Oat Raspberry Dessert

This oat and raspberry dessert offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for those who enjoy sweet and fruity treats. With its crispy oat base, a luscious raspberry layer, and a cloud-like meringue topping, this dessert promises to please both the eyes and the palate. The warmth and slight hint of cognac add a sophisticated touch, making it suitable for special occasions or simply as an indulgent weekday treat. This dessert is straightforward to make but requires some attention to detail to ensure each layer is perfectly executed. It's ideal for serving at a dinner party, where its impressive presentation can shine. The balance of sweetness from sugar, the tartness of raspberries, and the warmth of oats provides a harmonious flavor profile. Eggs are used to create a rich and velvety raspberry custard, and whipped egg whites are turned into a soft meringue. This recipe also allows for creativity and variation, so don't hesitate to experiment with spices or garnishes. Make sure to follow the steps closely to achieve the best results.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 handfuls of oats
3 handfuls of frozen raspberries
5 tablespoons of sugar
7 eggs

Spices and Additions

20-30g of cognac
1 teaspoon of potato starch
A splash of water

Preparation Time

40 minutes total

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the Oats: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the oats along with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Roast the oats until they begin to caramelize, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
Prepare the Raspberry Mixture: In a warm saucepan, combine the frozen raspberries with the cognac. Warm through but do not let it boil. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of sugar and stir until well combined.
Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the egg yolks from the whites, placing them in different bowls.
Create the Raspberry Custard: Whisk the egg yolks until smooth and slowly add the warm raspberry mixture to temper them, stirring constantly.
Prepare the Meringue: Start whipping the egg whites. Once they begin to foam, gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue whipping until soft peaks form. To stabilize the meringue, mix the potato starch with a splash of water and gently fold it into the egg whites. Whip until the meringue is stiff and holds peaks.
Assemble the Dessert: Transfer the caramelized oats to an oven-safe dish, spreading them out evenly. Pour the raspberry custard over the oats and mix gently to combine.
Top with Meringue: Spoon the whipped meringue over the raspberry and oat mixture, ensuring it covers the surface completely.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the assembled dessert in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time.
Adjust Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 170°C (338°F) and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden and raised. Keep the oven door closed to maintain heat consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Once slightly cooled, serve the dessert warm. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Tips

Use chilled egg whites for a better meringue.
Swap raspberries for another berry to change the flavor.
Cognac adds depth but can be omitted if desired.

Variations

For a nutty twist, add toasted nuts to the oat layer.
Use honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness level.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a fresh mint garnish for added contrast.

Best Places

Cafe Savoy - Known for its exquisite desserts and historic ambiance. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Tartine Bakery - Famous for its pastries and desserts. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
The River Cafe - Offers a stunning view and delectable dishes. Location: Thames Wharf, London, UK.
L'Eclair de Génie - Specializes in unique and creative desserts. Location: 14 Rue Pavée, Paris, France.
Bourke Street Bakery - Known for its rustic and hearty pastries. Location: 633 Bourke St, Sydney, Australia.
Demel - Offers a delightful array of Viennese pastries. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Milk Bar - Inventive desserts and unique flavor combinations. Location: 251 E 13th St, New York, USA.
Copo Cafe and Diner - Known for its creative brunch options and desserts. Location: 942 High St, Sydney, Australia.
Les Deux Magots - A historic cafe with elegant dessert offerings. Location: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, Paris, France.
Conditori La Glace - The oldest and renowned for traditional cakes. Location: Skoubogade 3, Copenhagen, Denmark.