If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a hug wrapped in sweetness, look no further than this Strawberry Meringue Cake Recipe. It’s a heavenly combination of crispy, airy meringue layers, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy fresh strawberries that come together to create a treat bursting with textures and flavors. This cake is perfect for summer gatherings, special celebrations, or simply whenever you want to spoil yourself with something spectacularly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Strawberry Meringue Cake Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that both delight the eye and the palate. Simple but carefully chosen, these ingredients ensure your dessert is light, sweet, and refreshingly fruity.
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature): This is the foundation for the meringue, providing structure and that crisp, airy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue, helping it hold its shape.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Adds a tender finish to the meringue and prevents it from weeping.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped to soft peaks, it’s what makes the cake rich and fluffy.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without overpowering the natural berry flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the whipped cream’s flavor.
- 3-4 cups fresh strawberries (sliced): The star fruit of the dish, adding juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ cup fresh blueberries: Adds variety and freshness, balancing the strawberry’s sweetness.
- Fresh mint leaves: For a pop of green and a subtle herbal note to brighten every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Meringue Cake Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meringue Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). Beat the room-temperature egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. Then gently fold in the cornstarch. Spoon or pipe three even circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets to form your meringue layers. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and let them cool inside completely to stay crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream
Keep your heavy whipping cream cold and whip it in a chilled bowl until it starts to thicken. Slowly add the ¼ cup sugar and vanilla extract, then whip until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat; you want your cream to be light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable to complement the crunchy meringue.
Step 3: Layer and Assemble
Place one meringue circle on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over it, then evenly scatter sliced strawberries and blueberries. Repeat this layering with the remaining meringue discs, cream, and fruit. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream on top, garnish with mint leaves, and perhaps a few extra berries for visual flair. Chill the cake for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberry Meringue Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the cake’s fresh, fruity vibe with additional strawberry slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a few delicate mint leaves. A light drizzle of strawberry syrup or a dusting of finely grated white chocolate can add a special touch that impresses both visually and on the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This dessert stands out on its own, but pairing it with a refreshing fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a glass of chilled sparkling rosé can elevate the experience. These lighter accompaniments balance the sweetness and make your dessert spread well-rounded and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
You can customize this Strawberry Meringue Cake Recipe by serving it in individual jars layered with meringue shards, whipped cream, and berries. Alternatively, create mini versions for a party by making small meringue discs and assembling them into bite-sized delights. Presentation options like these add a personal and fun flair to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, keep your Strawberry Meringue Cake refrigerated, loosely covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days because the meringue will gradually soften as it absorbs moisture from the cream and fruit.
Freezing
Freezing the assembled cake is not recommended, as the texture of the meringue will be compromised and become chewy or soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the baked meringue layers separately in an airtight container for up to one month and assemble the cake fresh when ready.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not necessary or advised. The contrast between crisp meringue and cool whipped cream is what makes this cake so delightful, so enjoy it straight from the fridge for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I make the meringue layers in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake and cool the meringue shells up to several days before assembly. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I skip it?
Cornstarch helps stabilize the meringue and keeps it from weeping, but if you don’t have it, your meringue may be slightly less stable. Adding a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice can sometimes help compensate.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Fresh berries are best for this recipe because frozen ones release extra moisture that can make the meringue soggy. If you have to use frozen berries, thaw and drain them thoroughly before using.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Yes! This Strawberry Meringue Cake Recipe contains no flour, making it naturally gluten-free and a great option for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative?
You can try using coconut cream or another dairy-free whipping cream, but texture and taste may vary. It’s best to use a product that whips well and holds soft peaks for the closest result.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Meringue Cake Recipe is as delightful as eating it. The balance of crunchy meringue, smooth whipped cream, and fresh berries creates a magical dessert that’s sure to wow anyone lucky enough to have a slice. I encourage you to try it for your next celebration or just because you deserve a little sweetness in your day. Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Print
Strawberry Meringue Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Meringue Cake is a light and airy dessert featuring crispy, melt-in-your-mouth meringue layers filled with luscious whipped cream and fresh berries. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful summer treat, it combines the crisp texture of meringue with the sweetness of strawberries and blueberries, enhanced by subtle vanilla and fresh mint.
Ingredients
Meringue
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Whipped Cream Filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Garnish
- 3–4 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Meringue: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the 1 cup of sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the cornstarch to stabilize the meringue. Spoon or pipe the meringue onto parchment-lined baking sheets into desired shapes, typically three or four rounds for layering. Bake for about 1 hour and 45 minutes until dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let the meringue cool inside to prevent cracking.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream with the ¼ cup of sugar and vanilla extract until soft to medium peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat to avoid turning it into butter.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one meringue layer on a serving plate. Spread a third of the whipped cream evenly over it, then scatter a portion of sliced strawberries and some blueberries on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining meringue rounds, whipped cream, and berries. Finish with a generous topping of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, blueberries, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipping.
- Use fresh and ripe berries for the best flavor.
- The cake is best assembled shortly before serving to keep the meringue crisp.
- You can replace blueberries with raspberries or other berries as desired.
- Store any leftovers refrigerated but expect the meringue to lose crispness over time.
