Meringue with hazelnuts and raspberries

The perfect dessert to impress your guests or simply to indulge yourself is undoubtedly the meringue with hazelnuts and raspberries. This recipe is not only easy to make, but the final result is a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will captivate you from the first bite. The meringue, with its crispy exterior and soft interior, along with the whipped cream and raspberry filling, creates a perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

For the meringues:
- 3 large egg whites (approximately 90 g)
- 160 g granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 80 g hazelnuts

For the filling:
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 100 ml cooking cream
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings (optional, for decoration)
- Raspberries (fresh or frozen)

A brief history

Meringues are a classic delicacy with origins dating back centuries. They have been used as a base for many desserts and pastries, becoming a symbol of culinary refinement. Combining them with crunchy hazelnuts and berries, such as raspberries, is a modern reinterpretation that brings a fresh and vibrant air to this traditional dessert.

Step by step: Making hazelnut and raspberry meringue

1. Preparing the hazelnuts

Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast them for 10 minutes, until they are golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly, then rub them between your palms to remove the skins. Grind the hazelnuts in a food processor or a nut grinder until they are finely chopped, but not too fine.

2. Preparing the meringue

Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature, as this will help them whip better. In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them until you achieve stiff peaks. While continuing to mix, gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring that the sugar completely dissolves before adding the next portion. In the end, the meringue should be glossy and form stiff peaks.

3. Incorporating the hazelnuts

Use a spatula to gently fold the ground hazelnuts into the meringue, using an up-and-down motion. This step is essential to keep the air in the meringue.

4. Shaping the meringues

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare a piping bag with a star tip and fill it with the meringue, using the technique of holding the bag with the tip in a glass. This will make it easier to fill without making a mess. Form small nests with a diameter of 6-7 cm, starting from the center and gently raising the edges.

5. Baking

Bake the meringues in the preheated oven (180°C or 160°C with fan) for 40-45 minutes, until they are firm and crumbly. After turning off the oven, leave the meringues inside for another hour, with the door slightly ajar, to dry completely.

6. Preparing the filling

While the meringues are cooling, you can prepare the filling. Whip the heavy cream and cooking cream in a bowl until they become thick. Add the powdered sugar and continue to whip until you achieve stiff peaks. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.

7. Assembling

Fill each meringue nest with whipped cream, then add the raspberries on top. You can use fresh or frozen raspberries, depending on your preference. For a more sophisticated look and taste, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.

Helpful tips

1. Choosing the hazelnuts: Make sure the hazelnuts are fresh and of good quality. Roasted hazelnuts add extra flavor and crunch.
2. Ingredient temperature: Use room temperature egg whites for better results. If you have time, separate the egg whites a few hours before using them.
3. Baking: Pay attention to the baking time. The meringues are done when they are firm to the touch and do not collapse when lifted from the baking sheet.
4. Decoration: You can use other berries, such as blackberries or blueberries, to vary the flavor and appearance of the dessert.

Possible variations

- Nut meringue: Replace the hazelnuts with walnuts or pistachios for a different version.
- Added flavors: You can add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the meringue for an extra flavor boost.
- Chocolate filling: Try replacing the whipped cream with chocolate mousse for a decadent version.

Conclusion

The hazelnut and raspberry meringue is an elegant and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for any occasion. It combines the delicacy of meringue with the richness of hazelnuts and the freshness of raspberries, offering an explosion of flavors with every bite. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy a unique culinary experience. Whether you serve it at a party or as a personal treat, this dessert will surely become one of your favorites!