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    Home / Dessert / Espumilla

    Espumilla

    Cloud-like meringue whipped with sweet guava, served in little cups — Quito’s most charming street-corner dessert.

    ⏱ 20 minPrep time
    🔥 10 minCook time
    🍽 6Servings
    🏷 DessertCategory
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    Espumilla - Guava Meringue Cups

    Espumilla is the whimsical dessert of Quito’s street carts: glossy meringue folded with guava syrup, spooned into cups, and finished with a swirl of guava jam and a dusting of cinnamon. It is light as air, intensely fruity, and a beloved childhood memory for generations of Quiteños.

    Clouds of meringue with a guava heart

    The meringue is silky and marshmallow-soft, melting on the tongue, while the guava syrup weaves through it with sweet, tropical tang. The spoonful of guava jam on top — often called cascara — adds a jammy intensity, and the cinnamon gives it a warm, cozy finish.

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    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Simmer the guava juice in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup and syrupy; set aside to cool.
    2. In another small saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water and bring to a boil; cook until the syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
    3. Meanwhile, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
    4. With the mixer running, slowly stream the hot syrup into the egg whites and beat for 8 to 10 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form and the bowl is cool to the touch.
    5. Gently fold in the cooled guava syrup and vanilla, leaving a few swirls.
    6. Spoon the espumilla into cups, top each with a spoonful of guava jam and a dusting of cinnamon, and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Cooking the sugar syrup to soft-ball stage makes a stable, safe meringue that holds its clouds. Espumilla is best the day it is made and keeps 1 day refrigerated.

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    Recipe details

    Prep20 min
    Cook10 min
    Servings6
    CategoryDessert
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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