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    Home » Recipes » Filipino Desserts and Kakanin

    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)

    by Jolina | Published: April 20, 2016 | Last Updated: September 23, 2019 | 69 Comments
    This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

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    You in for a unique cupcake experience? Try Brazo de Mercedes cupcake – soft as cotton meringue filled with rich decadent custard and finished off with a sprinkling of confectioner’s sugar. You’ll love it!

    (Here’s the recipe for the traditional Brazo de Mercedes if you need it. Or why not make an Ube Cheesecake this year to mix things up?)

    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)

    My blog is 3 months old today. I don’t know if that’s a milestone in the blogging world but I will celebrate nonetheless.

    Three months, 18 recipes (19 if you include today’s), countless hours in the kitchen, frosting in my hair, flour on my face – it’s been fun (more work than I expected, but fun).

    So thought I’d go back to the beginning and re-make the cake that started it all…but make it easier and funner to do, and even funner to eat.

    What is Brazo de Mercedes?

    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)

    I got a lot of comments from you guys about Brazo de Mercedes. Most of you haven’t heard of it but were raring to try. Which is awesome – love it when people give Filipino cuisine a shot. It’s so unique and delicious!

    If the meringue rolling is what’s stopping you from making it though, this cupcake version is a great alternative.

    You just pipe the meringue into a cupcake cup. Then pipe the custard into the meringue. And off you go.

    Related: Light and Fluffy Hokkaido Chiffon Cupcakes

    Brazo de Mercedes cupcake tips for success

    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)
    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)

    Brazo de Mercedes cupcakes are not your typical cupcakes so here are several things to keep in mind:

    • Use those thicker, cardboard cupcake cups (like the one I used here) instead of the usual paper liners. The meringue needs something a little sturdier to latch on to. Because you’re using those kinds of liners, you don’t need to put them in a cupcake pan. You can use a regular cookie sheet.
    • The meringue will initially rise then deflate so keep in mind that whatever you pipe on is what you’ll more or less get. So if you want a massive soufflé-like brazo, pipe it high (not too high that it will topple over though).
    • You’d want to leave a slight gap in the middle where the custard can be piped into later. You don’t want to poke too large a hole in the meringue as it will deflate it further. So pipe the meringue in a circular, upward motion leaving space in the centre for the custard (check out the video).
    • Speaking of custard, be careful not to overcook it. You want it thick but still spreadable. Remember that you need to be able to easily pipe it into each cupcake and that it thickens further as it cools. I usually stop cooking once I reach the consistency of jam.
    • Brazo de Mercedes is usually baked flat on a cookie sheet but since you’re piping these, the tops of your cupcakes might brown before the insides are cooked. I’d suggest baking them 1 rack below your middle oven rack (but not the bottom rack – if your oven only has 3 levels, then the middle rack is still your best option).

    Related: Double Chocolate Meringue Cookies

    Useful tools to have when making Brazo de Mercedes cupcakes

    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)

    I promise it’s very easy to make these cupcakes. You do need two tools to help you along:

    • Electric mixer. When making meringue where I need to whip egg whites to stiff peaks, I rely on my trusty old stand-mixer. You can use a handheld electric mixer too, it will just take a little longer. I’ve tried making meringue by hand and honestly, I don’t recommend it. My arm was sore and my eggs weren’t even close to done. Not fun.
    • Piping bags. I like to pipe my meringue into the cupcake cups because I find it easier that way. It also gives me a lot of control. If you don’t own piping bags, no worries. Just take a Ziploc bag and cut off one corner. DIY piping bag!

    In the video you’ll notice that I used piping tips or nozzles attached to the end of my piping bag. You don’t have to use them. But if you’re wondering, those are Ateco 824 star tips (similar to a Wilton 1M).

    Related: How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream (Video)

    How to successfully make meringue

    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)

    A lot of bakers are afraid of making meringue. Personally, I fail 10% of the time too! It’s just one of those things that take time and lots of practice to master.

    Here are some of the things I’ve learned to make meringue successfully:

    • Make sure your egg whites are room temperature. They whip better and are more stable. It’s easier to separate the yolks from the whites when the eggs are cold though so what I do is separate the yolks and whites right when I take the eggs out of the fridge, place the whites in a bowl and leave them on the counter for about 30 minutes to bring them to room temperature.
    • Grease is your enemy. You need to make sure that your bowl and whisk are dry, clean and oil-free. So it’s better to use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic bowls because plastic has a tendency to hide traces of oil in it.
    • Add sugar gradually. It takes a lot of restraint to only add a teaspoon of sugar at a time when you have a cup of sugar to add but this really makes all the difference. You want the sugar to dissolve into your meringue properly.
    • Try not to make meringue on a very humid day. Meringue has a tendency to absorb moisture so if it’s humid or rainy, your meringue has a bigger chance of falling apart.

    Related: Lemon Pavlova with Toasted Almonds & Coconut

    Scoop it, unwrap it, eat it however way you like

    Now that you’re a meringue and Brazo de Mercedes ninja, it’s time to enjoy the fruit of your labours!

    Unwrap it, plop it onto a plate and eat it like cake or scoop it out of the cup with a spoon like soup. Regardless of how you decide to devour your Brazo de Mercedes cupcake, it’s sure to be one delicious bite.

    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)

    Brazo de Mercedes Cupcake (video)

    Author: Jolina
    Brazo de Mercedes cupcake – soft as cotton meringue filled with rich decadent custard and finished off with a sprinkling of confectioner’s sugar.
    5 from 50 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 45 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Filipino
    Servings 15 cupcakes
    Calories 50 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the Meringue:

    • 10 pcs egg whites from large eggs room temperature
    • ½ tsp cream of tartar
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar

    For the Custard:

    • 10 pcs egg yolks from large eggs
    • 1 300-ml can of condensed milk
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp lime juice

    For Dusting:

    • ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar

    Instructions
     

    For the Meringue:

    • Pre-heat oven to 350F. Place 15 cupcake cups (see note) on a baking pan, evenly spaced about 1-2 inches apart. No need to grease the cups or the pan. Set aside.
    • Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a handheld electric mixer, whisk the 10 egg whites on medium speed until foamy. 
    • Add ½ teaspoon cream of tartar and continue whisking until soft peaks form.
    • Gradually (slowly and in small quantities at a time – do not dump all the sugar in) add the ¾ cup sugar and whisk until you reach stiff peaks.
    • Once the meringue is ready, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (you can also use a large Ziploc bag with one of the corners cut off). Using a circular, upward motion (see video), pipe the meringue into the cups (overflowing by about an inch on top). Remember to leave a slight gap in the middle where you can fill the custard later.
    • Place the cookie sheet with your cupcakes into your pre-heated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the tops turn light brown (see note).
    • Take out of the oven and allow to cool slightly before piping the custard filling (instructions below).
    • Finish by sprinkling with confectioner’s sugar.

    For the Custard:

    • In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan (don’t turn on the stove yet), beat the 10 egg yolks before adding all the condensed milk.
    • Mix them thoroughly then start cooking over low heat. Stir often so you don’t end up with scrambled eggs.
    • When you see that your mixture is starting to take shape and form into clumps, add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla and the 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
    • When you’ve reached custard consistency (thick but still spreadable), turn off the stove, remove pan from heat and set aside until you’re ready to pipe the custard into your cupcakes.

    Video

    Notes

    Depending on how much meringue you put into your cups, you may need more (or less) than 15 standard size cupcake cups.
    Every oven is different so I’d suggest you check at the 20-minute mark (not earlier, you don’t want to mess with your oven’s temperature too much too soon). Take a cupcake and check if the insides are cooked. If it still appears soupy, adjust the time accordingly. My cupcakes are cooked right at 22 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 12gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 1mgPotassium: 16mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 1mg

    Nutritional information are estimates only.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating today!Also tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations.

    Happy baking!

    Did you make Brazo de Mercedes cupcakes? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below. If you’re looking for more unique, creative and delicious cupcake recipes, check out this cupcake recipes collection.

    And let’s get social! Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or Twitter.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. vince

      October 11, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      Can I keep the brazo cups out of the fridge but covered overnight for serving the next morning?

      Reply
      • Jolina

        October 12, 2022 at 4:32 pm

        Hi Vince, there’s a very likely chance that the brazo will soften, especially if it’s humid where you are.

        Reply
    2. Maricris

      October 16, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Can i make brazo de mercedes the night before a party?will it deflate inside the fridge?tnx

      Reply
      • Jolina

        October 20, 2020 at 4:23 pm

        Hi Maricris, yes it will deflate but not by much although it might also get a bit soggy. It’s really best eaten the day it’s baked. If you must bake it ahead, sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar just when you’re about to serve.

        Reply
    3. Chriselle

      August 05, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      Hi! How do you store these cupcakes?

      Reply
      • Jolina

        August 06, 2020 at 1:13 pm

        Hi Chriselle, I usually store leftovers in the fridge but the meringue will get soft and soggy the longer it sits. They’re best consumed the day they’re baked.

        Reply
    4. Mayette

      December 06, 2019 at 5:08 am

      5 stars
      We love love love your brazo de mercedes cupcakes! We usually buy regular braso but the price is quite steep here. When I saw your recipe I was inspired to make it because it looks easy and I’m happy I did! We can enjoy our favorite braso anytime. I will be making again for noche buena. Thank you Jolina! Merry xmas!

      Reply
      • Jolina

        December 10, 2019 at 1:29 pm

        I’m so glad you liked them Mayette! Brazo de Mercedes is pretty expensive here too, upwards of $30 last I checked. So I’m also happy to be able to make it at home. I love making these cupcakes but also love making regular brazo, check it out here: https://theunlikelybaker.com/brazo-de-mercedes/ Merry Christmas to you and yours!

        Reply
    5. Mindy

      May 18, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      I like this recipe and the great instructions/video you have. Getting ready to try making with a mango custard filling. I need to make these the day before event. What is the best way to store if possible overnight? I think filling the cupcakes with custard the morning of might be best as I think the meringue could get soggy?

      Reply
      • Jolina

        May 30, 2019 at 12:26 pm

        Hi Mindy, mango custard filling sounds amazing. I usually store custard in an airtight container in the fridge. To avoid any film from forming, I also put cling wrap on top before I close the container. And you’re right, the meringue will get soggy if they’re filled the day before. If you have time, baking them and filling them the day of is the best.

        Reply
    6. MELANIE Macariola

      April 23, 2019 at 4:48 pm

      Hi. I just tried this recipe of Brazos but it seems like with my oven, the meringue turned light brown after only 14 mins at 350. So I lowered the temp at 275 for another 6mins. Also, the meringue became smaller like halfway of the cup after I took them out from the oven. Do I need to wait a bit before taking them out of the oven so they wont shrink too much?

      Reply
      • Jolina

        May 10, 2019 at 2:47 pm

        Hi Melanie. The meringue is expected to deflate but not as much as you described. There can be lots of factors at play here. Oven temp is one. I’d suggest using an oven thermometer. Drastically lowering the temperature in the middle of baking might have contributed. Also, meringue is very finicky that even the humidity in our kitchen can affect it. To answer your question though, no you don’t need to wait before taking the cupcakes out. I always take them out as soon as they’re done.

        Reply
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