If there’s one dessert that instantly makes any gathering feel special, it’s Meringues with Citrus Curd. These delicate, cloud-like meringues cradle a vibrant, tangy citrus curd that’s both sweet and refreshingly bright. Paired with juicy berries and a pop of fresh mint, this treat strikes the perfect balance between impressive looks and unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a big moment or just sweetening up a quiet afternoon, Meringues with Citrus Curd always bring a bit of sunshine to the table.

Meringues with Citrus Curd Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Meringues with Citrus Curd plays a starring role, from the pillowy egg whites to the zesty kick of ginger in the curd. Gather these simple staples and you’ll be amazed at the magic you can create with just a bowl and a whisk.

4 large egg whites: These are the backbone of fluffy, crisp meringue; make sure they’re at room temperature for maximum volume.
Pinch kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and helps stabilize the egg whites.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Gives your meringues that desirable marshmallowy center.
1 1/4 cups white granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringues for a glossy finish.
1 teaspoon white or red wine vinegar: A touch of acid that keeps the meringue tender inside.
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, comforting aroma to the meringues.
3/4 cup citrus juice (orange & Meyer lemon preferred): Brings brightness and depth to the curd; try different orange and lemon combos for your favorite flavor hit.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temp): Enriches the curd and makes it silky-smooth.
1/2 cup white granulated sugar: Keeps the curd perfectly sweet without overpowering the citrus tang.
2 large egg yolks: Thickens the curd and creates a lush texture.
2 large eggs: Create structure and help set the curd as it cooks.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the citrus flavor and balances the sweetness.
1 inch knob ginger (finely grated): A little ginger root brings a peppery warmth to the citrus curd.
1/2 pint berries (blackberries and blueberries): Fresh berries add juicy color and a sweet-tart finish on top.
12 to 14 sprigs fresh mint: Just a sprig or two makes the whole dessert feel garden-fresh.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar: For a pretty, snow-like dusting right before serving.

How to Make Meringues with Citrus Curd

Step 1: Prepare the Meringue Bases

Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This low-and-slow bake is the secret to meringues that are crisp on the outside but ethereally soft within. If you want your Meringues with Citrus Curd to be picture-perfect, take a moment to trace circles on your parchment for even sizing.

Step 2: Whip the Meringue Mixture

In your stand mixer bowl, combine egg whites, a pinch of salt, and cornstarch. Whisk until the mixture is delightfully foamy. Then, gradually add sugar as the mixer runs, turning the whites into a glossy, billowy cloud—be patient, because these extra minutes ensure you get those classic stiff peaks that hold their shape. Finish by beating in vinegar and vanilla, which add both flavor and stability.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meringues

Now the fun part. Spoon generous dollops of meringue onto your baking sheets, creating little “nests” with the back of your spoon. Leave enough space between each so they have room to puff a bit in the oven. Bake for a full 2 hours—the slow heat dries them out into crispy, dreamy puffs. Once finished, let them cool completely in the oven, so they firm up perfectly without cracking.

Step 4: Make the Gingery Citrus Curd

Reduce your citrus juice in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s concentrated and super aromatic. Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer, then add egg yolks and whole eggs, mixing until smooth. Pour in the slightly cooled citrus juice and fold in the fresh ginger. Don’t worry if the mixture looks lumpy—it will smooth out beautifully in the next step!

Step 5: Cook and Strain the Citrus Curd

Using your makeshift double boiler setup, gently cook the curd mixture over simmering water, stirring steadily. This low, gentle heat helps everything come together into a thickened, satin-smooth curd. When the mix coats the back of a spoon and reaches about 166 F, strain it into a chilled bowl to ensure it’s ultra-silky. The ginger threads will stay behind and all you’re left with is sunshine-bright curd.

Step 6: Assemble Meringues with Citrus Curd

Ready for magic? Right before serving, spoon the cool, dreamy citrus curd into the center of each meringue nest. Top generously with luscious berries and a scattering of mint leaves, then finish with a snowy drift of powdered sugar. Every bite of Meringues with Citrus Curd is a little celebration.

How to Serve Meringues with Citrus Curd

Garnishes

Let’s talk about the finishing touches. A tumble of fresh berries and a sprig of mint don’t just make Meringues with Citrus Curd gorgeous—they also add vibrant color, texture, and bursts of flavor. A final dusting of powdered sugar gives everything a fairy-tale sparkle.

Side Dishes

While Meringues with Citrus Curd are delightful solo, you can pair them with a little whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra indulgence. For a fresh, light counterpoint, serve alongside a fruit salad or a simple coulis if you’ve got extra berries to blitz.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by arranging meringues on a vintage cake stand or personalized dessert plates. Create mini pavlovas by making smaller meringues, or set up an interactive dessert bar where guests can fill and top their own Meringues with Citrus Curd—always a hit at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Meringues with Citrus Curd by keeping the components separate: air-tight containers for the meringues at room temperature, and the curd in the fridge. Only assemble what you’re ready to eat, since meringues soak up moisture and get chewy if left filled.

Freezing

The meringues themselves freeze wonderfully in a rigid container for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature for instant, elegant desserts. Citrus curd can be frozen separately, too—just whisk vigorously once thawed to restore creaminess.

Reheating

These treats are truly best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to revive meringues that have softened, pop them in a low oven (200 degrees F) for 10-15 minutes to crisp up again. There’s no need to heat the curd; simply let it come to room temperature before assembling.

FAQs

Can I make the meringues and citrus curd ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Meringues with Citrus Curd are ideal for advance prep. Just store the baked meringues in an airtight container and the curd in the fridge, then assemble when you’re ready to serve.

Why did my meringues crack or become sticky?

Meringues can crack if cooled too quickly or if the oven temperature is too high. Stickiness happens in humid weather, so try to make and store them on dry days if possible. Always let meringues cool fully in the oven for best results.

Can I use bottled citrus juice for the curd?

Fresh juice is best, especially for Meringues with Citrus Curd, because it has a brighter, more complex flavor. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but you might lose some lovely freshness.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

While classic meringues rely on egg whites, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be whipped as a substitute for vegan meringues. For the curd, use plant-based butter and a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot instead of eggs.

How long will Meringues with Citrus Curd keep?

Unfilled meringues will stay crisp for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. The citrus curd keeps in the refrigerator for up to a week as well. Once assembled, though, they’re best enjoyed within a few hours.

Final Thoughts

Baking up a batch of Meringues with Citrus Curd is pure joy—each step is simple, but the result is something truly magical. Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this dessert never fails to impress. So roll up your sleeves, turn up your favorite playlist, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a plate full of sunshine!