Strawberry, Pomegranate, and Rose Petal Mess

A luxurious dessert combining crispy meringues with creamy crème fraîche-mascarpone mixture, fresh strawberries, and sorbet, elegantly topped with pomegranate seeds and optional rose petals. This Middle Eastern-inspired treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

6 servings
4 hr 27 min

Ingredients

  • 2 whole large egg whites
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup crème fraîche
  • ½ cup mascarpone
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon rose water
  • 6 ounces strawberries
  • 1 pint strawberry or raspberry sorbet
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
  • ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground sumac
  • 2 teaspoons dried rose petals
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Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 200°. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg whites until foamy, about 1 minute. With mixer running, gradually add granulated sugar. Continue to beat until meringue triples in volume, is shiny, and holds medium-stiff peaks, 8-10 minutes. Add powdered sugar and beat just to blend.

    12 min

  2. 2.

    Spoon 2 heaping tablespoonfuls of meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet; repeat to fill baking sheet, spacing 1" apart. Bake until dry, about 4 hours.

    240 min

  3. 3.

    Do ahead: Meringues can be baked 5 days ahead. Keep airtight at room temperature.

  4. 4.

    Whisk crème fraîche, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and rose water, if using, in a medium bowl.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Arrange meringues, crème fraîche mixture, strawberries, and scoops of sorbet in a large bowl. Drizzle with pomegranate molasses and top with pomegranate seeds, sumac, and rose petals, if using.

    10 min

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