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
Scale
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.
