A stunning holiday dessert made from crisp-on-the-outside, marshmallow-soft meringue topped with whipped cream and vibrant seasonal fruit. Light, gluten-free, and beautifully festive.
For the meringue:
4 egg whites (room temperature)
1 cup caster sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the topping:
1 ½ cups heavy cream
2–3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Assorted fruits (berries, pomegranate, kiwi, grapes)
Mint leaves (optional)
Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet and mark a 9-inch circle on parchment.
Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar, whipping to stiff glossy peaks.
Fold in cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla.
Spoon onto parchment and shape into a round with slightly raised edges.
Bake for 90 minutes at 250°F. Turn off oven and let cool inside completely.
Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Top cooled meringue with cream and decorate with fruit and mint.
Serve immediately.
Decorate just before serving to maintain texture.
Make meringue base a day ahead.
Customize with chocolate, citrus, or spice flavors.