Hertzoggies, a beloved staple in South African baking, are delightful pastries that combine the rich flavour of coconut and apricot beneath a crisp meringue topping. In this blog post, we’ll transform this traditional South African cookie into a cake and guide you through an easy-to-follow recipe that you can try at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Hertzoggie cake is sure to become a favorite. Buckle up as we explore the origins, ingredients, and step-by-step process to create this tasty dessert.
Hertzoggies: the history
Hertzoggies, named after General J.B.M. Hertzog, boast a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. These delicate tarts, with their crumbly pastry and sweet filling, were originally created to honor the general’s ideals of unity and cultural pride. Over the decades, they have become a beloved staple in South African tea time traditions, often served at gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions.
Filled with a combination of coconut and apricot jam, Hertzoggies are not only tasty but also represent a nostalgic connection to South African heritage.
They are frequently enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of rooibos tea. The warmth of the tea complements the sweetness of the tarts, creating a comforting experience. Whether shared with friends or savored alone, Hertzoggies continue to be a symbol of hospitality and tradition in South Africa.
Ingredients you will need
For the cake:
- 120g (½ cup or 125ml) softened baking margarine
- 400g (1 ½ cups or 375ml) castor sugar
- 360g (3 ½ cups or 875ml) cake flour
- 22ml (1 ½ tbsp) baking powder
- 40g (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp or 140ml) desiccated coconut
- A pinch of salt
- 3 large eggs, brought to room temperature
- 260ml (1 cup + 2 tsp) coconut milk, at room temperature
- 100ml (1/3 cup + 4 tsp) milk, at room temperature
For the topping:
- 170g (½ cup or 125ml) smooth apricot jam, plus extra for spreading
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 230g (1 cup or 250ml) castor sugar
- 155g (2 cups or 500ml) desiccated coconut
- Icing sugar, for dusting
- 500ml (2 cups) cold whipped cream
Step-by-Step guide to making Hertzoggie cake
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (150°C for fan-forced). Line three 20cm springform cake pans with baking paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake batter
In a mixing bowl, combine castor sugar, cake flour, baking powder, desiccated coconut, and a pinch of salt. Mix with a paddle attachment on low speed until it resembles a sandy texture. In a separate jug, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, and regular milk. Gradually incorporate this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid making the cake dense.
Step 3: Bake the cake layers
Evenly distribute the batter among the lined cake pans. Bake for about 20 minutes. While the cakes are in the oven, prepare the meringue topping.
Step 4: Create the Coconut Meringue Topping
Whisk the egg whites until they reach soft peaks, then gradually add castor sugar while beating until the mixture becomes thick and glossy. Gently fold in the desiccated coconut.
Step 5: Assemble the cake
Once one cake layer is out of the oven, quickly drizzle one-third of the apricot jam over it and spread a layer of the coconut meringue on top. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool slightly in the pans before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 6: Layer the cake
After the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops of the two layers without meringue. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread it with apricot jam and whipped cream, then add the second layer and repeat the process. Finish by placing the meringue-topped layer on top.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Dust the completed cake with icing sugar. Your Hertzoggie cake is now ready to delight! Perfect for any celebration, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.
Tips for the best Hertzoggie cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth, well-mixed batter that bakes evenly.
- Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality apricot jam you can find. Homemade apricot jam works exceptionally well.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Variations to Try
- Different jams: While apricot is traditional, you can experiment with different jams like raspberry or strawberry for a twist.
- Nutty twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts to the coconut meringue for added texture and flavor.
- Mini Hertzoggies: Instead of a large cake, make mini Hertzoggie tarts using muffin tins.
Hertzoggie recipe: A taste of South African Heritage
Hertzoggie cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, bringing a piece of South African heritage to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a delicious treat, this recipe is a must-try.
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