Meringue Roulade with Raspberries Recipe

Imagine a dessert that combines the crisp sweetness of meringue with the vibrant tartness of fresh raspberries, wrapped together in a luscious cream cheese frosting. The Meringue Roulade with Raspberries Recipe is exactly that—a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels like a grand celebration on your plate. Perfect for any occasion where you want to impress, this roulade offers delicate textures, bright flavors, and a touch of nutty warmth from roasted pecans. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a favorite to whip up again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the perfect Meringue Roulade with Raspberries Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that’ll wow your taste buds.

• 6 large egg whites (room temperature): Essential for creating the light and airy meringue base that holds everything together.
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue, giving it that glossy finish.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar): Adds acidity to strengthen the egg whites and balance the sweetness.
• ¼ cup cornstarch: Helps create that perfect soft inside and crisp outside texture of the meringue.
• 1 cup pecans: Roasting these brings out their rich, nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• 6 oz fresh or frozen raspberries: The star fruit offering a sweet yet tangy contrast for the sauce.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the raspberry sauce, making it luscious and balanced.
• 3 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the raspberry sauce to just the right consistency for drizzling.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (33-35%): Whipped to fluffy perfection for the creamy frosting layer.
• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Gives the frosting a rich, tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting without overpowering the tartness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla emulsion: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
• 8 oz fresh raspberries (for garnish): A fresh, juicy finish that makes the roulade pop visually and taste-wise.

How to Make Meringue Roulade with Raspberries Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Pecans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a sheet pan and roast them for about 15 minutes, giving them a quick stir halfway through to ensure even roasting. This step amplifies their natural flavor and crunch. Once done, let them cool completely before chopping—this step is crucial to avoid soggy nuts later.

Step 2: Adjust Oven Temperature

Lower your oven temperature to 285°F (140°C). The gentle heat at this stage is key to drying out the meringue properly without browning it too quickly, setting the stage for that ideal crisp-tender roulade texture.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

Whip the room temperature egg whites on medium-high speed until they’re foamy, around 2 minutes. Then, add the granulated sugar slowly, one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the cornstarch and lemon juice to stabilize your meringue and help it hold its shape when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Meringue with Pecans

Spread or pipe the meringue evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the roasted pecans generously on top, pressing them in lightly so they stick. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes until the exterior is crisp but still pliable inside. Then, cool the roulade in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracking.

Step 5: Prepare the Raspberry Sauce

Create the sauce by mashing fresh or thawed frozen raspberries in a saucepan. Add sugar and cornstarch, then bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. Let it simmer for about a minute until it thickens beautifully. Pour the sauce onto a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and chill to keep the flavors fresh for assembly.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip the cream cheese until smooth before adding sugar and vanilla extract. Gradually blend in the whipped cream, whipping after each addition until light and fluffy. This frosting adds the perfect creamy, tangy layer to complement the meringue and fruit.

Step 7: Assemble the Meringue Roulade with Raspberries Recipe

Gently flip the cooled meringue onto a wire rack or clean tea towel. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface, creating a thick, luscious bed. Artfully drizzle your chilled raspberry sauce in a zigzag pattern, followed by a scattering of fresh raspberries. This colorful layering is what makes this roulade so eye-catching and delicious.

Step 8: Roll and Decorate

Carefully roll the meringue from one end, keeping it tight but gentle to avoid cracking. Place the roulade seam side down on your serving dish. Finish by decorating with extra frosting swirls, more raspberry sauce, and fresh raspberries for a stunning final touch.

Step 9: Chill Before Serving

Pop the roulade in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the texture set. This chill time is what transforms it into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece you’ll want to savor.

How to Serve Meringue Roulade with Raspberries Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar or additional fresh raspberries is all you need to elevate the presentation. Mint leaves also add a refreshing pop of green and scent that complements the raspberries beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert platter. The creaminess and coolness pair perfectly with the crisp, sweet roulade.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a party, try slicing the roulade into petite rounds for an elegant finger dessert. You can also pipe the cream cheese frosting decoratively before rolling, adding a swirl of fresh berries inside for a delightful surprise with each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Meringue Roulade with Raspberries Recipe keeps best refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy within 2 days for the best texture and flavor—the meringue may soften over time but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for meringue roulades since the texture can change, you can freeze the unassembled components separately. Freeze the raspberry sauce and cream cheese frosting in airtight containers up to a month. Defrost them in the refrigerator before assembly.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you want to soften the flavors slightly, let slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the cream cheese and meringue to relax.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all work well when roasted and chopped. They each bring a unique flavor but keep in mind that the texture and taste of the roulade will vary slightly.

What if I don’t have fresh raspberries?

Frozen raspberries are a fantastic alternative. Just thaw them before use and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the sauce too watery.

How do I know when the meringue is ready to bake?

Your meringue is ready when it forms stiff, glossy peaks and the sugar is fully dissolved. You can test this by rubbing a bit between your fingers; it should feel smooth, not grainy.

Can this roulade be made gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses no flour. Just be sure any vanilla extracts or additional ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

Why is the lemon juice added to the meringue?

Lemon juice (or vinegar) adds acidity which helps stabilize the egg whites. This means your meringue holds its shape better and has a nicer texture after baking and cooling.

Final Thoughts

Making the Meringue Roulade with Raspberries Recipe is such a rewarding experience—not only because it tastes incredible but because it looks stunning and feels special. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a birthday, or just treating yourself, this roulade strikes the perfect balance between light and indulgent. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and share it with the people you love. I promise it will become one of your treasured recipes in no time!

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