Fruit Topped Meringue

Fruit topped meringue is a quintessential British dessert that brings together the perfect blend of textures and flavours. With a deep, crisp meringue base, a generous layer of thick, velvety cream, and a vibrant topping of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, this dessert is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

The Allure of Meringue

Meringue, with its light and airy texture, is the foundation of this delightful dish. The meringue base is typically made by whisking egg whites and sugar until they form stiff peaks, creating a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior. This contrast in textures makes meringue the perfect base for a range of toppings, but it truly shines when paired with fresh cream and berries.

A Perfect Balance of Flavours

What makes fruit topped meringue so special is the harmony of flavours it offers. The sweetness of the meringue is perfectly balanced by the slight tartness of the berries. Strawberries, with their juicy, sweet flavour, complement the meringue beautifully, while blueberries add a burst of tanginess. Raspberries, with their delicate, slightly sharp taste, round off the trio, ensuring that each bite is a perfect blend of sweet and tart.

The Creamy Layer

The thick layer of cream is another essential component of this dessert. It adds a rich, luxurious texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp meringue. The cream also acts as a canvas, allowing the flavours of the berries to stand out. Whether whipped to soft peaks or left slightly more fluid, the cream should be of high quality to enhance the overall taste of the dessert.

Visual Appeal

Fruit topped meringue is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The bright red of the strawberries, deep blue of the blueberries, and vivid raspberries create a stunning visual contrast against the pale cream and golden meringue. This makes it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion, from summer picnics to festive gatherings.

This dessert is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. While strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are classic choices, other fruits like kiwi, passion fruit, or even pomegranate seeds can be used for a unique twist. The meringue can be shaped into individual nests or one large base, depending on your preference. Suggestions for other suitable fruit include: You can experiment with various fruits to customise your fruit topped meringue. Here are some other delicious options:

Kiwi: Adds a vibrant green colour and a refreshing tartness.

Mango: Offers a tropical sweetness and a soft, juicy texture.

Pineapple: Provides a tangy, sweet flavour with a bit of crunch.

Pomegranate Seeds: Adds a burst of colour and a juicy, slightly tart taste.

Passion Fruit: Brings a unique, tangy flavour with a bit of crunch from the seeds.

Peaches or Nectarines: These add a juicy, sweet flavour and can be sliced or diced for easy topping.

Blackberries: Offer a deeper berry flavour with a hint of tartness.

Figs: Provide a rich, sweet flavour and an elegant look.

Cherries: Add a sweet, juicy burst with a slight tang.

Apples or Pears: Thinly sliced, these fruits add a crisp texture and subtle sweetness.

These fruits can be used alone or combined for a more complex flavour profile, allowing you to tailor the dessert to your tastes or the season.

Fruit topped meringue is a dessert that epitomises the beauty of simplicity. With just a few ingredients, it delivers a delightful experience that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether enjoyed as a summer treat or a festive dessert, its timeless appeal ensures that it remains a beloved favourite in British cuisine.

Fruit Topped Meringue

A classic British dessert featuring a crisp meringue base, luxurious cream, and a vibrant topping of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. This fruit topped meringue is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, combining sweetness, creaminess, and the fresh zing of berries in every bite.

4.78 from 62 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Bake, Dairy, Eggs, Fruit, Fruit Meringue, Meringue, Pavlova

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Cooling Time: 6 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours

Servings: 8 Portions

Calories: 285kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

Meringue Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites free range
• 225 g caster sugar
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 300 ml double cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp icing sugar
• 200 g strawberries hulled and halved
• 150 g blueberries
• 150 g raspberries

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 140°C (fan) or 120°C/ 250°F/gas mark 1.
• In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
  4 large egg whites, 225 g caster sugar
• Gently fold in the white wine vinegar, cornflour, and vanilla extract.
  1 tsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp cornflour, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spoon the meringue mixture onto the tray, forming a circle about 20cm in diameter. Use the back of a spoon to create a slight dip in the centre, leaving the edges higher.
• Place the meringue in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringue inside to cool completely.
• Once the meringue has cooled, whip the double cream with the vanilla extract and icing sugar until it forms soft peaks.
  300 ml double cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp icing sugar
• Transfer the meringue base to a serving plate. Spoon the whipped cream into the centre of the meringue, spreading it evenly. Arrange the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries on top of the cream.
  200 g strawberries, 150 g blueberries, 150 g raspberries
• Serve immediately, slicing the meringue into portions to enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 574IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 0.4mg