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Perfect Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Meringue Cheesecake Cups

heart-shaped meringue cheesecake cups - featured image
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Delicate heart-shaped meringue shells filled with a creamy cheesecake filling, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion. Light, airy, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Red or pink food coloring (optional)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the 4 large egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 2 minutes).
  3. Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until glossy and stiff peaks form (5-7 minutes).
  4. Sprinkle in cornstarch and vinegar, then add vanilla extract. Gently fold in with a spatula without deflating the meringue.
  5. Add food coloring if desired, folding carefully until evenly colored.
  6. Pipe heart shapes about 3 inches wide onto the prepared baking sheet using a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip and a heart-shaped template underneath the parchment paper.
  7. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 60-70 minutes until crisp outside and slightly soft inside. Turn off oven and leave meringues inside for another hour to dry out.
  8. While meringues dry, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste until smooth (3-4 minutes). Whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks and gently fold into cream cheese mixture along with lemon zest.
  9. Once meringue hearts are cool, pipe or spoon cheesecake filling into the center of each heart to create a cup.
  10. Refrigerate assembled cheesecake cups for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh berries or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature egg whites for best volume. Ensure mixing bowls and beaters are grease-free by wiping with lemon juice or vinegar. Gradually add sugar to achieve glossy, stable meringue. Bake low and slow to avoid cracking. If meringue browns too much, lower oven temperature. Avoid opening oven door during baking. For dairy-free, use aquafaba for meringue and vegan cream cheese and coconut cream for filling. Store meringue shells and filling separately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Valentine’s Day dessert, meringue cheesecake, heart-shaped dessert, romantic dessert, easy cheesecake cups, light dessert

Find it online: https://avabake.com/perfect-valentines-heart-shaped-meringue-cheesecake-cups-easy-recipe-for-romantic-desserts/