10 August 2025
Fluffy Brazo de Mercedes Roll with Creamy Custard
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoM
Learn how to make Brazo de Mercedes, a Filipino meringue roll filled with silky custard. Light, sweet, and nostalgic, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Brazo de Mercedes: A Pillowy Filipino Meringue Roll 🇵🇭🍋
Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both nostalgic and elegant? Brazo de Mercedes is a beloved Filipino classic that never fails to impress. Made from whipped egg whites rolled around a rich, silky custard, this meringue roll is a perfect balance of light and indulgent — and yes, it's naturally gluten-free! ✨
This version, adapted from Chef RV Manabat, brings all the comforting flavors of home: cloud-like meringue, creamy condensed milk filling, and a bright touch of lemon zest 🍋. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or simply craving something sweet, this dessert is sure to bring smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Brazo de Mercedes 💛
- No flour needed — gluten-free and light as air!
- Simple pantry ingredients — eggs, sugar, and condensed milk do the heavy lifting.
- Beginner-friendly with helpful tips to prevent cracks and flattening.
- Make-ahead dessert — perfect chilled the next day!
Pro Tips for Success 🧑🍳
✅ Use clean, grease-free bowls to ensure your meringue whips up properly.
✅ Add a little cornstarch to stabilize the egg whites.
✅ Roll the meringue while it's still warm to prevent cracking.
✅ Chill before slicing for that signature neat swirl.
✅ Don’t skip the lemon zest — it cuts through the sweetness for perfect balance.
The Heart of It All: The Custard 💛
At the core of this dessert is a rich, velvety custard made with egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk, thickened gently over a double boiler and finished with a touch of butter for that irresistible sheen. Lightly scented with lemon zest, it gives the Brazo its unmistakable flavor.
Perfect for Special Occasions 🎉
Brazo de Mercedes is a popular dessert for Christmas, fiestas, and birthdays — but there’s no reason not to enjoy it year-round! Serve it chilled with a cup of coffee or tea, and it instantly feels like a celebration. 🫖
Whether you're new to Filipino desserts or grew up with Brazo de Mercedes as a family favorite, this foolproof version will earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Don’t forget to share your creation with us! 📸✨
Fluffy Brazo de Mercedes Roll with Creamy Custard
Chef RV Manabat adapted by JojoMLearn how to make Brazo de Mercedes, a Filipino meringue roll filled with silky custard. Light, sweet, and nostalgic, perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Chef's Tips
Use clean, grease-free bowls for whipping egg whites.
Add cornstarch to stabilize the meringue before baking.
Roll the meringue while still warm to prevent cracking.
Let the Brazo cool and refrigerate before serving for best texture.
Lemon zest adds brightness and balance to the custard filling.
Tools Used
Stand Mixer Or Hand Mixer(opens in a new tab)Mixing Bowls(opens in a new tab)Spatula(opens in a new tab)Parchment Paper(opens in a new tab)Oven
We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
USMetric
Meringue
Filling
Dusting
Instructions
Make the Meringue
- 1
Preheat oven to 135°C (275°F). Line a 13x17 inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
- 2
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- 3
Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- 4
Gently fold in cornstarch to stabilize the meringue.
- 5
Spread the meringue evenly on the sheet pan. Use a spatula or cake comb to texture the top.
- 6
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until light golden on top.
Prepare the Custard Filling
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, condensed milk, cornstarch, and lemon zest until smooth.
- 2
Transfer to a double boiler and cook over simmering water, stirring constantly until thickened.
- 3
Once thick, remove from heat and stir in butter for added richness and gloss.
- 4
Let the custard cool completely before using.
Assemble the Brazo de Mercedes
- 1
Dust a clean towel or cheesecloth with a 1:1 mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- 2
Invert the baked meringue onto the towel while still warm and remove parchment paper.
- 3
Spread the cooled custard evenly over the meringue.
- 4
Carefully roll the meringue using the towel to guide it like a sushi roll.
- 5
Transfer to a serving tray. Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts and best texture.
Comments & Reviews
Aira D.
7/10/2025
I was nervous about the custard curdling but it came out silky. Thank you for the clear steps!
Kevin L.
7/10/2025
Reminds me of childhood meriendas! My lola used to make this, and this recipe brought me back.
Carla M.
7/9/2025
The rolling part was tricky but it still looked amazing. I’ll try it again with ube next time.
Jun Reyes
7/9/2025
Super helpful tips about the meringue! Mine used to deflate but this time it held up beautifully. Salamat po!
Maria Santos
7/8/2025
I followed this recipe and it turned out perfect! The custard was smooth and not too sweet. My family loved it!
Save, Plan & Shop Smarter
Create and edit your own recipes, import from most websites, plan your week, and build smart grocery lists.
Import recipes from most websites
Create and edit your own recipes
Plan your week with the Meal Planner
Mark favourites for quick access
Build grocery lists from your meal plan
Tick off pantry items you already have
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of roll)
Calories 210
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g8%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 75mg3%
Total Carbohydrates 32g12%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sugars 28g
Protein 6g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Browse this topic
Classic Filipino Bakes: Ensaymada, Spanish Bread, Cassava Cake & More
A collection of Filipino breads and cakes—soft, buttery, and perfect for merienda.
11 recipes • Updated 9/22/2025
Chef RV Cake Recipes: Filipino Favorites and Classics
Explore Chef RV Manabat’s most beloved Filipino cake recipes—from Yema Cake to Ube creations and beyond. A collection of soft, fluffy, and nostalgic Filipino cakes.
17 recipes • Updated 8/25/2025
Create your own recipe
Add your personal creations and build your own recipe collection.
Loading...
