Vacherin Glacé (Meringue and Ice Cream Dessert)
Why this recipe works
- Crisp and creamy layers: Dry meringue discs give structure and crunch, while the vanilla ice cream creates a smooth frozen centre.
- Fruit balances the sweetness: Raspberries add freshness and acidity, cutting through the sweetness of the meringue and cream.
- Built for preparing ahead: The dessert needs time in the freezer to firm up, so it can be assembled before serving and finished with cream and fruit at the end.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Let the meringue dry fully: Leaving the meringue in the switched-off oven helps it become crisp and dry rather than soft or chewy.
- Freeze until firm: The assembled layers need enough freezer time to set solidly, which makes the vacherin easier to slice cleanly.
- Serve soon after finishing: Once topped with whipped cream and berries, serve promptly so the meringue keeps its contrast and the ice cream stays neatly set.
Ingredient notes
- Choose egg whites carefully: Use pasteurised egg whites when serving pregnant people, young children, older adults or anyone immunocompromised.
- Use firm raspberries: Ripe but firm raspberries hold their shape on top of the cream and give a cleaner, fresher finish.
- Keep the cream cold: Well-chilled double cream whips more reliably to soft peaks and is easier to spread over the frozen dessert.
Make-ahead tips
- Make the meringue in advance: The meringue discs can be baked ahead once fully dry, then kept airtight until you are ready to assemble.
- Add the final toppings last: Freeze the meringue and ice cream layers first, then cover with whipped cream and raspberries close to serving.
- Store leftovers frozen: Leftovers can be frozen airtight for up to 7 days; add fresh berries after a brief thaw for the best texture.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Meringue
Assembly
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 110°C (230°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Draw two 18 to 20 cm circles on the paper, then flip it over so the pencil is underneath.
- In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with the fine sea salt to soft peaks. Add the caster sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking until glossy and holding stiff peaks, then whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Spoon the meringue onto the circles and shape into two even discs, making a slight dip in the centre of each. Bake for 90 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave the meringues inside to dry out completely.
- Once the meringues are cool, let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature just until spreadable. Place one meringue on a serving plate, spread over the ice cream, then top with the second meringue and press very gently to level.
- Freeze the assembled vacherin until firm. This helps the layers set cleanly for slicing.
- Whisk the double cream with the icing sugar to soft peaks. Spread or spoon the cream over the top and sides, then pile the raspberries on top just before serving.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the crispest meringue, make sure the bowl and whisk are completely grease-free before whisking the egg whites.
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use pasteurised egg whites.
Substitutions
- Replace vanilla extract with madagascar-vanilla-paste for a more intense vanilla flavour.
- Replace raspberry with strawberry for a softer, sweeter finish.
Storage
- Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 7 days. For the best texture, add fresh raspberries after thawing for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature, then serve straight away.
Ratings & reviews
Liked this recipe? Share your feedback to support our cooking community.
Tried this recipe?
Choose 1–5 stars. A comment is optional.
Stay inspired
Discover new recipes, seasonal favourites and cooking inspiration every day. Follow JustRecipes on Pinterest and Spillt.
Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 4h 30min (45min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: French
-
Allergens:
Eggs Milk
Plan your meals and get a complete grocery list automatically.
Add to meal plannerEquipment you'll need
Got ingredients left?
Find recipes using ingredients from this recipe or what you already have at home.
Find recipes with these ingredients →
Tamarind Paletas (Chilli Tamarind Ice Lollies)
Tamarind and chilli ice lollies with lime
Mango Kulfi
Dense mango kulfi with reduced milk and cardamom
Tamarind Candy Paletas (Tamarind Ice Lollies with Chilli and Lime)
Tangy tamarind paletas with chilli and lime
Paletas de Mango con Chile (Mango Chilli Ice Lollies)
Mango and lime ice lollies with a pinch of chilli
Sorbetto al Limone e Basilico (Lemon and Basil Sorbet)
Italian lemon and basil sorbet churned smooth and frozen
Affogato al Cioccolato (Gelato with Espresso and Chocolate Sauce)
Affogato made with vanilla gelato, hot espresso and warm chocolate sauce
Struffoli (Neapolitan Honey Fritters)
Tiny fried dough balls coated in warm honey and hazelnuts
Capirotada (Mexican Bread Pudding with Piloncillo Syrup)
Mexican bread pudding with piloncillo syrup
Pizelle (Italian Waffle Biscuits)
Thin Italian waffle biscuits with anise and lemon zest
Dulce De Leche (Caramelised Milk Spread)
Thick caramelised milk spread made from milk and sugar
Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread Rolls)
Soft conchas with a crackly vanilla sugar topping
Ciambella (Italian Ring Cake)
Tender Italian ring cake with olive oil and icing sugar
Brazo de Gitano (Swiss Roll with Cream)
Spanish Swiss roll filled with sweetened whipped cream
Multekrem (Norwegian Cloudberry Cream)
Cloudberries folded into lightly sweetened whipped cream
Crème Brûlée à la Vanille (Vanilla Crème Brûlée)
Vanilla baked custard with a crisp caramelised sugar top
Entremet Framboise (Raspberry Mousse Cake)
Almond sponge topped with raspberry mousse and fresh raspberries
Eton Mess
Eton mess with strawberries, whipped cream and crushed meringue
Advocaat (Dutch Egg Liqueur)
Thick Dutch egg liqueur made with brandy and vanilla
You might also like
Modern Taco Bowl
Taco bowl with lime rice, minced beef and black beans
Christmas Sausage Stuffing Balls
Baked sausage stuffing balls with onion, sage and thyme
Choucroute de la Mer (Seafood Sauerkraut)
Sauerkraut warmed with white wine, then steamed with seafood
Shakshuka with Feta
Eggs poached in tomato and pepper sauce with feta
Cornbread with Honey Butter
Golden cornbread served warm with whipped honey butter
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Warm date sponge pudding served with rich toffee sauce
Make this recipe easier next time
AdvertisementThese tools help you get better results with less effort.
KitchenAid Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- Non-slip base
- Stainless steel
- Not microwave safe
Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls with Lids
- Microwave safe
- BPA-free lids
- Glass is heavier
OXO Good Grips Stainless Mixing Bowl Set
- Non-slip base
- Comfort grip
- Higher price
Enjoy cooking with JustRecipes?
Add JustRecipes as one of your preferred Google sources to discover our recipes more easily across Google Search.
Add JustRecipes to GoogleEvery recipe on JustRecipes follows the same structured editorial process. Learn how recipes are created, validated, translated, illustrated, and continuously improved across the platform. How we create recipes.
