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Homemade Floating Island photo

Floating Island

This Floating Island dessert is a stunning French classic! Fluffy meringue atop creamy vanilla custard drizzled with caramel, it's a showstopper!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Ingredients
  

For the Custard:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 6 to 8 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sugar
For the Meringue:
  • 6 to 8 large egg whites at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • Pinch salt
For the Caramel Sauce:
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Heatproof dish
  • Candy thermometer (optional)

Method
 

Make the Custard:
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, sugar, and seeds scraped from the vanilla bean. Heat over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and slightly thickened. Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the yolks, whisking continuously.
  3. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Make the Meringue:
  1. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the 1/3 cup of sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Poach the Meringues:
  1. Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer. Drop spoonfuls of meringue into the simmering water and poach for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
  2. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment paper to cool.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the 3/4 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and turns deep amber.
Assemble the Dessert:
  1. Pour the cooled custard into serving bowls. Place the poached meringue on top and drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh eggs for a better meringue.
  • Ensure mixing bowls are clean for optimal whipping.
  • Cook the custard slowly to avoid curdling.
  • Let the meringue cool completely for best texture.