Brazo de Mercedes
Brazo de Mercedes is a type of rolled cake (sometimes referred to as jelly roll) made from a sheet of soft meringue with custard filling. This heavenly cake can be considered as one of the all-time favorites in the Philippines
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What I like most about Brazo de Mercedes is the sponge-like texture of the meringue that literally melts in my mouth. The light flavor of the meringue is balanced by the flavor of the rich custard filling. This is truly amazing!
The name likely reflects a sense of grace and elegance, which is fitting for this beloved and delicate Filipino soft cake. It is similar to a custard cake but is fluffier, with the richer filling inside rather than on top. You might think it’s hard to make, but don’t worry—it’s actually quite simple if you follow my instructions. So, let’s get started and make Brazo de Mercedes!
How To Make Brazo De Mercedes
Preparing the Meringue Base
Start by mixing the egg whites and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until soft peaks form. This is crucial for creating a light, airy texture in the meringue, which is the base of our Brazo de Mercedes.
Sweetening the Meringue
Next, gradually add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar while continuing to mix. Keep beating until the mixture reaches a semi-firm texture. This step ensures that the meringue is sweet and glossy, providing a perfect exterior for the dessert.
Prepping the materials for baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet or large tray with wax paper and lightly grease it. This preparation prevents the meringue from sticking and makes it easier to roll later.
Spreading and Baking the Meringue
Spoon the meringue onto the greased wax paper, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake the meringue in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the top turns a light to medium brown. This will create the fluffy base layer for your Brazo de Mercedes.
Making the Creamy and rich Filling
While the meringue bakes, combine 10 large egg yolks and 14 ounces of condensed milk in a small pot. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set this delicious filling aside; it adds sweetness and richness to our dessert.
Cooling and Assembling the Cake
After baking, remove the meringue from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar on top, then place another piece of wax paper over it. Use a baking pan or tray to flip the meringue, removing the wax paper on top to prepare for spreading the filling.
Rolling the Brazo de Mercedes
Spread the thickened filling evenly over the meringue. Starting from the longest side, carefully roll the meringue, enclosing the filling inside. This rolling technique forms the signature shape of our Brazo de Mercedes.
Finally, transfer your rolled Brazo de Mercedes to a serving plate. This elegant dessert is now ready to be enjoyed!
Brazo De Mercedes Ingredients
You don’t need much—just six items, which are commonly found in local stores and supermarkets, so don’t worry. However, you will need a few pieces of equipment to make this Brazo de Mercedes complete. Check out the list below!
Equipment
- Electric mixer – Used for beating the egg whites and cream of tartar. Without an electric mixer, the meringue (the fluffy, sweet layer that creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth exterior) may not achieve the necessary soft peaks and semi-firm texture, resulting in a less stable and less airy final product.
- Oven – For baking the meringue.
- Wax paper – Used to prevent the meringue from sticking to the baking surface and to help with rolling.
- Baking sheet or rectangular baking tray – One of these is for holding the meringue, and the other is for helping to flip it.
Ingredients
- 10 large raw eggs yolks and whites separated – Yolks are used in the rich filling of our Filipino cake and whites for the airy meringue.
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar – Helps stabilize the egg whites, ensuring a perfectly fluffy and structured meringue for your Brazo de Mercedes cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to our soft cake.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the meringue and contributes to its glossy texture. Its powdery structure also adds to the visual appeal of the Brazo de Mercedes.
- 3 tablespoons confectioners sugar – Used in making the meringue. Sprinkled on top of the meringue, it adds a touch of extra sweetness and helps with rolling.
- 14 ounces condensed milk – Provides a creamy, rich base for the filling, making the Brazo de Mercedes a decadent and indulgent Filipino dessert!
How To Serve Brazo De Mercedes
To serve Brazo de Mercedes, carefully transfer the rolled cake to a serving plate using a spatula or large knife. For an elegant presentation, dust the top with a light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar or garnish with fresh fruit, like strawberries or berries. If you prefer, you can also drizzle syrups, such as caramel, over your Brazo de Mercedes for an extra touch of sweetness. Don’t forget to slice the cake into generous portions, revealing its beautiful swirl of soft cake and creamy filling! This delightful treat is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration or family gathering.
Me-Ring-Ge: A Pasalubong Candy in the Philippines
Brazo de Mercedes has a filling inside and a fluffy exterior called meringue (muh-rang). In the Philippines, meringue, locally pronounced as “me-ring-ge”, refers to a type of hard candy that is a popular “pasalubong” or souvenir treat. This sweet delight is often given to family and friends as a token of appreciation or affection. The term “me-ring-ge” is a local adaptation of the word “meringue,” but pronounced differently to fit the Filipino accent and phonetic patterns. While “meringue” usually means a soft, fluffy dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar, in the Philippines, it has become a hard candy. This shows how local variations can turn familiar ideas into unique regional treats!
Looking For Other Cake Recipes?
If you’re looking for other cake recipes to try another day, here are some amazing and delicious options for you.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!
Brazo de Mercedes
Ingredients
- 10 eggs large, yolks and whites separated
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons confectioners sugar
- 14 ounces condensed milk
Instructions
- Combine egg whites and cream of tartar then beat using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.10 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Make the meringue by gradually adding the granulated sugar while mixing the ingredients. Continue mixing until the texture is semi-firm.3/4 cup granulated sugar
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place wax paper on top of a cookie sheet or large rectangular baking pan and grease the surface.
- Place the meringue on top of the greased wax paper then spread evenly using a spatula.
- Bake the meringue for 20 to 22 minutes or until the color of the top part turns light to medium brown.
- While the meringue is in the oven, make the filling by combining the egg yolks and condensed milk in a small cooking pot. Apply heat and cook the mixture while continuously stirring until the texture becomes thick.10 eggs, 14 ounces condensed milk
- Add the vanilla extract to the condensed milk and egg yolk mixture, turn off the heat, and mix thoroughly. Set aside.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Remove the meringue from the oven and cool down for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle the confectioners sugar on top of the meringue then place wax paper on the top part of the meringue followed by a similar sized baking pan or tray. The meringue should now be in the middle of two baking trays.3 tablespoons confectioners sugar
- Flip the meringue: the new cookie sheet/baking tray placed on top should now be below. Remove the baking tray and the wax paper (you should now see the opposite side of the baked meringue) then spread the filling (cooked egg yolks, condensed milk, and vanilla extract mixture) over the meringue.
- Roll the meringue. Complete rolling side to side starting at the longest side. Make sure that the layer with filling is rolled inward.
- Transfer to a serving plate then serve.
- Share and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Watch the Video on How to Make Brazo de Mercedes
abby says
I tried making it hundreds of times but every time I roll it, it tears apart 🙁 what should I do?
tess says
thanks for this recipe,we did make it.simple to follow.can you please do
sans rival.thanks
Len Yap says
Tried this recipe today. Took me 50 minutes from start to finish. Turned out good too. Thank you for all you do! 🙂
Vanessa says
favorite ko yung brazo de mercedes. i cant to make it. nag try ako before pero palpak.lol! yung syo kuya is easy to follow. i’ll let you know how it turn out.
Can ypu make Ube Macapuno na cake.thanks! keep up the good work. God bless!!!
Tes says
Thanks for this recipe. I baked Brazo de Mercedes two time already using recipes I found on other. I had to throw everything, It didnt turn out good. Then, I saw the video of this recipe and it looked simple, I tried it yesterday and it came out perfect! Thanks for this recipe!
Eyya says
The simplest, easiest and delicious brazo de mercedes recipe. An instant hit to my friends and now still receiving orders of it. Thanks to you kuya ang KUDOS to your blog. More power!
monaliza says
Thanks for the recipe kuya!This is one of my husbands favorite and since we lived an hour away from goldilocks he’s craving for it everynow and then…But thanks to you!coz we don’t need to drive that far just to satisfy his cravings..hehehe!now i can just make it anytime he wants it!He said,”Honey how did you make it?It taste like goldilocks!”now we saved a lot of money because of all the recipe’s you’re posting here.this is my favorite website!keep up the good work kuya!More blessing to you!
Melanie Gingo says
Thank you so much for the recipe of Brazo de Mercedes really it’s to long for me sicking the recipe of brazo de mercedes,but now i know how to bake,also thanks for your video.
heavenscent says
hello, sir! i’m a fan of your site. thank you very much for sharing all your recipes. i’ve tried this recipe and it is so delicious but i can’t get to roll it properly..hope you could give us tips on this..more power to you and God bless!
lynlyn says
ask lang puti po ba un sa top or brown
heart says
Hello Po!!! thank you soo much for this recipe!! ive been missing this since i dont know when!! i will try and make this cake on monday hehe soo excited good luck to me!! Your website is such a great help for me!! i never enjoyed cooking the way i did now! thank you for your website and sa u na rin po!!
ester says
is ther any substitute for cream of tartar?
glenn says
put the tray a little higher where you would normally put it when you bake the meringue. your tray is probably too near the heat source.
glenn says
sa baking or spices aisle ng grocery stores.
cea says
id like to add coconut milk on the custard filling..anu magiging measurements ng custard ingredients?
Babes says
Eric, You made it look so simple. I’ve been making Brazo de Mecedes BUT always frustrated of the outcome. I live 5,000 above sea level, the mirangue always comes flat. Though I have mastered the filling. Do you have any suggestions for any adjustments for a high altitute? NEED HELP. Thank you, Eric! Great job!
glenn says
you probably over beat the meringue which flattened it. you should always watch for the soft peaks and stop beating when this happens. from my personal experience making cakes that require meringue.
sheila says
hi i love to cook brazo de mercedes..,but is there any substitute Cream of tartar??i dont have that here in sweden..,please help me.
twinks says
hello, ok lang ba pang grease ang margarine?
twinks says
hello, ok lang ba pang grease ko sa wax paper eh yung margarine??
Norman says
Thanks, i made my first baked cake. Perfeczion :-)! My gf loves to bake and i even don’t mind it. Now i started to love baking. It’s really fun. More power to you.