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Mary Berry Hazelnut Meringue Recipe

Mary Berry Hazelnut Meringue

Hazelnut meringue is a dessert made by folding ground hazelnuts into a meringue mixture, which is then baked into crisp layers. The layers are often sandwiched with whipped cream or buttercream and garnished with additional hazelnuts or chocolate.

Ingredients

  • Egg whites: 4 large.
  • Caster sugar: 200g (1 cup).
  • Ground hazelnuts: 100g (1 cup).
  • White wine vinegar: 1 teaspoon.
  • Cornflour: 1 teaspoon.
  • Double cream: 300ml (1¼ cups), whipped.
  • Optional toppings: Chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. Draw two 8-inch circles on the parchment as a guide for the meringue layers.

Step 2: Whisk the egg whites

In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the caster sugar, one spoonful at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is glossy and holds stiff peaks.

Step 3: Fold in the hazelnuts

Gently fold in the ground hazelnuts, white wine vinegar, and cornflour using a spatula. Take care not to deflate the meringue mixture.

Step 4: Shape the meringue layers

Divide the meringue mixture evenly between the two prepared baking trays. Spread the mixture within the drawn circles to form two even layers.

Step 5: Bake the meringue

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely. This helps them dry out and stay crisp.

Step 6: Assemble the meringue

Once the meringue layers are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the whipped cream over it, then top with the second meringue layer. Spread the remaining cream on top.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Decorate with chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.