Known affectionately in my childhood as Bird’s Milk, this elegant treat is as nostalgic as it is impressive. Made with just a few simple ingredients—eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla—Floating Islands transform humble pantry staples into a cloud-like delight. Whether you’re looking to revisit a beloved favorite or explore something new, this recipe is pure comfort in a bowl.

Floating Islands (Ile Flottante)

Recipe by Maria

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Floating Islands (Ile Flottante) Ingredients

2.5 cups milk
6 eggs
8 tbs sugar
vanilla
lemon zest from 1/2 lemons

How to Make Floating Islands (Ile Flottante)

In a bowl, add the egg whites, a pinch of salt, and beat well. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a foam.
Put the milk to boil together with the vanilla sugar.
When it starts to boil, use an ice cream scoop (or two spoons) to take portions of the egg white foam prepared earlier and form "meringue dumplings," which you place in the milk for a few minutes, turning them carefully. Remove them one by one onto a tray and continue until all the egg white foam is used. Then, strain the milk and prepare the egg yolks by placing them in a bowl along with the sugar and mixing them. Gradually add the strained, hot milk, mixing gently.
Place the mixture of yolks and milk over low heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.
Once cooled, pour the cream into bowls and arrange 2 or 3 dumplings (depending on their size and the size of the bowls) on top of the cream.