A Delightful Dessert Experience
Looking for a light and airy dessert that feels like a cloud of sweetness? Enter Meringue Shells with Cream and Berries! These delightful treats are not only visually stunning but are also a symphony of textures and flavors. The crispness of the meringue, the lusciousness of the cream, and the burst of fresh berries come together to create a heavenly dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Fun fact: meringue has been around since the 17th century and is loved across various cultures! What makes this recipe even more enticing is its simplicity and quick preparation time, making it perfect for a family gathering or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the cream
- Fresh mixed berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip the Egg Whites: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. This process may take about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Gently fold in the vanilla extract being careful not to deflate the meringue.
- Pipe the Meringue: Use a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle to pipe circular nests onto the prepared baking sheet, creating a well in the center of each.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside for another hour.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Assemble: Once the meringue shells are cool, fill each shell with whipped cream and top with fresh berries. Serve immediately!