White Chocolate And Strawberry Meringue Nests

These white chocolate and strawberry meringue nests are light, crisp, and beautifully elegant. I love how the delicate meringue shells hold a creamy filling and fresh strawberries, making them a perfect dessert for celebrations or a special treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how the meringues are crisp on the outside but soft in the middle, creating the perfect base for sweet toppings. The optional white chocolate ganache adds richness, while the strawberries and coulis bring freshness and balance. It’s a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make, and I enjoy serving it when I want something both light and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
Meringue Nests
2 Egg Whites
100 g Caster Sugar
½ tsp Lemon Juice

White Chocolate Ganache Filling (Optional)
150 g White Chocolate
70 ml Double Cream

Strawberries To Garnish (Optional)

Strawberry Coulis (Optional)
150 g Strawberries
50 g Icing Sugar

Directions

1. I start by preheating my oven to 120°C (250°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. I whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then slowly add the sugar, continuing to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks appear.
3. I gently fold in the lemon juice, which helps stabilize the meringue.
4. Using a piping bag, I pipe nests onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a slight hollow in the center for filling.
5. I bake the nests for about 1 hour until crisp, then turn off the oven and let them cool completely inside.
6. For the ganache, I heat the cream until steaming, then pour it over the chopped white chocolate. I stir until smooth and let it cool until slightly thickened.
7. For the coulis, I blend strawberries with icing sugar until smooth, straining out the seeds if I want a finer sauce.
8. To assemble, I fill each meringue nest with ganache (if using), top with strawberries, and drizzle with coulis.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 meringue nests. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare, 1 hour to bake, and additional cooling time, so I usually set aside about 2 hours in total.

Variations

• I sometimes skip the ganache for a lighter version and simply use whipped cream.
• Instead of strawberries, I’ve used raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries.
• For a more festive touch, I drizzle melted dark chocolate over the nests.
• I occasionally flavor the meringue with a drop of vanilla or almond extract.

Storage/Reheating

I store unfilled meringue nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Once filled, they should be eaten the same day, as the moisture from the filling softens them. The coulis and ganache can be kept separately in the fridge for 2–3 days.

FAQs

Why do I need lemon juice in the meringue?

I add it because it stabilizes the egg whites and helps them hold their shape while baking.

Can I use granulated sugar instead of caster sugar?

Yes, but I prefer caster sugar because it dissolves more easily into the egg whites.

How do I know when the meringues are done?

I check if they lift easily off the parchment and feel dry to the touch; they should not be browned.

Can I make the meringues ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the nests in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to fill.

What’s the best way to pipe the nests?

I like using a star nozzle to create pretty swirls, but any piping tip works fine.

Can I skip the white chocolate ganache?

Yes, I often use whipped cream or yogurt instead if I want something lighter.

How do I prevent the meringues from cracking?

I let them cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the coulis?

Yes, I thaw them first and then blend with icing sugar as usual.

Do the meringue nests have to be perfectly shaped?

Not at all—I find that even rustic-looking nests still look beautiful once filled and garnished.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely, I often make a larger batch for gatherings, baking them in two trays if needed.

Conclusion

I love how these white chocolate and strawberry meringue nests look elegant yet are simple to make. With their crisp shells, creamy filling, and fruity topping, they always impress guests and bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion.

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