Lemon Meringue Dessert: A Creamy Delight with a Crisp Meringue Topping

This Lemon Meringue Dessert combines the bright zestiness of fresh lemon with the creamy richness of condensed milk and whipped cream, layered between buttery cookie crumbs for a delightful contrast in textures. Topped with homemade meringues that add a sweet, airy crunch, this dessert is both refreshing and indulgent. The lemon juice reacts with the condensed milk to create a thick, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the light and crispy meringue, making each spoonful a perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This: If you’re a fan of lemon-flavored treats, this dessert will certainly appeal with its vibrant, citrusy notes that cut through the sweetness of the condensed milk and cookies. The homemade meringue topping adds a sophisticated touch, ensuring that this dessert isn’t just tasty but also visually appealing with its glossy, toasted peaks. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate desserts that aren’t overly sweet but offer a refreshing brightness, making it ideal for ending a heavy meal or enjoying as a summer treat.

Perfect Occasion: This Lemon Meringue Dessert is perfect for gatherings where a light yet unique dessert is desired, such as garden parties, family barbecues, or any spring and summer celebration. It’s also a fantastic choice for holiday meals where lemon flavors can be a refreshing addition to the menu. Whether served at an informal family dinner or a more formal gathering, it’s sure to impress with its balance of flavors and elegant presentation.

Decoration Tips: To decorate this dessert, arrange the meringues on top just before serving to maintain their crisp texture. Add some lemon zest or thinly sliced lemon rounds for a pop of color and to hint at the lemon flavor within. Fresh mint leaves can also add a fresh look and a slight aromatic touch to the dessert. For a more dramatic presentation, lightly torch the meringues to give them a golden-brown finish just before serving.

1. Ingredients:
   • 500 ml of heavy cream
   • 400 grams of sweetened condensed milk
   • Juice of 5 lemons
   • 450 grams of butter cookies
   For the meringues:
   • 60 grams of egg whites
   • 60 grams of granulated sugar
   • 60 grams of powdered sugar
   • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2. Preparation:
   • Base layer: Crush the butter cookies into fine crumbs and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until well combined. The mixture should thicken as the lemon juice reacts with the condensed milk.
   • Layering: In a serving dish, layer the cookie crumbs at the bottom, followed by the lemon cream mixture. Repeat these layers until all components are used, finishing with a layer of lemon cream.
   • Meringue preparation: Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Sift together the powdered sugar and cornstarch, and gently fold into the meringue.
   • Drop spoonfuls of meringue onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) for 1 hour or until the meringues are dry and crisp.
   • Final assembly: Once the lemon cream dessert has set and the meringues are cooled, arrange the meringues on top of the dessert.
   • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy this Lemon Meringue Dessert, where each layer and texture comes together to create a symphony of flavors that’s sure to delight any palate!