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Home » Dessert

Chilean Floating Islands (Leche Nevada)

Published: Apr 26, 2019 by Lizet

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Leche Nevada or Chilean floating islands is a custard base dessert, topped with meringues and a touch of cinnamon.

This is the second recipe I chose from the suggestions you guys left a few weeks ago on Chipa by the Dozen Facebook's page.

Today's recipe is Raquel's request. Leche nevada. A dessert her mom would make when she was little.

This dessert is served in many South American countries but is better known as a Chilean dessert.

Leche Nevada or Chilean Floating Islands

Floating islands is a simple, delicious and cheap dessert. It's ready in about 10 minutes!

The base is homemade vanilla custard made with milk and egg yolk.

whipped egg white in a bowl

The floating islands are meringues prepared from whipped egg whites, and sugar, and quickly poached in hot milk.

meringues simmering in milk

Once these meringues are cooked, they are removed with a slotted spoon.

With the milk left from poaching, a custard is made.

2 glasses filled with custard and topped with meringues.

Once the custard is done you can assemble this amazing dessert.

This recipe serves 2 portions, but it's very easy to double it if necessary.

Hot or cold? I enjoyed mine while it was still hot. I set the other portion in the fridge and an hour later my boys had theirs cold. Both ways are delicious!

If you enjoy custard desserts, come and check this Homemade Dulce de Leche Pudding.

If you liked the recipe above, please consider rating the recipe and leaving a comment below! and share your picture on Instagram with the hashtag #chipabythedozen

Recipe

Chilean Floating Islands (Leche Nevada)
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Chilean Floating Islands (Leche Nevada)

Leche Nevada or Chilean floating islands is a custard base dessert, topped with meringues and a touch of cinnamon.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Chilean
Servings: 2
Calories: 238kcal
Author: Lizet Bowen

Ingredients

Meringue:

  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Vanilla custard:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Cinnamon to sprinkle

Instructions

  • Meringue: In a small bowl, beat egg white with an electric mixer. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until it is shiny. Set aside.
  • Custard: In a large saucepan, add 1-¾ cups of milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. In low heat bring to a simmer. Scoop some meringue with a spoon. Using another spoon gently transfer meringue from spoon to spoon, into milk.
  • Poach for 1 minute each side. Remove from heat and set them on a plate.
  • In a small bowl, mix well ¼ cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1 yolk. Slowly pour this mixture into the milk and stir constantly over low heat. Let it cook for 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
  • Serve custard in 2 serving glasses. Place 3 meringues on top and sprinkle with ground cinnamon.

Notes

This dessert can be served hot, or it can be chilled for 1 hour before enjoying.
The amount of sugar I use in this recipe may seem small. If you like it sweeter, add more.

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal

Chilean Floating Islands (Leche Nevada)
Chilean Floating Islands (Leche Nevada)

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Sandy

    September 25, 2019 at 11:19 pm

    Can I make this a day ahead?

    Reply
    • Lizet Flores de Bowen

      September 26, 2019 at 7:52 pm

      Hi Sandy. Yes, you can make it a day ahead. The meringue might shrink a little, but not too much.

      Reply
  2. Diana

    April 30, 2019 at 11:18 pm

    I've never heard of Chilean floating islands before, but custard and meringue? That's my kind of dessert! Sounds and looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Lizet Flores de Bowen

      May 01, 2019 at 6:09 pm

      Thanks! I hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  3. Noelle

    April 30, 2019 at 10:46 pm

    I love the idea of this recipe and the taste was even better than I imagined!

    Reply
    • Lizet Flores de Bowen

      May 01, 2019 at 6:09 pm

      I'm glad you liked it!

      Reply
  4. Sophia

    April 30, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    I've never had this before but it looks divine! Perfect for a sweet drink or easy dessert!

    Reply
    • Lizet Flores de Bowen

      May 01, 2019 at 6:10 pm

      Yeah! super easy. I hope you try it soon!

      Reply
  5. Beth

    April 30, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    This looks so creamy and I'm excited that it only takes 10 minutes to make! Perfect quick treat!

    Reply
    • Lizet Flores de Bowen

      May 01, 2019 at 6:11 pm

      Yeah. A little bit dangerous to have a quick dessert recipe 😉

      Reply
  6. Beth Pierce

    April 30, 2019 at 9:26 pm

    I've never made this before, but it looks perfectly decadent! Will satisfy my sweet tooth for sure!

    Reply
    • Lizet Flores de Bowen

      May 01, 2019 at 6:12 pm

      Yes. Perfect for a quick, sweet dessert.

      Reply

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Lizet's photo, creator of Chipa by the Dozen.

Hello! I am Lizet.

Welcome to my blog. This is a collection of the most beloved recipes between my family and friends. Some are my own creations and some are copycat from the many found on the internet, but with a twist using ingredients I can find in Paraguay. I hope you enjoy them!

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