If you’re looking for a simple, quick, and easy dessert for your next summer BBQ, meringue nests are a great option! Whether you opt for shop bought or homemade meringue, there are endless topping options to get creative with… read on for our favourites!
Meringue Topping Ideas
Read on to find inspiration for what to put in a meringue nest.
Lemon Curd & Summer Fruits
Lemon & summer fruits is one of the most classic combinations you can create – but it is a classic for a good reason! Start by filling your meringue nests with a generous spoonful of whipped cream. Swirl in a teaspoon of lemon curd (the higher quality, the better or you could even make your own).
Top tip: if you’re looking for a lighter version of this dessert, swap the whipped cream for a spoonful of your favourite Greek yoghurt.
Finish these meringues with sliced strawberries and a whole raspberry. Garnish these meringue nests with a sprig of fresh mint and grated lemon zest. We guarantee that all of your guests will love them!
Banoffee – Banana, Chocolate & Caramel
Banoffee pie and meringue combined – does it get any better?! Spread a generous layer of caramel sauce onto the base of your meringue, before topping it with a dollop of whipped cream. Either use shop-bought, or make your own from sugar, cream, butter, and a pinch of salt.
Top the banoffee meringue with cream and a few slices of banana. If you’re not serving your meringue immediately, we’d recommend adding the bananas last, right before serving, to stop them from going brown. Garnish your banoffee meringue with grated dark chocolate if you have some on hand.
Cherry & Pistachio
Combine equal parts cream and soft cheese until stiff peaks form. Spoon the mixture into the centre of your meringue nest If you can get your hands on a pistachio spread (basically nutella, but better), then add a swirl of this to your cream/soft cheese mix before moving onto the next step.
Make a quick cherry compote by cooking down halved and pitted cherries with a dash of sugar until slightly gooey. Add a spoonful on top of your meringue nest, before topping it with a whole cherry and a sprinkling of chopped pistachio nuts.
Top tip: If you have any pistachios left over, use them in White Chocolate & Pistachio Cookies!
Rhubarb & Custard
Rhubarb and custard has been a classic, and almost nostalgic, combination in the UK for many years – so we assure you that guests will love this one. Instead of whipped cream, fill your meringue nests with a silky vanilla custard, and top it with gently poached cubes of rhubarb.
If rhubarb isn’t in season in your area, you could also top the meringue with a rhubarb jam. Garnish your meringue with a sprinkle of cinnamon before digging in!
Crunchy Biscoff
Biscoff is quite possibly one of our favourite flavours… So why not combine it with an easy dessert?! Mix your cream with a few spoonfuls of Biscoff spread and whip until stiff peaks form. Spoon this into the centre of your meringue nests.
In a separate bowl, add a few more tablespoons of Biscoff spread (we aren’t thinking about calories here!), and melt in the microwave until runny, but not hot – this will only take 10 seconds or so. Drizzle each meringue nest with the melted Biscoff spread. Garnish with half a biscuit and a few biscuit crumbs for texture!
[Image Source – The Autistic Baker]
Tropical Fruits
Start by combining your whipped cream (cream cheese would also work well!) with the runny part of two or three passion fruits. Spoon this mixture onto your meringue nests.
Top your tropical meringues with slices/small cubes of pineapple, mango, and kiwi for a burst of exotic flavours. In a separate bowl, melt a few squares of white chocolate in the microwave until runny (but not hot). Drizzle the chocolate over your meringue nests. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for colour.
Chocolate & Hazelnut
Start with a generous dollop of whipped cream in the middle of your meringue. Next, swirl in a spoonful of Nutella, or your favourite chocolate spread. Lightly chop your hazelnuts before roasting them gently in a pan (if your hazelnuts are already roasted, skip this step!).
Sprinkle them on top of your whipped cream and nutella, before garnishing your meringue with grated dark chocolate and a raspberry.
Top tip: If it’s Easter time, you could also top these meringue nests with mini eggs!
Festive Spice & Orange
Start by mixing your whipped cream with a squeeze of fresh orange juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg (if you’re hosting an adults-only party, you could also add some rum at this stage!). Spoon this into the middle of your meringue nest before topping with seasonal fruits like physalis, figs, and blackberries.
Finish your festive meringues with a dehydrated orange slice and a sprig of rosemary. We also love adding a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra christmassy finish!
Summer Food Inspo From Savery Grazing
Whether you’re hosting a summer soirée or simply treating yourself to something sweet, we hope you enjoyed our meringue topping ideas! Have an idea that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
For more easy recipes, keep up to date with our blog. Alternatively, find us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
Jasmine Savery
Founder & DirectorHi! I'm Jasmine, and I launched Savery Grazing in 2022. I’ve always had a passion for food, with a particular love for how social it can be. Follow along as I share my favourite tips, tricks, and delicious recipes with you.
Hi! I'm Jasmine, and I launched Savery Grazing in 2022. I’ve always had a passion for food, with a particular love for how social it can be. Follow along as I share my favourite tips, tricks, and delicious recipes with you.