Flame Cupcakes with Nesquik and Strawberry Meringue
Category: Desserts
Serves: 12
These Flame Cupcakes are a decadent treat with a light and fluffy base made from Nesquik, topped with a luscious, glossy strawberry meringue that mimics the appearance of a flame. The pairing of Nesquik with fresh strawberries brings together a fun and delicious twist on traditional cupcakes. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes will surely be a hit at your next dessert gathering!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nesquik | 125g |
| All-purpose flour | 150g |
| Butter (softened at room temp) | 100g |
| Granulated sugar | 140g (40g for the batter + 100g for syrup) |
| Eggs (1 whole) | 1 |
| Egg yolks | 1 |
| Baking powder | 3g |
| Egg whites (for meringue) | 50g |
| Fresh strawberries (for puree) | 3 |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) for static or 150°C (300°F) for a fan oven. Line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- Sift the all-purpose flour and Nesquik into a bowl to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and 40g of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and continue to mix until fully incorporated. Then, add the whole egg and beat until the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually mix in the sifted flour and Nesquik mixture. Stir until just combined, ensuring all ingredients are well-blended.
- Add the baking powder and stir to incorporate.
-
Bake the Cupcakes:
- Transfer the cupcake batter into a piping bag without a nozzle and pipe the batter evenly into each cupcake liner, filling about 3/4 of each cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes (for static) or 10-15 minutes (for fan oven). To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the next step.
-
Prepare the Strawberry Meringue:
- Wash and trim the strawberries, then blend them in a food processor until smooth to create a puree.
- Pass the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds and pulp, leaving you with about 40g of strawberry juice.
- Pour the strawberry juice into a small saucepan, adding the remaining 100g of sugar. Stir over low heat to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, and once it reaches a boil, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Heat until the syrup reaches 120-121°C (248-250°F).
- While the syrup is heating, beat the egg whites in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
- Once the strawberry syrup reaches the correct temperature, slowly drizzle it into the beaten egg whites while continuing to beat at a low speed. Gradually increase the speed to high and continue mixing until the meringue is thick, glossy, and cooled down to room temperature.
-
Assemble the Flame Cupcakes:
- Transfer the strawberry meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle.
- Pipe a generous swirl of the meringue on top of each cooled cupcake, creating a flame-like effect.
- Arrange the cupcakes on a baking tray and allow the meringue to firm up and set for an hour.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Flame Cupcakes are now ready to serve! Enjoy the sweet, strawberry-infused meringue on top of a soft, chocolatey cupcake base that will impress both the eyes and the taste buds.
These cupcakes make for an eye-catching dessert with a unique combination of flavors. The rich chocolate Nesquik base is perfectly complemented by the airy, fruity meringue topping, creating a fun and delicious treat for everyone to enjoy. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, these Flame Cupcakes are sure to become a favorite!
