Brazo De Mercedes Cupcake Recipe | Soft Meringue Filled Treat
Craving a classic Filipino dessert with a modern twist? My Brazo De Mercedes Cupcake Recipe is the perfect handheld version of the traditional Brazo de Mercedes roll. These fluffy meringue cupcakes are filled with a rich custard centre, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances lightness with creamy indulgence. Perfect for parties, merienda, or when you want a sweet treat that feels extra special, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Meringue Preparation
Getting the meringue right is the foundation of these cupcakes. The goal is a fluffy, glossy meringue that holds its shape.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners to make sure the meringue doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), whisk five egg whites on high speed until bubbles start forming. Once the mixture is foamy, add one teaspoon of cream of tartar to stabilise the meringue.
Step 3: Gradually Add Sugar
Slowly add ½ cup of sugar a spoonful at a time, while continuing to whisk. Keep mixing until the egg whites reach soft peaks that are glossy and smooth.
Step 4: Pipe and Bake
Transfer the meringue into a piping bag with a 1M tip. Pipe into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the meringue tops turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 5: Cool Gradually
Once baked, turn off the oven but keep the door slightly open, letting the meringue cupcakes cool inside. This prevents them from deflating.
Custard Filling Preparation
The creamy custard is what makes Brazo De Mercedes so irresistible.
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a saucepan, whisk together 1 cup milk and two tablespoons cornstarch until fully dissolved.
Step 2: Add Yolks and Flavourings
Stir in 5 egg yolks, one can of condensed milk, one teaspoon vanilla, and the zest of one lemon. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously for 30–40 minutes. The mixture will slowly thicken into a rich custard.
Step 4: Cool and Pipe
Once thickened, remove from the heat and allow the custard to cool. Transfer into a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip for easy filling.
Shaping and Filling the Cupcakes
Now that both the meringue base and custard filling are ready, it’s time to bring these cupcakes to life!
Step 1: Create Space for the Filling
Once the meringue cupcakes have cooled, use a piping tip or small knife to gently poke a hole in the centre of each cupcake gently. Be careful not to crack the delicate shell.
Step 2: Fill with Custard
Using your custard-filled piping bag, gently squeeze the rich custard into the centre of each meringue cupcake until complete. You’ll know it’s enough when a little custard starts to peek out at the top.
Serving and Decoration
Part of the joy of these cupcakes is how beautiful they look when served.
Topping Ideas:
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Classic, light, and elegant.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and complements the custard flavour
- Whipped Cream Rosette: A soft swirl for extra indulgence.
- Caramel Drizzle: For a rich, sweet twist.
Presentation Tip:
Serve the cupcakes on a decorative platter, or place them in individual cupcake liners with lace paper for an elegant party-ready dessert.
Storage Instructions
These delicate cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to keep them:
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigeration: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Note: Refrigeration may slightly soften the meringue.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as meringue loses texture once thawed.
Brazo De Mercedes Cupcake Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making Brazo De Mercedes Cupcakes, having the right tools ensures a smooth baking process:- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks.
- Muffin Pan with Cups: To shape the cupcakes evenly while baking.
- Piping Bags with Tips (1M recommended): For neat meringue piping and custard filling.
- Saucepan & Whisk: To cook the custard filling until it’s thick and creamy.
- Cooling Rack: To let the cupcakes cool evenly without collapsing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Brazo De Mercedes made of?
Traditional Brazo De Mercedes is a Filipino dessert roll made of soft meringue filled with a rich egg-yolk custard. This cupcake version uses the same components but makes it easier to serve individually.
Can I make Brazo De Mercedes Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the meringue cupcakes and prepare the custard a day ahead. Store them separately, then fill them right before serving to keep the texture fresh.
Why did my meringue deflate?
Meringue can deflate if the egg whites weren’t whipped enough or if they cooled too quickly. Always cool meringues in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent collapse.
Can I flavour the custard differently?
Absolutely! While lemon zest gives it a classic tang, you can try orange zest, ube extract, or even pandan for a creative twist.
Are these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, since they’re made mainly of egg whites, sugar, and custard, these cupcakes are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those avoiding wheat.
Conclusion
Making Brazo De Mercedes Cupcakes at home is a rewarding experience. With their fluffy golden meringue shells and creamy custard centres, these little bites of heaven are a modern twist on a timeless Filipino dessert. Whether you’re serving them for a celebration, as an afternoon merienda, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cupcakes are guaranteed to delight.
The key to success is patience: whip your meringue until glossy, cook the custard until thick and smooth, and let both cool before combining. With a bit of practice, you’ll have bakery-worthy Brazo De Mercedes Cupcakes that look as stunning as they taste.
So grab your mixer, whisk, and piping bag, because once you try these, they’re bound to become a family favourite!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
