Brazo de Mercedes Pie
Cupcake, cake, roll…hmmm, let’s make some PIE + Skyflakes. Yes, Skyflakes buttery crust! You’re going to love it! Brazo de Mercedes is a traditional Filipino dessert made by rolling the meringue with rich custard filling. Today, I’ll share my Brazo de Mercedes Pie recipe using Skyflakes, a Filipino staple cracker brand. For me, the higher the meringue, the merrier. Who’s with me?
Who is Mercedes? So, here’s what a traditional Filipino Brazo dessert looks like. Quick FYI: I made this in December of 2010 when I was still living in Ohio, USA. Anyway, back to the dessert… it looks like a log to me but it’s supposed to resemble an arm. In spanish, brazo means arm. That makes me wonder whose arm is it? Brazo de Mercedes means Mercedes’ arm. Now, who is Mercedes?
According to my research, Mercedes is another name for Mama Mary, mother of Jesus. In Spain, it’s called Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes or Arm of Our Lady of Mercy. Super interesting but not surprising at all that it would have some Spanish roots embedded on this delicious Filipino dessert. After all, Philippines was once home for Spaniards more than 300 years.
The tradional Brazo de Mercedes is made with rolled meringue filled with rich custard. Decorated with lines on top and finally dusted with snowy powdered sugar. Tempting right?! But, as a kid, I would devour just the meringue and leave the custard behind. The custard can be overwhelmingly sweet especially if it is store bought. I enjoy making this at home. It is definitely one of my go to Filipino dessert to share with family and friends.
Now, drum roll please….here’s the Modern Brazo de Mercedes. It’s made with crust like a pie using the famous Filipino crackers, Skyflakes. Just wanted to keep it modern and where Filipinos can totally relate. Skyflakes are synonymous to Philippines. It’s like Pacquiao – a famous Filipino boxer. When you hear Pacquiao, you immediately think of Philippines. Skyflakes also have that effect globally.
Best crackers in my opinion.
This is the man I’m talking about, the great Manny Pacquaio, the only 8 division title holder in the history of professional boxing. The Philippine’s pride.
It might be just coincidental. But, when you get your first slice of Brazo pie. It looks like pacman from the video game. It also happens to be Manny Pacquiao’s nickname.
What a perfect pair for my Pink Pancit recipe as featured on TV @gmanetwork Check it out.
Brazo de Mercedes Pie
Ingredients
Crust
- 4 solo packs Skyflakes original flavor
- 100-113 g butter unsalted
- 54 g sugar
Custard
- 6 egg yolks medium
- 73 g sugar
- 150 g condensed milk
Meringue
- 6 egg whites medium
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 110 g sugar
- 4-5 drops lemon extract
Toppings
- 1:1 ratio powdered sugar and cornstarch sifted
- fresh lemon sliced
Instructions
- Read helpful tips below.
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F / 175°C.
- Using a food processor, finely grind skyflakes crackers.
- Add butter in cubes and sugar. Blend.
- Transfer and press on a pie mold.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool down and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar together.
- Add condensed milk. Whisk.
- Pour on top of cooled pie crust.
- Bake at 300°F / 150°C for 15-18 minutes.
- Lower the temperature to 255°F / 125°C for another 10-12 minutes. Check middle for firmness.
- Cool down and set aside.
- Using a stand mixer, whisk egg whites with cream of tartar in slow speed.
- After a few minutes, increase to medium speed until white bubbles appear.
- Add sugar gradually.
- When meringue starts to increase in volume and have soft peak, add lemon extract
- Whisk meringue until medium soft peak is achieved.
- Transfer on top of cooled custard. Making sure to cover the sides of the pie.
- Add the rest of the meringue and shape it like a dome.
- Decorate with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F / 175°C for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool down for 2-3 hours.
- Sift 1:1 ratio of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Decorate with fresh lemon on top.
- Serve same day.
Notes
- For buttery crust use 113g unsalted butter. For less buttery, use 100g.
- Crust will come down after baking. It is normal and will create a strong side base.
- Use fresh eggs.
- Make sure the middle of custard is nice and firm, not wobbly. If it is wobbly, keep baking.
- Be patient with meringue. Start in low speed when making a meringue. This will avoid creating big bubbles in the beginning.
- Medium soft peak meringue and lemon extract are highly recommended.
- Cornstarch will help reduce sweating in the fridge.
- Fresh lemon as garnish is fun.
- Serve same day is highly recommended.
- If serving the next day, let it sit room temperature for a few minutes before serving, so that the crust have time to soften up.
- If you're visual person like me, watch step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube @gemframboise
WATCH The How to Make Brazo de mercedes pie Recipe Step-By-Step Video Tutorial
My name is Dhin. I'm delighted that you are here to join me in cooking delicious food and baking adorable pastries. Working in the kitchen became my therapy when the pandemic struck all of us. Join me on my journey, one bite at a time.
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