfect balance of crumbly base, smooth raspberry jam, and cloud-like meringue that delivers a delightful mouthfeel in every bite.
• Master Impressive Baking Skills: Learn a professional-level recipe that looks complicated but is actually achievable for home bakers with basic kitchen equipment and patience.
• Customize with Seasonal Twist: Swap raspberry jam for other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot to match your mood or available ingredients, making this recipe endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients for Coconut Raspberry Squares

• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the base layer.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute to the richness and structure of the base.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors.
• Baking Powder: Helps the base layer rise slightly and become light.
• Flour: Creates the foundational structure of the base layer.

• Raspberry Jam: Adds a tart and sweet layer between the base and topping.

• Egg Whites, Sugar: Create the classic Swiss meringue with a glossy, stable texture.
• Vanilla: Provides additional flavor to the meringue.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and a tropical flavor to the topping.

Directions for Coconut Raspberry Squares Success

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 180C.

Grab a 23cm square pan and give it a loving coat of grease.

Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over like a cozy blanket to make lifting easier later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab your mixer and cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud.

• Egg yolks
• Vanilla
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Flour

Mix gently, finishing by hand to keep things tender and light.

Step 3: Press the Base Layer

Sprinkle the base mixture into the pan.

Use your hands or a flat measuring cup to create a smooth, even surface that’s ready for deliciousness.

Step 4: Spread the Raspberry Love

Pour raspberry jam across the base, creating a vibrant, even layer that promises sweet-tart excitement.

Step 5: Create a Steamy Meringue Foundation

Set up a double boiler setup.

Combine egg whites and sugar, whisking over simmering water.

Heat until sugar dissolves completely and mixture feels silky smooth.

Step 6: Whip into Glossy Peaks

Pull the bowl off heat and beat with electric mixer.

Watch the mixture transform into a glossy, bright white cloud that forms soft peaks.

Step 7: Invite Coconut to the Party

Gently fold shredded coconut into the meringue, creating a tropical twist.

Step 8: Crown the Dessert

Spread the coconut meringue across the jam layer.

Aim for an even, tempting landscape of sweetness.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide into the oven for 30-35 minutes.

Watch the meringue turn a gorgeous golden brown.

It will puff up dramatically, then settle down once cooling begins.

Step 10: Slice and Celebrate

After complete cooling, lift the dessert out using parchment paper edges.

Grab a hot-water-rinsed knife and slice into beautiful squares.

Clean the knife between cuts for picture-perfect presentation.

Tips for Coconut Raspberry Squares Every Time

• Gently mix the base ingredients by hand after using an electric mixer to avoid tough, dense squares that lack delicate texture.
• Warm the raspberry jam slightly to help it spread more evenly across the base, creating a uniform and glossy surface.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the egg white mixture reaches exactly 70C, which guarantees food safety and perfect meringue consistency.
• Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between each slice to get precise, clean-edged squares without dragging the meringue.
• Spread the coconut meringue carefully and evenly to prevent uneven browning and ensure a uniform golden-brown top during baking.

Coconut Raspberry Squares Change Up Ideas

• Gluten-Free Coconut Raspberry Squares: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile and texture.
• Vegan Berry Coconut Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg yolks with flax eggs, and use aquafaba instead of egg whites for a plant-based version that keeps the original recipe's essence.
• Low-Sugar Raspberry Coconut Treat: Use sugar-free raspberry jam and replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a diabetic-friendly dessert that's lighter on calories.
• Tropical Mango Variation: Swap raspberry jam with mango puree for a sunny, tropical twist that complements the coconut meringue beautifully while keeping the original recipe's structure.

Serving Coconut Raspberry Squares Creatively

• Sweet Tea Party Companion: Serve these delightful squares alongside a hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea for an elegant afternoon treat.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange the squares on a beautiful ceramic platter with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for a stunning visual presentation that highlights the dessert's vibrant colors.
• Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Include these squares as part of a weekend brunch spread, nestled between savory quiches and fresh fruit, offering guests a delectable sweet option that complements the meal.
• Gifting Gourmet: Package individually wrapped squares in clear cellophane with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and spreads delicious joy.

Coconut Raspberry Squares Storage Tips

• Store these delectable squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 2 months when frozen properly.
• If serving within a day, keep the squares covered at room temperature, but avoid humid environments that might make the meringue sticky.
• Place a piece of parchment paper between layers when storing to prevent the squares from sticking together and preserve their beautiful appearance.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the base of the Buttery Coconut Raspberry Squares?

The base is made with butter, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, salt, baking powder, and flour, creamed together to create a soft, crumbly mixture that forms the foundation of the dessert.

• How do I know when the Swiss meringue is ready?

The Swiss meringue is ready when it no longer feels gritty when rubbed between your fingers, reaches at least 70C, and forms thick, glossy peaks that are white and just starting to become stiff after 3-5 minutes of whipping.

• Why do I need to use parchment paper with metal clips?

The parchment paper creates a sling that helps you easily remove the entire dessert from the pan, ensuring clean, neat cuts and preventing the squares from sticking to the pan’s sides.

Classic Louise Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Silky layers of sponge, jam, and coconut meringue make this Louise Cake a true New Zealand culinary treasure. Sweet nostalgia and delicate flavors merge in this elegant dessert that promises pure delight with each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
• 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour

Filling Ingredient:

• 2/3 cup (160g) raspberry jam

Coconut Swiss Meringue Topping Ingredients:

• 5 large egg whites (approximately 6.7 ounces or 190g)
• 1 1/3 cups (280g) caster sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional)
• 1 2/3 cups (165g) shredded coconut

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and prepare a 23cm square pan by lining it with parchment paper, creating an overhang for easy removal. Secure with metal clips if needed.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Gently fold in salt, baking powder, and flour, being careful not to overmix.
3. Distribute the base mixture evenly across the prepared pan, pressing firmly with a flat measuring cup to create a uniform layer.
4. Spread raspberry jam consistently over the base, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Create Swiss meringue by combining egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl placed over simmering water. Whisk continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 70°C.
6. Transfer bowl from heat and whip mixture using an electric mixer until glossy and stiff peaks form, approximately 3-5 minutes. Blend in vanilla extract.
7. Gently fold shredded coconut into the meringue until fully integrated.
8. Carefully spread coconut meringue over the jam layer, aiming for an even surface without prominent peaks.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until meringue turns golden brown. Expect the meringue to rise during baking and settle upon cooling.
10. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Remove from pan using parchment paper sling and slice into squares with a hot, clean knife for precise cuts.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing carefully when combining base ingredients to maintain a tender, crumbly texture that doesn’t become tough or dense.
• Ensure Precise Temperature when heating egg whites and sugar, using a digital thermometer for accuracy to achieve perfect Swiss meringue consistency.
• Create Clean Cuts by using a hot knife and wiping it clean between slices, which helps achieve professional-looking, smooth edges without dragging or crumbling.
• Adjust Sweetness by selecting raspberry jam with balanced tartness, complementing the rich buttery base and sweet meringue topping for a harmonious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 90mg