Puffy Vanilla Cloud Dessert

This delightful dessert consists of two key components: fluffy white clouds and a delicious vanilla sauce. It's a whimsical treat that melts in your mouth, combining the airy texture of whipped egg whites with the rich, smooth taste of a homemade vanilla custard. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence, this recipe invites you to experience a unique blend of textures and flavors. The preparation process is divided into crafting the meringue clouds and simmering the vanilla sauce, both of which offer satisfying moments of transformation. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, the journey through creating these fluffy islands on creamy, velvety seas is both rewarding and satisfying. From the careful whisking of egg whites to the slow simmering of vanilla pods, this dish is steeped in tradition and patience. A sprinkle of tartness from the lemon juice balances the sweetness, while yogurt adds a subtle depth to the mix. Serve it with a touch of your favorite fresh berries, and it's truly a feast for both eyes and taste buds. Now, let's embark on this culinary adventure to create your very own puffy vanilla cloud dessert.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Milk: 500 g (for meringue clouds)
Sugar: 55 g
Egg Whites: 2
Natural Yogurt: 1 teaspoon
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon
Lemon Zest: from 1/2 a lemon

Vanilla Sauce

Milk: 500 g
Egg Yolks: 50 g
Vanilla Pod: 1

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Separation and Prep: Begin by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. Set the yolks aside for the vanilla sauce.
Chill the Eggs: To ensure the best results, use eggs that have been stored in the fridge. This helps them whip up quickly.
Whip the Whites: Add a little lemon juice to the egg whites and start whisking. As the mixture begins to thicken, gradually incorporate the sugar.
Stiffen the Peaks: Continue whisking until you achieve stiff peaks that hold their shape.
Smoothen with Yogurt: Mix in a teaspoon of natural yogurt to the meringue to ensure smoother and silkier textures.
Prepare Lemon Water: Before cooking, prepare a small bowl of lemon water. This will be used to dip your spoon, which helps in shaping the meringue clouds.
Heat the Milk: In a large saucepan, warm 500 g of milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.
Shape the Clouds: Using a spoon dipped in lemon water, scoop meringue blobs and gently float them on the hot milk.
Cook the Meringue: Poach each meringue cloud until the milk starts to bubble, then carefully flip to cook both sides equally.
Dry the Clouds: Remove the clouds with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain.
Start the Vanilla Sauce: Now, move on to the vanilla sauce. Begin by heating another 500 g of milk in a separate saucepan.
Mix Yolks and Sugar: While the milk warms, combine the egg yolks with 50 g of sugar. Whisk them until light and frothy.
Infuse Vanilla: Add the vanilla pod to the warming milk to infuse its flavor.
Thicken the Sauce: Gradually pour the yolk mixture into the milk, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
Simmer Gently: Keep the sauce over low heat, stirring regularly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
Cool the Sauce: Once thickened, allow the sauce to cool slightly.
Assemble the Dessert: Pour the cooled vanilla sauce into serving bowls.
Add the Clouds: Place the poached meringue clouds atop the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, decorate with fresh berries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a touch of color and taste.
Enjoy Your Creation: Revel in the delightful experience of tasting each heavenly bite.

Tips

Substitutions: If yogurt isn't available, use cream for a rich alternative.
Storing: Meringue clouds can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Flavor Variations: Control the sweetness of the sauce by adjusting the sugar proportion to your preference.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Protein: 7g
Fats: 9g
Carbohydrates: 35g

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond or coconut milk for a lactose-free version.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh berries for a burst of color and tartness.
Serve with a glass of chilled dessert wine or a cup of aromatic tea for a complete experience.

Best Places

Here are top 10 locations where you might find versions of this dessert or similar culinary experiences:

Café Savoy - Noted for its elegant dessert menu, offering a variety of classic French delicacies.
Location: Vítězná 5, 150 00 Malá Strana, Prague, Czech Republic.
Angelina Paris - Famous for its rich, Parisian desserts and tea room atmosphere.
Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France.
Café Sacher Wien - Known for its iconic Viennese sweets, including the legendary Sachertorte.
Location: Philharmoniker Str. 4, 1010 Wien, Austria.
TörtchenTörtchen - Celebrated for its creative spins on traditional pastries.
Location: Apostelnstraße 19, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Ladurée Champs-Élysées - Offers a sumptuous array of desserts amid luxurious surroundings.
Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France.
Café Demel - A historic patisserie, deeply rooted in the art of crafting exquisite pastries.
Location: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Wien, Austria.
Il Caffè di Roma - Blends Italian coffee culture with decadent dessert offerings.
Location: Av. Diagonal, 501, 08029 Barcelona, Spain.
Konditorei Plank - Beloved for its array of sumptuous sweet confections set in a charming ambiance.
Location: Rathausplatz 2, 82515 Wolfratshausen, Germany.
Pierre Hermé Paris - Known for innovative flavors and its critically acclaimed dessert creations.
Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France.
Café Gerbeaud - A classic venue offering timeless Hungarian pastries.
Location: Vörösmarty tér 7-8, 1051 Budapest, Hungary.