Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests Recipe

Are you in the mood for a sweet and tangy treat? Look no further! Our Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. This recipe combines the light, airy texture of meringue with the juicy sweetness of strawberries and the rich creaminess of whipped cream. Topped with pound cake cubes for a bit of added indulgence, these meringue nests are sure to impress at your next gathering.

Photos of Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests Recipe

While most ingredients in this recipe are likely already in your kitchen, there are a couple you may need to pick up. Meringues require egg whites, so if you usually only buy whole eggs, keep that in mind. It's also important to use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor. Finally, a good quality pound cake will elevate your dessert, so choose wisely!

Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests Ingredients

Sugar: Used to sweeten both meringue and strawberry puree.

Egg whites: They provide structure and lift to our meringue nests.

Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and aids in stiffening the meringue.

Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the meringue.

Strawberries: They make a sweet and tangy puree that complements the meringue and whipped cream.

Lemon juice: Enhances the flavor of the strawberries.

Whipped cream: Adds a creamy, light texture that pairs well with the crisp meringue and sweet strawberries.

Pound cake: Adds a bit of indulgence and variety in texture to the final dessert.

One reader, Agneta Moore says:

This strawberry shortcake meringue nests recipe is a delightful treat! The meringue nests are light and crispy, and the combination of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and pound cake is simply divine. The flavors and textures blend perfectly, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. Highly recommended!

Agneta Moore

Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests

How to make meringue nests: A step-by-step guide on creating the perfect meringue nests, including tips for achieving the right texture and shape.

How to make strawberry puree: Instructions for creating a smooth and flavorful strawberry puree, including the process of macerating and cooking the strawberries.

How to assemble the strawberry shortcake meringue nests: A detailed guide on how to layer the whipped cream, pound cake cubes, and strawberry puree to create the final dessert presentation.

How To Make Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests

Meringue nests are the perfect treat to cap off the summer picnic. Make this strawberry shortcake to put on top of the meringue nest. It’s frothy and creamy

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupsugar,divided
4large egg whites,room temperature
1pinchkosher salt
½tspvanilla extract
2cupsstrawberry,hulled and thinly sliced, plus 2 hulled and quartered, divided
1½tsplemon juice
2cupswhipped cream,lightly sweetened
1cuppound cake,cubed

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread ¾ cup of sugar on the baking sheet, then bake for 7 minutes to warm. Remove the sugar from the oven and leave the oven on.
In a large clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric hand mixer on low speed until foamy, then add the salt.
While beating, add the warm sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, gradually increasing the mixer speed, until thick and shiny peaks form, for about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the vanilla and fold in until just incorporated.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Heap 10 equal scoops of meringue onto the baking sheets, spacing at least 1-inch apart. Use the back of a spoon to create a divot in the center of each mound.
Bake for about 90 minutes, until the meringues lift cleanly off the parchment. Once done, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool in the oven for 2 hours, up to overnight. When removed from the oven, the meringues should sound hollow when tapped.
Meanwhile, make the strawberry puree: In a small saucepan, combine the thinly sliced strawberries, ¼ cup of sugar, and the lemon juice and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate, until some of the juices have released.
Transfer the pan to the stove and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, until the strawberries have slightly softened but are still vibrant red.
Remove from heat and push through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. Let cool. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
To serve, heap ¼ cup of whipped cream onto each meringue nest.
Top with 1 heaping tablespoon pound cake cubes and 2 tablespoons quartered strawberries. Drizzle each with 2 tablespoons of strawberry puree.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 236.43kcal
Fat: 6.62g
Saturated Fat: 3.16g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.66g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.95g
Carbohydrates: 42.08g
Fiber: 0.90g
Sugar: 35.69g
Protein: 3.66g
Cholesterol: 26.25mg
Sodium: 128.78mg
Calcium: 33.31mg
Potassium: 142.48mg
Iron: 0.52mg
Vitamin A: 44.33µg
Vitamin C: 22.71mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Meringue Nests

When making your meringue, ensure that your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any trace of grease or water can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly. Also, adding the sugar gradually allows it to dissolve into the egg whites, resulting in a smoother, glossier meringue. Lastly, allowing the meringues to cool in the oven helps prevent them from cracking.

Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Use store-bought pound cake: Save time by using store-bought pound cake instead of making it from scratch.

Make the meringues in advance: Prepare the meringue nests ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to save time on the day of serving.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to minimize time spent searching for tools and ingredients.

Use an electric mixer: Utilize an electric mixer to beat the egg whites and sugar for the meringue, saving time and effort compared to hand mixing.

Prep the strawberry puree in advance: Make the strawberry puree ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use, cutting down on last-minute preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests Recipe

sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a unique flavor to the meringue nests.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped into a foam similar to egg whites and used as a vegan alternative.
strawberry - Substitute with raspberry: Raspberries can provide a similar tartness and sweetness to the dessert while adding a different flavor profile.
whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a hint of coconut flavor to the dessert.
pound cake - Substitute with angel food cake: Angel food cake can be a lighter alternative to pound cake, adding a different texture and flavor to the dessert.

Presenting Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests

Elevate the meringue nests: Gently shape the meringue nests into delicate, uniform shapes, ensuring they are visually appealing and elegant.
Artful strawberry arrangement: Arrange the fresh strawberries in a visually stunning and artistic manner, creating a focal point that showcases the vibrant colors and natural beauty of the fruit.
Whipped cream precision: Use a piping bag to expertly pipe the whipped cream onto the meringue nests, ensuring each dollop is perfectly formed and adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Pound cake cubes placement: Carefully position the pound cake cubes around the meringue nests, creating a balanced and visually pleasing composition that complements the overall presentation.
Strawberry puree drizzle: Skillfully drizzle the strawberry puree over the dessert with precision, creating an elegant and refined finishing touch that adds a pop of color and flavor.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the dessert with edible flowers, such as delicate rose petals or vibrant pansies, enhancing the overall visual appeal and providing a subtle, floral aroma.
Use fine dining plating techniques: Employ fine dining plating techniques, such as negative space and strategic placement, to create a visually striking presentation that reflects precision and attention to detail.
Incorporate geometric elements: Introduce geometric elements into the presentation, such as angular placement of components or the use of geometric patterns, to add a modern and artistic flair to the dessert.
Utilize contrasting textures: Incorporate contrasting textures, such as smooth whipped cream against the crisp meringue nests and tender strawberries, to create a visually dynamic and intriguing presentation that engages the senses.
Highlight with gold leaf accents: Add a touch of luxury and refinement by delicately applying edible gold leaf accents to the dessert, elevating the presentation with a subtle shimmer and opulent aesthetic.

Essential Tools for Making Meringue Nests

Oven: You will need an oven to bake the meringue nests at a low temperature.
Electric hand mixer: This will be used to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks when making the meringue.
Baking sheet: Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to bake the meringue nests.
Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meringue from sticking.
Saucepan: A saucepan will be used to cook the strawberry puree.
Fine-mesh sieve: This will help strain the strawberry puree to remove any seeds.

Interesting Trivia About Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests

Meringue nests are a versatile dessert option and can be filled with a variety of fruits and toppings, making them a customizable treat for any occasion.

Is Making Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests at Home Cost-Effective?

This strawberry shortcake meringue nests recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as sugar, egg whites, and strawberries, are generally affordable and readily available. However, the cost may increase if high-quality or organic ingredients are preferred. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Considering the delightful flavors and impressive presentation, the overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10. The combination of crispy meringue, luscious strawberries, and creamy whipped cream creates a delightful dessert that is worth the investment.

Is This Dessert Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This strawberry shortcake meringue nests recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

High sugar content: The recipe calls for a significant amount of sugar in both the meringue and the strawberry puree, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues like obesity and diabetes.
Refined carbohydrates: Pound cake, a key component of the dessert, is typically made with refined flour, which lacks fiber and essential nutrients.
High fat content: Whipped cream is high in saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can lead to increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.
Limited nutritional value: While strawberries offer some vitamins and antioxidants, the overall nutritional value of this dessert is relatively low.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the sugar content in the meringue and strawberry puree, or use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract as a partial replacement.
Replace the pound cake with a whole grain or almond flour-based cake to increase fiber and nutrient content.
Use a lower-fat whipped cream alternative, such as whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt, to reduce saturated fat intake.
Increase the proportion of strawberries in the recipe to boost the dessert's vitamin and antioxidant content.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the topping for an extra crunch and a dose of healthy fats and proteins.

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this strawberry shortcake meringue nests recipe without compromising on taste and texture.

Editor's Opinion on These Delightful Meringue Nests

The strawberry shortcake meringue nests recipe is a delightful and elegant dessert option. The meringue nests are beautifully crisp on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside, providing a delightful contrast of textures. The addition of the strawberry puree adds a burst of fruity flavor, complemented by the light and airy whipped cream. The use of pound cake adds a delightful richness to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Enhance Your Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Salad: Create a refreshing mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing to complement the sweetness of the meringue nests.

Grilled Vegetables: Serve a colorful array of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, seasoned with herbs and olive oil for a savory side dish.

Fruit Kabobs: Skewer a variety of fresh fruits, such as pineapple, mango, and kiwi, for a fun and vibrant side dish that pairs well with the strawberry shortcake meringue nests.

Soup: Prepare a light and creamy tomato basil soup to serve alongside the dessert for a comforting and satisfying contrast of flavors.

Roast Chicken: Roast a whole chicken with herbs and garlic to serve as a hearty and savory accompaniment to the sweet and airy meringue nests.

Similar Dessert Recipes to Try

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, it's a comforting dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: This zesty lemon chicken recipe is a burst of citrusy flavor in every bite. The tangy marinade infuses the chicken with a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Refreshing Watermelon Salad: This refreshing watermelon salad is a delightful mix of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mint. It's a light and flavorful dish that's perfect for a summer barbecue or picnic.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy mushroom risotto that's rich in flavor and velvety in texture. The earthy mushrooms and creamy rice make for a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a special dinner at home.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant caprese skewers, featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a balsamic glaze. A refreshing and colorful appetizer that's sure to please.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy, rich pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious Alfredo sauce. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please any pasta lover.

Beef Stroganoff: Savor the hearty and comforting flavors of tender beef and savory mushrooms in a creamy sauce, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. This classic dish is a timeless favorite that never fails to delight the taste buds.

Why trust this Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its meringue nests that are light and airy, providing a perfect base for the luscious strawberry puree and fresh whipped cream. The careful instructions ensure that the meringues are perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy on the inside. The addition of pound cake adds a delightful texture, making this dessert a true crowd-pleaser. The strawberry puree is made with fresh, vibrant strawberries and a touch of lemon juice, ensuring a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

Want to share your experience making these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Meringue Nests or discuss the recipe further? Join the conversation in our Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using in the recipe.

Can I make the meringue nests in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the meringue nests in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can I substitute the pound cake with another type of cake?

Yes, you can substitute the pound cake with other types of cake such as sponge cake or angel food cake for a different flavor and texture.

Can I use a hand whisk instead of an electric hand mixer for the meringue?

While it is possible to use a hand whisk, it will require more effort and time to achieve the desired consistency for the meringue.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream as a time-saving alternative, but freshly whipped cream will provide the best flavor and texture for the dessert.