I recently learned that “gluten-free desserts made with normal ingredients” is one of the top searched phrases online when it comes to living a gluten-free lifestyle, and I’ve never related to anything harder. Forget gluten free flours that all bake and cook differently from one aother, or even mixing up your own blend. Berries in a Cloud is a dream of a gluten free dessert recipe. No flour needed, rather, just a handful of everyday ingredients. Plus they’re as delicious to devour as they are to look at. Each lemon curd and berry-topped cloud looks like a work of art!
Easy Gluten Free Dessert Recipe
The Berries in a Cloud base — the “cloud” if you will — is a meringue cup which is simply egg whites whipped with sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until fluffy like a cloud. Dollop the mixture onto a baking sheet then bake low and slow for a couple hours and you’ll have meringue that’s crispy on the outside and cotton candy-esque on the inside. Each meringue cup is filled with chilled, Homemade Lemon Curd which itself is made from just 6 ingredients plus salt. Top with fresh berries and you’ve got an elegant, gluten free, grain free dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re especially a hit at baby and bridal showers, in my experience!
Now, I must tell you that Berries in a Cloud is not my creation. A good friend’s Mom (hi Becky!) used to make us girls this dessert for special occasions in high school, though she’d make a giant meringue, called a pavlova, instead of small cups then fill the center with whippy chocolate mousse before adding fresh berries. I KNOW. Whether you fill each fluffy “cloud” with chocolate mousse or homemade lemon curd, you’ll be delighted with the outcome!
Try my Gluten Free Angel Food Cake
How to Make Berries in a Cloud
Step 1: Make the meringues.
Start by adding 2 large egg whites to a large glass bowl if you’re using a handheld mixer, or to the bowl of an electric mixer, then let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Fit the mixer with the whisk attachment then whip on medium-high speed until the egg whites are foamy, about 30 seconds. Add a pinch of salt then continue whipping until soft peaks form – that is, the egg whites fall right back over themselves after pulling up with the whisk – another 30 seconds.
With the speed still set to medium-high, add 1/2 cup sugar 1 Tablespoon at a time, whipping for 30-45 seconds before adding the next Tablespoon. The goal here is to let the sugar dissolve completely before adding another Tablespoon. After all the sugar has been added, scrape down the sides of the bowl then continue whipping until the meringue is glossy and completely smooth. Test this by rubbing a dollop of meringue between your fingertips. If you can still feel sugar granules, keep whipping. Last step is to whip in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
Step 3: Bake the meringues.
Using 2 spoons, scoop the meringue onto a parchment paper-lined half sheet pan to form 8 mounds then use the back of the spoon to create a divot in the centers. The meringues will puff slightly during baking so leave at least an inch between them.
Pro tip: place a dollop of meringue between the sheet pan and parchment paper in the corners so it stays in place!
Bake for 1-1/2 to 2 hours at 200 degrees, rotating the pan halfway through, or until the meringues are dry on the outside and pull away from the parchment paper without sticking. The meringues should NOT be golden brown, rather they will be a super light champagne color. Turn the oven OFF then prop the door open slightly and let the meringues cool inside for 1-2 hours before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. You can make these 1-2 days ahead of time.
The result? A crispy exterior with a chewy, cotton candy interior. You will be amazed and so proud of yourself for pulling these meringues off!
When you’re ready to serve, plate the meringue cups then fill with chilled, hommeade lemon curd and fresh berries – blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries really pop against the bright yellow curd. I hope you LOVE this easy yet elegant spring dessert recipe (made with normal ingredients). ;) Enjoy!
More Fresh Dessert Recipes
Gluten Free Blueberry Pie Bars Gluten Free Lemon Curd Triple Berry Crumb Bars Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake Best Ever Fruit Dip Gluten Free Angel Food Cake
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