Berry meringue hearts are a delightful dessert that marries the light, airy texture of meringue with the vibrant flavors of fresh berries. These charming treats are not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying, making them perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With their crisp exterior and soft, marshmallow-like interior, berry meringue hearts are sure to capture the hearts of anyone who tries them.
Meringue is a classic dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar, often baked until crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. This recipe adds a fruity twist by incorporating fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, into the meringue mixture. The result is a burst of flavor with every bite, making these meringue hearts a delightful treat for any occasion.
Berry Meringue Hearts
Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup mixed berries strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, finely chopped
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This may take about 7-8 minutes.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract and chopped mixed berries until evenly distributed throughout the meringue mixture.
- Spoon the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip or simply use a spoon to dollop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into heart shapes.
- Bake the meringue hearts in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until they are dry and crisp on the outside. The insides should remain soft and marshmallow-like.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringue hearts inside to cool completely with the oven door slightly ajar. This helps prevent them from cracking.
- Once cooled, carefully remove the meringue hearts from the baking sheet and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Dust the meringue hearts with powdered sugar just before serving for a decorative touch.
- Enjoy these delightful berry meringue hearts as a light and airy dessert that’s bursting with fruity flavor!
Notes
- Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease or residue before whipping the egg whites. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from reaching their full volume.
- You can customize the flavor of these meringue hearts by using different types of berries or adding a hint of lemon zest for extra freshness.
- Store any leftover meringue hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as they may become sticky.
- Serve these meringue hearts on their own as a light dessert, or pair them with whipped cream and extra fresh berries for an extra indulgent treat.
