Raspberry Meringue Roulade Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that feel like a celebration in every bite, this Raspberry Meringue Roulade Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine a cloud-light, crisp meringue rolled around fluffy vanilla cream and bursting with juicy, tangy raspberries. The contrast of textures—the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of meringue, the smooth richness of whipped cream, and the fresh zing of raspberries—creates an utterly irresistible treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging yourself, this dessert is stunningly beautiful and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this Raspberry Meringue Roulade Recipe. Each one plays its own special role—from creating the crisp meringue shell to the smooth, sweet cream filling and the vibrant pop of raspberries.

• 4 large egg whites: Provide the base for a light, airy meringue that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside.
• 1 cup caster sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create those beautiful glossy, stiff peaks in the meringue.
• 1 tsp white vinegar: Stabilizes the egg whites for a perfect meringue structure.
• 1 tsp cornstarch: Helps absorb any moisture to keep the meringue crisp and prevents cracking.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a delicate fragrance that complements the overall dessert.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped into soft peaks, it adds lightness and creaminess to the filling.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream for a smooth and balanced taste.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Added to the cream filling for an extra touch of flavor depth.
• 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries: The star fruit providing tartness and vibrant color contrasts beautifully with the sweet meringue and cream.
• Extra whipped cream and fresh raspberries: For garnish that adds decadence and visual appeal.

How to Make Raspberry Meringue Roulade Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tray and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper. This sets the foundation for baking your meringue to the perfect shape and size without sticking.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Whites

Using a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks. This initial step is crucial because it ensures your meringue will be airy and light, which is the signature texture of a roulade shell.

Step 3: Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly add the caster sugar one tablespoon at a time while whisking continuously until the mixture turns glossy and stiff peaks form. This gradual addition helps dissolve the sugar properly, resulting in a smooth, stable meringue.

Step 4: Fold in Stabilizers and Flavor

Gently fold in the vinegar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. These ingredients stabilize the meringue and add subtle flavor, giving the roulade a perfect crispness without bitterness.

Step 5: Bake the Meringue

Spread the meringue evenly over the lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s lightly golden and firm to the touch. This baking stage transforms the glossy mixture into a delicate crisp shell that will hold the cream and berries inside.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove the meringue from the oven and allow it to cool entirely right in the tray. Cooling fully is important to prevent the roulade from cracking when you roll it.

Step 7: Whip the Cream Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and additional vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This fluffy filling is the luscious counterpoint to the crisp meringue.

Step 8: Assemble the Roulade

Carefully turn the cooled meringue onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper. Spread the whipped cream evenly over it, then scatter the fresh raspberries on top. Using the parchment, gently roll the meringue from one short end to the other, forming a beautiful roulade.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the roulade seam-side down to a serving plate. Add extra whipped cream on top and decorate with fresh raspberries for a final touch of elegance and freshness before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Raspberry Meringue Roulade Recipe

Garnishes

A little extra whipped cream and fresh raspberries on top of your roulade not only make it look irresistible but also add a refreshing brightness to each bite. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate its elegance and sweetness.

Side Dishes

This roulade pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed green salad dressed in light citrus vinaigrette or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent treat. The dessert’s light and fruity nature means it doesn’t overwhelm but complements a variety of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve individual slices accompanied by a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added crunch and color contrast. For a festive look, top with edible flowers or a sprig of mint that enhances both aesthetics and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover roulade covered loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. Enjoy within 2 days for the best texture as the meringue can start to soften after prolonged storage.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the roulade wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, but expect slight changes in texture.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Warmth can cause the meringue to soften and the cream to lose its lightness, so serve straight from the fridge or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Fresh raspberries are ideal because they hold their shape better and offer a bright, juicy flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture which can soften the meringue.

What if my meringue cracks while rolling?

Some cracking is natural and adds rustic charm, but to minimize it, make sure the meringue is cooled completely and the rolling is done gently using the parchment paper as support.

Can I make the meringue roulade gluten-free?

Absolutely. This Raspberry Meringue Roulade Recipe naturally contains no gluten, making it an excellent choice for gluten-free dessert lovers.

Is it possible to substitute sugar with a sweetener?

While caster sugar works best to achieve the right meringue texture, you can experiment with superfine sugar alternatives that dissolve well, but results may vary and impact stability.

How long does it take to prepare this Raspberry Meringue Roulade Recipe?

The entire process takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, including baking and assembly, making it a fairly quick showstopper dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Meringue Roulade Recipe is a joyful celebration of simple ingredients transforming into a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its beautiful contrast of textures and flavors will win hearts and keep everyone asking for more. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did.

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