Basic Meringue Recipe
User Reviews
4.6
Basic Meringue Recipe
Description
The Basic Meringue Recipe involves beating room temperature egg whites with cream of tartar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Initially beating on medium speed creates froth, then increasing speed to medium-high and gradually adding granulated sugar produces a glossy, firm meringue with stiff peaks that hold shape.
Achieving stiff peaks requires clean, fat-free utensils and careful sugar incorporation a little at a time to avoid gritty texture or failure to set properly. The process is resilient to overbeating; the meringue remains stable once stiff peaks form.
This versatile meringue serves as a base for many desserts and can be flavored or colored by adding vanilla or gel food coloring during beating. Weather conditions affect whipping success, with lower humidity being more favorable.
Ingredients
- 5 egg white
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy, then add the cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat to soft peaks. While continuing to beat the egg whites, gradually add the granulated sugar and beat until glossy and stiff peaks form.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume and stability; avoid egg whites from cartons.
- Ensure all equipment is completely clean and free from fat to achieve proper meringue formation.
- Gradually add sugar in small amounts to prevent gritty texture and help achieve stiff peaks.
- Meringue can be beaten longer without harm; ensure it is glossy and forms stiff peaks when done.
- Add flavors with vanilla extract early and gel food coloring after stiff peaks form to maintain texture.
- Low humidity days facilitate better meringue whipping results.
- Use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or whisk; stand mixers require less effort but hand whisking is possible with patience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 59 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 59kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 31mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 62mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Calcium | 1mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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