Meringue tower with fruits
Meringue tower with fruits - a light and refreshing summer dessert
Who doesn't love desserts with meringue and fresh fruits? This meringue tower recipe is perfect for hot summer days when you want to cool off with a delicious and elegant dessert. The light meringue cream and sweet fruits combine in a way that will delight your taste buds. It is a simple recipe that you can easily make, even if you have no kitchen experience. Let's discover each step of this delicious recipe together!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 egg whites (about 60 g)
- 130 g powdered sugar
- 80 g ground nuts
- A pinch of salt
- 350 ml liquid cream
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Fresh fruits (currants, mirabelle plums, raspberries, strawberries, or any other preferred seasonal fruits)
- Mint leaves for decoration (optional)
Brief history:
Meringue is a classic preparation in pastry around the world. It was popularized in the 18th century and quickly became a favorite dessert due to its light and sweet texture. Meringue towers are an elegant way to combine meringue with cream or fresh fruits, offering not only a delicious taste but also an attractive presentation.
Preparing the meringue:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by preparing your ingredients. Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature, as they whip better. Use a clean bowl, free of any grease, to beat the egg whites.
2. Whip the egg whites: In your bowl, add the two egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer and beat the egg whites on medium speed until foam starts to form. Then, increase the speed and gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue.
3. Add the nuts: Once the meringue has reached the desired consistency, add the ground nuts. Gently fold in with a spatula, using folding motions to avoid deflating the meringue.
Baking the meringue:
4. Prepare the baking tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a piping bag, form three circles on the parchment paper, each with a diameter of about 15 cm. These will be the layers of your tower.
5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 100°C (low heat). Place the tray in the oven and let the meringues bake for 40-45 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door during baking, as meringue is very sensitive to temperature changes.
6. Cooling the meringue: After the baking time is up, turn off the oven and let the meringues sit in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This will help prevent cracking. Then, remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Preparing the whipped cream:
7. Whip the cream: While the meringues cool, you can prepare the whipped cream. In a cold bowl, add the liquid cream and vanilla sugar. Use the mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or it will turn into butter.
Assembling the tower:
8. Layering: On a serving plate, place the first meringue circle. Using the piping bag, add a generous layer of whipped cream on top. You can also use a spatula to spread the cream evenly.
9. Add the fruits: Sprinkle fresh fruits over the whipped cream layer. You can use currants, mirabelle plums, raspberries, or strawberries, depending on your preferences. Continue layering the meringue, whipped cream, and fruits until all ingredients are used.
10. Decorating: Finally, decorate the tower with fresh fruits and a few mint leaves for a colorful and fresh look.
Serving:
The meringue tower with fruits is best served immediately after assembly to maintain the crispy texture of the meringue. If you prefer, you can keep the meringues and whipped cream separate and assemble the dessert just before serving. This way, you will avoid the meringue absorbing moisture from the cream.
Helpful tip: If you want to add an extra flavor, you can infuse the cream with a little vanilla extract or a few drops of fruit liqueur. Additionally, if you want an even more elegant dessert, you can top it with a white or dark chocolate glaze.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can substitute ground nuts with almonds or pistachios, depending on your preferences.
2. What fruits can I use?
Any seasonal fruit is perfect! Raspberries, strawberries, peaches, or even pineapple can add a delicious tropical note.
3. How can I store the meringues?
Meringues can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but it is recommended to assemble them with cream and fruits just before serving.
Nutritional information:
This dessert is a healthier choice compared to heavier desserts. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the egg whites and healthy fats from the nuts. Fresh fruits add essential vitamins and minerals, making this dessert not only delicious but also nutritious.
Possible variations:
- You can add a layer of dulce de leche or fruit jam between the layers of cream and meringue for an extra flavor boost.
- Another idea would be to use cocoa-flavored cream for an interesting contrast of flavors.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Enjoy this meringue tower with fruits and savor every bite. It is the perfect dessert to share with family and friends, and your success will surely be appreciated. Enjoy!
Ingredients: * 2 egg whites * 130 g powdered sugar * 80 g ground nuts * a pinch of salt * 350 ml liquid cream * 1 vanilla sugar * fruits (currants, mirabelle plums)
