Welcome to Bedstefars Skæg (Danish meringue cake) in the airfryer. A culinary journey where we reinvent the traditional Danish cake, “Bedstefars Skæg”, with the help of a modern kitchen appliance – the airfryer. Now we’ll take you through an innovative method for making the cake with its delicious meringue topping. We’ll also give you insight into the history of this beloved cake, along with tips for variations and the perfect tea to pair with it.
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents:
Why make Bedstefars Skæg in the airfryer?
In a world where time is short and kitchen technology is constantly evolving, the airfryer has become an indispensable gadget for many. Its rapid heating and even heat distribution make it ideal for baking cakes, including the classic Bedstefars Skæg cake. Not only do you save time compared to a traditional oven, but you also achieve a more even surface on the meringue, and for many, you avoid the cumbersome work of preheating.
What kind of cake is a Bedstefars Skæg?
Bedstefars Skæg in the airfryer is a cozy and nostalgic cake with roots deeply anchored in Danish baking traditions. The cake consists of a light and airy base, typically made from a simple vanilla cake batter. It is topped with a generous layer of jam and finished with a sweet and crisp meringue. The name is just as charming as the cake itself and is said to come from the meringue-white top, which resembles a white beard.
I recommend this delicious vanilla tea with our classic Bedstefars Skæg
Bedstefars Skæg is a cake with plenty of sweetness from the jam and the soft meringue – and here a vanilla tea is the perfect companion. The warm, round vanilla note plays beautifully off the cake’s vanilla sugar and creates a harmonious taste experience that simply invites you to relax at the afternoon table. I can warmly recommend Just T Cheek To Cheek Vanilla bag tea – it brews soft and aromatic and is a dream with a classic Danish cake like this one.
Preparation technique for the meringue
The secret of the meringue lies in the egg whites, which must be whipped to perfection. To achieve the ideal consistency, start with egg whites at room temperature and add the sugar gradually while whisking. A drop of lemon juice or vinegar can be added to stabilize the mixture, which is then whipped until it reaches stiff, glossy peaks. In the airfryer, the meringue will dry and become crisp on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. This creates the perfect balance between textures.
What other types of jam can you use instead?
Although strawberry jam is a classic in “Bedstefars Skæg”, it can easily be swapped out to create new flavor variations. Raspberry jam adds a lovely tartness, while apricot gives a milder and sweeter nuance. For a wintry variation, try a jam made from blueberries or blackcurrants, which can offer a deep and rich flavor profile. It complements the sweet meringue.
You can also replace the jam with fresh berries mashed in a little sugar.
Tips and tricks from the author: Morten Jensen
What tea can you drink with it?
Enjoying a cup of tea with “Bedstefars Skæg” can enhance the experience, and here are a few suggestions:
- Earl Grey: With its distinctive bergamot aroma, an Earl Grey tea with its citrus notes can create a fine balance to the cake’s sweetness.
- Chamomile tea: For those who prefer a more subtle tea, chamomile is a good counterpart to the intensity of the meringue, and it has a calming effect that is lovely with a late dessert.
- Green tea: A lightly brewed green tea, with its grassy notes, can add a refreshing and slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the sweetness.
- Chai tea: A spiced chai with notes of cinnamon and cardamom can complement the warm vanilla tones in the cake and add an exotic dimension.
Conclusion on Bedstefars Skæg in the airfryer
We think it is refreshing to see how a simple change in cooking method can breathe new life into an old classic. By combining the airfryer’s technology with the traditional recipe for “Bedstefars Skæg”, you can create a cake that is both true to its origins and adapted to the pace and lifestyle of today.
Likewise, the choice of jam leaves room for personal preference and seasonal ingredients, while the tea pairing expands the experience and invites cozy moments with family and friends. It is precisely this balance between innovation and tradition that makes “Bedstefars Skæg” a timeless dessert that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Recipe
Bedstefars Skæg (Danish Meringue Cake) in the Airfryer
Cooking Guide
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Step 1:
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Step 2:
Start the guide and follow the recipe one step at a time.
Cost of the dish
Prices may vary depending on where you shop.
Our estimate is based on average food prices for the current year 2026.
Estimated price for the whole dish:
Airfryer size
All our recipes are tested in a Philips Airfryer 2000 Series NA230/00 – 6.2 L
Does the recipe fit my Airfryer?
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Recommended equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Bowl for meringue
- 1 Dough scraper
- 1 Parchment paper
- 1 Kvadratisk bageform der passer i airfryeren
Shopping list
Ingredients
Base:
- 150 g plain flour
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 pcs eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
Filling:
- 200 g strawberry jam
Meringue:
- 3 pcs egg whites
- 150 g sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
How to make it
- Prepare the base:Mix 150 g plain flour, 100 g sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp vanilla sugar in a bowl. Add 100 g butter and 2 pcs eggs, and mix into a smooth dough.
- Line the baking tin with baking paper and press the dough out into an even layer in the bottom.
- Preheat the airfryer to 180°C. Bake the base for about 10-12 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Let it cool.Start the online kitchen timer here
- Spread a layer of 200 g strawberry jam over the cooled base.
- Meringue:Whisk 3 pcs egg whites (pasteurised) until stiff.Gradually add 150 g sugar and 1 tsp lemon juice, until the meringue is glossy and firm.
- Spread the meringue over the jam.Use the back of a spoon to make small peaks and dips in the meringue.
- Put the cake back in the airfryer, and bake at 150°C for about 8-10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden.Start the online kitchen timer here
- Let the cake cool in the tin before serving.
Our notes for the recipe
Your notes for the recipe
Nutrition per serving (Guideline)
Important about shelf life and nutrition
Nutrition per serving (guideline): Calculations are based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Shelf life (guideline): Shelf life data is provided, as far as possible, by public institutions, including national food authorities. Our information is therefore only indicative, and it is your responsibility to obtain and calculate accurate information about shelf life and nutrition for all recipes on airfryerkogebogen.dk
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Author
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