There’s something undeniably enchanting about preparing a dessert that feels both delicate and indulgent. As I was enjoying my afternoon coffee, I found myself dreaming of a light yet fulfilling treat that would pair beautifully with the bold flavors of my brew. That’s when I decided to whip up these delightful Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds!
The light, airy texture of the meringue combined with a luscious almond cream creates a heavenly experience in every bite. You can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment as the sweet aroma fills your kitchen while they bake to perfection. This recipe is a wonderful blend of simple ingredients that transform into an elegant dessert, making it an ideal option for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
Whether you’re looking to impress your friends at a coffee date or simply indulge in some self-care, these almond cream clouds offer a delightful escape from everyday sweets. So, let’s dive into this easy yet impressive recipe that will elevate your dessert game and keep your taste buds enchanted!
Why love Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds?
Delicate texture: The airy meringue pairs beautifully with a rich almond cream, creating a dessert that melts in your mouth.
Versatile choice: Perfect for both intimate gatherings or special celebrations, these cream clouds are sure to impress your guests.
Quick prep: In just 25 minutes, you can have the base ready, and you’ll enjoy the bliss of baking without spending your entire day in the kitchen.
Taste sensation: Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making them a crowd favorite.
Elegant presentation: Dust them with powdered sugar and sliced almonds for that touch of sophistication, reminiscent of a café treat.
Inspire creativity: Feel free to experiment with flavors or fillings; transform them into your unique signature dessert! For more delicious inspirations, check out our dessert recipes collection.
Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds Ingredients
Discover the perfect blend of flavors and textures!
For the Meringue
- 4 egg whites – Fresh eggs will whip up best for that perfect airy texture.
- 100 g granulated sugar – This sweetness is essential for stability and shine in your meringue.
- 100 g powdered sugar – Sifting it ensures a smooth and delicate meringue mixture.
- 100 g finely ground almonds (almond flour) – Adds a lovely nutty flavor, key to making Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds!
- 1 tsp cornstarch – Helps create a stable meringue that maintains its structure while baking.
- Pinch of salt – A tiny bit enhances the flavors and helps achieve soft peaks.
For the Almond Cream
- 250 ml heavy cream, chilled – The cold cream whips up beautifully for a luscious filling.
- 1½ tbsp powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream just enough without overpowering.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the almond flavor.
- 50 g toasted sliced almonds – These provide an extra crunchy texture and an intensified almond taste.
For the Finishing Touch
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional) – A sprinkle adds an elegant touch to your dessert.
- More sliced almonds for texture (optional) – Use as a garnish for visual appeal and added crunch.
How to Make Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line two baking trays with parchment paper, ensuring they’re ready for those lovely meringue clouds.
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Beat Egg Whites: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture is stiff and glossy.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the powdered sugar, almond flour, and cornstarch. Gradually fold this dry mix into the meringue, being gentle to maintain the airy texture.
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Shape the Meringue: Using a piping bag or a spoon, portion the mixture onto the prepared baking trays into 8–10 cm wide discs. Smooth the tops gently for that perfect finish.
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Bake Meringues: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes until the meringues are crispy to the touch. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside with the door slightly ajar to prevent any cracking.
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Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Carefully fold in the toasted sliced almonds for a delightful crunch.
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Assemble Cream Clouds: Take half of the meringue discs and spread or pipe the almond cream onto each. Finally, sandwich with the remaining meringue discs.
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Garnish: Dust the tops with powdered sugar and if you desire, sprinkle extra sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
Optional: Serve them alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds
Room Temperature: Store leftover meringue discs at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crisp texture.
Fridge: If assembled, keep the Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds in the fridge for up to 2 days. The meringue may soften, but they will still be delicious!
Freezer: To freeze, place assembled clouds in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: If desired, you can briefly warm up the meringue discs in a preheated oven at 100°C (212°F) for a few minutes to restore some crispness before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time without compromising on taste! You can prepare the meringue discs up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp texture. The almond cream can be made up to 3 days ahead; just refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble, take the meringue and cream out, spread the almond cream onto half the discs, and sandwich them together. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving ensures they look as delightful as they taste—perfect for impressing family or friends with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds
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Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh egg whites for better aeration and stability in your meringue. Stale eggs may lead to flat clouds.
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Gentle Folding: When incorporating dry ingredients into the meringue, fold gently to maintain airiness. Over-mixing can deflate your Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds.
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Oven Cooling: Let the meringues cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar. This step helps avoid cracks and maintains their delicate texture.
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Chilled Equipment: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are cold when whipping cream. This step helps achieve fluffy, soft peaks essential for a luscious filling.
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Optional Flavorings: Feel free to explore different extracts like almond or hazelnut to personalize the cream. It adds a unique twist to your almond clouds!
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Immediate Enjoyment: These cream clouds are best enjoyed fresh. If making in advance, assemble just before serving to keep the meringue from becoming soggy.
What to Serve with Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds?
Let the sweetness of your afternoon indulgence take center stage by crafting the perfect meal around these delightful treats.
- Rich Coffee: A bold cup of espresso or a smooth latte beautifully accentuates the delicate almond flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Fruity Sorbet: A refreshing raspberry or lemon sorbet adds a vibrant tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cream clouds. Ideal for cleansing the palate!
- Chocolate Fondue: The allure of silky chocolate creates an indulgent experience as guests dip pieces of the cream clouds into luscious melted chocolate.
- Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries not only brings color but the natural acidity enhances the dessert’s nutty sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Silky and creamy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the airy texture of the DACQUOISE. Warm and cold—it’s a heavenly combo.
- Green Tea: The light bitterness of matcha or sencha enhances the dessert perfectly, bringing a delightful harmony that embraces sweetness without overwhelming it.
- Sparkling Water with Mint: Refreshing and invigorating, sparkling water with fresh mint complements the richness of the cream clouds and provides a cleansing note.
- Ganache Drizzle: A simple dark chocolate ganache can be served on the side for an irresistible topping that adds a decadent touch to your dessert.
Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds Variations
Customize your sweet clouds with these delightful twists to elevate your dessert experience!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist in flavor and texture. The creamy coconut adds an intriguing richness that pairs beautifully with almonds.
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Flavor Infusion: Add a tablespoon of almond extract to the cream for an intensified nutty flavor. This little boost transforms each bite into a sweet almond dream.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over assembled clouds for a luxurious touch. The contrast of chocolate against almond promises a heavenly delight.
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Spiced Almonds: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the toasted sliced almonds for an aromatic hint. The warm spices elevate the overall taste, adding comfort to your treat.
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Fruit Layers: Incorporate a layer of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, in between the meringue and cream. They bring a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
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Nutty Variety: Swap almond flour for hazelnut flour for a unique flavor. Hazelnuts add a delightful earthiness and complexity to your Dacquoise Clouds.
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Extra Crunch: Fold in some crushed pistachios or walnuts into the cream for a contrasting texture. Their crunch will create an exciting bite in each creamy layer.
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Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cream for a refreshing twist. The citrus notes brighten up the dessert, making it feel light and invigorating on your palate.
Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right egg whites for the meringue?
Absolutely! For the best results, always use fresh egg whites when making your meringue. Fresh egg whites whip up more vigorously and hold their shape better, which is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture that defines Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds. Look for eggs that have a clean, intact shell without any cracks.
How should I store leftover Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds?
Great question! If you have any Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds left, store the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remember, the meringues may soften slightly due to the cream, but they will still be incredibly tasty! If you prefer to keep the crispiness of the meringue, store any leftover discs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze the meringue discs or assembled clouds?
Certainly! To freeze your Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds, I’d recommend placing the assembled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. To prevent sticking, insert parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight, and if needed, you can warm them briefly in a low oven (around 100°C or 212°F) for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
What should I do if my meringue doesn’t hold its shape?
Very! If your meringue doesn’t hold its shape, it could be due to several factors. Firstly, make sure your mixing bowl and tools are free of any grease. Any fat or moisture can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly. Additionally, ensure that you’re beating the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks before adding the sugar gradually. This process allows for a stable meringue that holds its shape beautifully during baking.
Are there any dietary considerations for the Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds?
Of course! For those with nut allergies, I recommend avoiding this recipe, as almond flour is a key ingredient. There’s also dairy present from the heavy cream. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream or a non-dairy whip alternative. Always check the labels to ensure ingredients fit your dietary needs.
Decadent Almond Dacquoise Cream Clouds to Delight Your Tastebuds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar until stiff and glossy.
- Sift powdered sugar, almond flour, and cornstarch together and gently fold into the meringue.
- Pipe or spoon meringue onto trays into 8–10 cm wide discs.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until crispy and cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar.
- Whip chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form; fold in toasted almonds.
- Spread or pipe almond cream onto half of the meringue discs and sandwich with the rest.
- Dust tops with powdered sugar and optionally sprinkle with more sliced almonds.
