Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. While they are beating, lightly heat the sugar in a saucepan on medium for about 3 – 4 minutes, just before the sugar begins to melt. Slowly add the heated sugar and beat until the eggs become glossy and stiff, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and beat to combine.
Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the meringue. Place small dots of meringue on the bottom corners of the parchment paper so it will stick to the baking sheet. Pipe a nest by piping two 2 ½ inch circles on top of one another. Repeat until you have 12 nests.
Bake for about 2 ½ hours to dry out the meringue. Set aside.
For the Cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, line a cupcake liner with liners.
Whisk both flours, baking powder, salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. Alternate between adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Evenly distribute the batter among the liners. Bake for about 15 – 18 minutes, or until a light golden brown and the tops spring back when lightly pressed.
For the Honey Whipped Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a chilled whisk. Beat until the cream thickens and stiffens. Add the honey and beat to incorporate.
Assemble
Smear whipped cream over the tops of the cupcakes. Place the meringue nests onto each cupcake and fill with more whipped cream. Top with berries.
Notes
Cupcakes are best eaten the same day they are assembled. If you wish to make this ahead of time, you can make the meringue and cupcakes up to two days ahead of time, store both in air tight containers. You may make the whipped cream up to 8 hours ahead, store in an air tight container in the refrigerator, and rebeat just prior to assembly.
Tried this recipe?Tag me on Instagram! @acookienameddesire #acookienameddesire