Romantic Strawberry Meringue Delight
Surprise your loved one with these delightful Romantic Strawberry Meringue Delights! This elegant dessert features light, fluffy meringue hearts filled with creamy vanilla ice cream and topped with fresh, sweet strawberries. Perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, these adorable treats are sure to impress. With a combination of textures and flavors, they make a charming finish to your romantic dinner.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg whites
3 (at room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon (as is)
salt
1 dash (as is)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
red food coloring
as needed (to achieve a delicate pink color)
vanilla ice cream
1 quart (softened slightly)
strawberries
1 pint (sliced)
mint leaves
for garnish (fresh (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2
To create a guide for the meringue hearts, cut out a heart pattern from a 4-1/2 inch square of paper. Line a baking sheet with clean brown paper, placing the heart pattern underneath.
3
In a large bowl, combine the egg whites, vanilla extract, cream of tartar, and dash of salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until frothy.
4
Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Beat until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and the sugar is fully dissolved—about 5-7 minutes. You can test this by rubbing a small amount between your fingers; it should feel smooth, without any graininess.
5
Add a few drops of red food coloring and gently fold until you achieve a delicate pink hue throughout the meringue mixture.
6
Using a spatula, spread the meringue over the heart outlines on the paper, making sure it is about 1/4 inch thick. Use a spoon or a pastry tube to pipe the meringue vertically around the edges, creating raised borders about 3/4 inch high.
7
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour has elapsed, turn off the oven and allow the meringues to dry inside for an additional hour—do not open the oven door during this time.
8
Once dry, carefully remove the meringues from the paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
9
To serve, fill each cooled meringue heart with scoops of softened vanilla ice cream. Top generously with sliced strawberries and, if desired, garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Romantic Strawberry Meringue Delight?
It is an elegant dessert featuring light, fluffy meringue hearts filled with creamy vanilla ice cream and topped with fresh, sweet strawberries.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the meringue?
The main ingredients include 3 egg whites, vanilla extract, cream of tartar, a dash of salt, and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
How do I create the heart shape for the meringues?
Cut a heart pattern from a 4-1/2 inch square of paper and place it under clean brown paper on a baking sheet to use as a guide.
Should the egg whites be at room temperature?
Yes, for the best results, the 3 egg whites should be at room temperature.
How do I start the meringue mixture?
Combine egg whites, vanilla extract, cream of tartar, and a dash of salt in a large bowl and beat on medium speed until frothy.
How should the sugar be added to the egg whites?
Gradually add the sugar one tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat on high speed.
How long should I beat the meringue mixture?
Beat for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and the sugar is fully dissolved.
How can I check if the sugar is fully dissolved in the meringue?
Rub a small amount of the mixture between your fingers; it should feel smooth without any graininess.
How do I get the pink color for the meringue?
Add a few drops of red food coloring and gently fold it into the mixture until you achieve a delicate pink hue.
How thick should the meringue base be?
Spread the meringue over the heart outlines to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
How do I create the borders of the meringue hearts?
Use a spoon or a pastry tube to pipe the meringue vertically around the edges to create borders about 3/4 inch high.
How long do the meringues bake?
The meringues should bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
What should I do after the one-hour baking time is finished?
Turn off the oven and allow the meringues to dry inside for an additional hour without opening the oven door.
Can I open the oven while the meringues are drying?
No, it is important to keep the oven door closed during the one-hour drying period.
How do I handle the meringues once they are dry?
Carefully remove them from the brown paper and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
What is the filling for these meringue hearts?
Fill each cooled meringue heart with scoops of softened vanilla ice cream.
How are the strawberries prepared for the topping?
The strawberries should be sliced before being placed on top of the ice cream.
Is there a recommended garnish?
Yes, you can garnish the dessert with fresh mint leaves if desired.
How much ice cream is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 quart of vanilla ice cream, slightly softened.
How many strawberries are required?
The recipe calls for 1 pint of strawberries.
What kind of sugar is best for this recipe?
Granulated sugar is used for the meringue mixture.
What equipment is needed to beat the egg whites?
An electric mixer is recommended to achieve the necessary stiff peaks.
What type of paper is recommended for lining the baking sheet?
The instructions specify using clean brown paper.
Can I use a pastry tube for the meringue?
Yes, a pastry tube can be used to pipe the vertical borders for a more precise look.
What is the purpose of the cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar helps to stabilize the egg whites and create a fluffy meringue.
Is this dessert suitable for Valentine's Day?
Yes, the heart-shaped meringues and pink color make it perfect for Valentine's Day or any romantic occasion.
Should the ice cream be hard or soft when serving?
The ice cream should be slightly softened to make it easier to scoop into the meringue hearts.
What texture should the baked meringue have?
The meringue should be light, fluffy, and completely dry after the baking and cooling process.