Mascarpone Cream with Salted Caramel and Baked Meringues

As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something special for my family. That’s why I adore this Mascarpone Cream with Salted Caramel and Baked Meringues. It’s a delightful treat that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to make. Imagine creamy mascarpone, rich salted caramel, and light, airy meringues all coming together in one beautiful dessert. This recipe is perfect for impressing loved ones or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Trust me, it’s a sweet escape you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Mascarpone Cream with Salted Caramel and Baked Meringues

This dessert is a game-changer for busy days. It combines ease and elegance, making it perfect for any occasion. The creamy mascarpone pairs beautifully with the rich salted caramel, creating a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, the baked meringues add a delightful crunch. You can whip it up in no time, making it a fantastic choice for last-minute gatherings or a cozy night in!

Ingredients for Mascarpone Cream with Salted Caramel and Baked Meringues

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mascarpone cheese: This creamy Italian cheese is the star of the show, providing a rich and velvety texture.
Heavy cream: Whipping this adds lightness to the mascarpone, creating a luscious cream that melts in your mouth.
Powdered sugar: This sweetener dissolves easily, giving the mascarpone cream a smooth finish without any graininess.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this aromatic essence enhances the overall flavor, making it even more irresistible.
Granulated sugar (for caramel): This is the key ingredient for your salted caramel, transforming into a golden syrup with a deep flavor.
Water (for caramel): Just a bit of water helps dissolve the sugar, ensuring a smooth caramel without any clumps.
Sea salt: A pinch of this elevates the caramel, balancing the sweetness and adding a delightful contrast.
Egg whites: These are essential for making the baked meringues, providing that airy texture we all love.
Granulated sugar (for meringues): This sugar is whipped with egg whites to create those beautiful, crisp meringues.

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or brands of mascarpone and vanilla to make this dessert your own!

How to Make Mascarpone Cream with Salted Caramel and Baked Meringues

Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream

Start by pouring the heavy cream into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip it on medium speed until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip; you want it fluffy, not grainy. The whipped cream will add a lightness to the mascarpone cream, making it a delightful treat!

Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture

In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix them together until smooth and creamy. I like to use a spatula for this, as it helps to fold everything gently. Once combined, you’ll have a luscious base that’s just begging for the whipped cream to join in!

Step 3: Make the Salted Caramel

Now, let’s dive into the salted caramel. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; you want it to turn a beautiful golden color. Once it does, remove it from the heat and stir in the sea salt. This step is crucial, as the salt will enhance the caramel’s flavor, making it irresistible!

Step 4: Create the Baked Meringues

Preheat your oven to 100°C (212°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. This means the meringue should hold its shape well. Pipe or spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, creating little clouds. Bake for about 1.5 hours, or until they’re dry and crisp. Let them cool completely before using.

Step 5: Assemble the Dessert

It’s time for the fun part! In a serving dish or individual glasses, layer the mascarpone cream, drizzle with salted caramel, and top with the baked meringues. You can get creative here! Feel free to add extra caramel on top or even some fresh berries for a pop of color. This dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes!

Tips for Success

Make sure your mascarpone is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Keep a close eye on the caramel; it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
Use a clean bowl and beaters for the egg whites to ensure they whip up nicely.
Let the meringues cool completely before storing them to maintain their crispness.
Feel free to experiment with flavors in the mascarpone, like lemon zest or almond extract!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: Use glass or stainless steel for easy mixing and cleaning.
Electric mixer: A hand mixer works well, but a stand mixer can save time.
Saucepan: A heavy-bottomed pan helps prevent burning the caramel.
Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy meringue removal.
Spatula: A silicone spatula is perfect for folding ingredients gently.

Variations

Chocolate Mascarpone: Add cocoa powder to the mascarpone mixture for a rich chocolate flavor.
Fruit-Infused Cream: Fold in pureed fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate crushed nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts, into the mascarpone for added texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, especially the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Vegan Version: Substitute mascarpone with a vegan cream cheese and use aquafaba for the meringues.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a delightful experience.
Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve in elegant glassware to showcase the beautiful layers of mascarpone and caramel.
For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top for added crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the mascarpone cream ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mascarpone cream a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to layer with the salted caramel and baked meringues when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftover meringues?

A: Store leftover baked meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crisp for a few days, but I recommend enjoying them as soon as possible for the best texture!

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mascarpone?

A: While mascarpone is the star of this dessert, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a tangier flavor. Just remember to soften it first for easier mixing!

Q: What can I do if my caramel hardens?

A: If your salted caramel hardens, simply reheat it gently over low heat, adding a splash of water to help it return to a pourable consistency. Just be careful not to burn it!

Q: Is this dessert suitable for special diets?

A: Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free or vegan diets. Just follow the variations mentioned earlier, and you’ll have a delicious dessert for everyone!

Final Thoughts

Creating this Mascarpone Cream with Salted Caramel and Baked Meringues is more than just making a dessert; it’s about crafting a moment of joy. Each layer brings a delightful surprise, from the creamy mascarpone to the crunchy meringues. I love how this recipe transforms an ordinary day into something special, whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet evening at home. Plus, the smiles on my loved ones’ faces when they take that first bite? Priceless! So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this sweet adventure—you won’t regret it!

Mascarpone Cream with Salted Caramel and Baked Meringues: A Delightful Treat!

Author: Melissa
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: Serves 6
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious dessert featuring creamy mascarpone, rich salted caramel, and light baked meringues.

Ingredients

Scale

250g mascarpone cheese
200ml heavy cream
100g powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
150g granulated sugar (for caramel)
50ml water (for caramel)
1/2 tsp sea salt (for caramel)
3 egg whites (for meringues)
150g granulated sugar (for meringues)

Instructions

In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
In another bowl, mix mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
To make the salted caramel, combine granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Once the mixture turns a golden color, remove from heat and stir in sea salt.
For the meringues, preheat the oven to 100°C (212°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
Pipe or spoon meringue onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1.5 hours or until dry.
Assemble the dessert by layering mascarpone cream, drizzling with salted caramel, and topping with baked meringues.

Notes

Ensure the mascarpone is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Be careful not to burn the caramel; watch it closely as it cooks.
Meringues can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking and Whipping
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Mascarpone Cream, Salted Caramel, Baked Meringues, Dessert