Floating Island
Floating Island, or Île Flottante, is a classic French dessert featuring a delicate island of poached meringue floating on a creamy crème anglaise custard, often garnished with caramel sauce and toasted almonds. Its key ingredients include egg whites, sugar, milk, and vanilla, creating a light yet rich contrast of textures. Originating in 19th-century France, it remains a beloved staple in bistro and home cooking.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dessert is high in carbohydrates from sugar and meringue, with moderate fat from the custard and minimal protein from eggs. It provides calcium and some B vitamins, and a typical serving ranges from 250 to 350 calories, depending on portion size and sweetness.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Vitamin A | 250 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.9 mcg |
| Selenium | 10 mcg |
| Choline | 50 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Floating Island is celebrated for its elegant simplicity and has inspired variations like the Swedish 'Ägghyttle' and German 'Versunkener Gugelhupf.' Nutritionally, its unique poached meringue technique creates a protein-rich foam that contrasts with the custard's fat, offering a playful balance of lightness and indulgence.
