Valentine’s Day Meringues Filled With Dulce de Leche and Strawberry
Delicate meringues filled with ice cream, strawberry, and dulce de leche make the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert. Light, romantic, and easy to prepare.
I tried this dessert for the first time in a restaurant in Caracas, Venezuela, and I fell in love immediately. It looked delicate, almost too pretty to touch, but the first bite changed everything. Crunchy meringue, cold ice cream, creamy dulce de leche, and fresh strawberry. It felt romantic, light, and fun all at once.
Making it at home for Valentine’s Day feels like the right moment. It is simple, special, and meant to be shared.
Ingredients
Meringues
3 large egg whites, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
Ice cream
Dulce de leche
Fresh strawberries, sliced
How to Make the Pink Meringues
1. Prepare the oven and tray
Preheat the oven to 160°C / 320°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper so the meringues do not stick and keep their shape.
2. Start whipping the egg whites
Place the egg whites and a pinch of salt in a clean, dry bowl. Beat on medium speed until they look foamy and slightly white. This helps the egg whites start holding air.
3. Add the sugar slowly
With the mixer running, add the sugar one tablespoon at a time. Take your time. This is what gives you a smooth, glossy meringue instead of a grainy one.
4. Whip until stiff and glossy
Keep beating until the meringue looks thick and shiny. When you lift the whisk, the peak should stand up without falling over.
5. Add vanilla
Add the vanilla. Mix gently.
6. Shape the meringue nests
Spoon the meringue onto the prepared tray. Using the back of the spoon, gently press the center to create a small nest shape. This will hold the filling later. Try to keep them similar in size.
7. Bake and let them dry
Bake for 30 minutes, until the meringues feel set. Turn off the oven and leave them inside with the door slightly open until completely cool. This helps them stay crisp.
8. Fill the Meringues
Make sure the meringues are completely cool before filling them.
Spoon a small amount of dulce de leche into the center of each meringue nest. Add sliced strawberries, then finish with a scoop of ice cream.
These meringues are best prepared and eaten right away. If not, it is better to assemble them just before serving so the texture stays perfect.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Valentine’s Day
These meringues feel light, romantic, and intentional. The soft pink color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day, and the contrast between crisp meringue and creamy filling makes every bite interesting.
They look elegant without being complicated, which makes them ideal for a special occasion that should still feel relaxed and enjoyable.
Troubleshooting
· Meringues turned soft or sticky
This is usually caused by humidity or not enough drying time. Leave them longer in the turned off oven with the door slightly open.
· The meringue feels grainy
The sugar was added too quickly. Add it slowly and keep whipping until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
· Meringues cracked
The oven temperature may be too high. Meringues bake best with low, gentle heat.
· Ice cream melts too fast
Fill the meringues just before serving, or freeze them for 10 to 15 minutes after filling.
Brilliant point about the contrast between textures beign what makes this work. The interplay between crunchy meringue, cold cream, and warm dulce de leche is sensory layering at its best. Once made something similar with pavlova and realized timing is everything - assemble too early and the meringue gets soggy, wait too long and people are hovering impatienlty. That restaurant in Caracas must have nailed the sweet spot.