Merengón Colombiano: Traditional Colombian Fruit Pavlova

Name: Merengón Colombiano (Colombian Fruit Pavlova)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 Large pre-baked meringue; 1/2 cup Heavy whipping cream (crema de leche); Sugar to taste (for sweetening the cream); Fresh tropical fruits (sliced (Strawberries, peaches, soursop/guanábana, or feijoa)); Arequipe

Receta de Merengón

Merengón Colombiano is a spectacular, cloud-like Colombian dessert that you absolutely need to try if you have a sweet tooth. Often compared to a classic Pavlova, this beloved street-side and bakery treat is built on a foundation of giant, crispy-yet-chewy baked meringues. Layered generously with freshly whipped sweet cream, an abundance of tropical fruits, and a decadent drizzle of arequipe (dulce de leche) or blackberry jam, it is a magnificent explosion of textures and flavors.

The secret to assembling this perfect dessert in just 5 minutes is having your giant meringues baked and ready ahead of time. Highly popular as a weekend road-trip treat on the outskirts of Bogotá, you can customize this dessert with any fresh fruit you like, though traditional favorites include soursop (guanábana), strawberries, peaches, or exotic feijoa. It is the ultimate, visually stunning, and refreshing sweet finale to any hearty Latin American meal!

Merengón Colombiano (Colombian Fruit Pavlova)

A spectacular and easy Colombian dessert! Giant, crispy meringues layered with whipped cream, tropical fruits, and dulce de leche.

Pin Receta

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Dessert / Sweets

Cuisine Andean, Colombian, Latin American

Servings 1 people

Ingredients

1 Large pre-baked meringue (merengue grande)
1/2 cup Heavy whipping cream crema de leche
Sugar to taste for sweetening the cream
Fresh tropical fruits sliced (Strawberries, peaches, soursop/guanábana, or feijoa)
Arequipe Dulce de leche or Blackberry jam (Dulce de mora) for drizzling

Instructions

Prep the cream: In a small bowl, whisk or beat the heavy whipping cream with a little bit of sugar to taste until it reaches a soft, whipped consistency.
Slice the meringue: Take your giant pre-baked meringue and very carefully slice it in half horizontally to create a top and a bottom layer (like a hamburger bun).
Build the base: Take the bottom half of the meringue and spread a generous layer of your sweetened whipped cream over it.
Add the fillings: Pile your fresh fruit slices (strawberries, peaches, or soursop) on top of the cream. Generously drizzle the fruit with arequipe (dulce de leche) or blackberry jam.
Crown and serve: Gently place the top half of the meringue over the filling to close the dessert. Serve immediately and enjoy this spectacular, messy, and delicious treat!

Notes

The Road Trip Dessert: In Colombia, especially around the capital city of Bogotá, stopping at a roadside stand to eat a massive Merengón is a beloved weekend tradition at the end of a family road trip!
Fruit Variations: While guanábana (soursop), strawberries, and feijoa are the most traditional Colombian fillings, you can absolutely swap them out for mango, kiwi, or any fresh berries you have available.
Quick Assembly: To prevent the meringue from getting soggy, always assemble your Merengón right before you plan to eat it. The contrast between the crispy shell and the soft cream is exactly what makes it so delicious.