Romanian Cake with Fruit (Prajitura cu Fructe)

Oh, the memories this dessert brings for me!  My mom made this for us as often as she could afford it.  It is very easy to make, it's simple, you can use any type of fruit you have (even canned, as long as it's drained) and it's simply delicious!  My mom usually sprinkles some powdered sugar on top after it's done.  I made a topping to add to mine.  It's SO, SO, SO good!  My family loves this one.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the cake:

-1 cup + 2 Tbs sugar

-2 eggs

-1 cup milk

-1/2 cup + 2 Tbs vegetable oil

-1 tsp rum essence

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-1 tsp baking powder

-1 Tbs vinegar

-1 cup + 2 Tbs flour

-2 cups fruit chunks (I used strawberries)

For the topping:

-2 egg whites

-1/3 cup sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Coat a 13x9 pan with baking spray (the one with flour and butter).  Set aside.

Cream the sugar and eggs.  Add the milk and mix well.  Add the oil.  Gradually stir in the rum and vanilla extracts.

In a little bowl, mix the baking powder and vinegar.  It will immediately become foamy.  Add it to the sugar mixture.  Gradually add the flour and mix very well.

Pour the mixture into prepared pan.  Evenly distribute the fruit chunks.  Bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown and the toothpick comes out clean.

 Meanwhile, beat the egg whites with the sugar until peaks form.  Pour into Ziploc bag, cut a corner and drizzle over hot cake.  Return to the oven for 2-3 more minutes.  Be very careful to not burn it!

Let it cool, cut into pieces and enjoy!