Basic meringues

Discover the art of making perfect basic meringues with just four simple ingredients: egg whites, a dash of salt, sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract. These light and airy treats are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whip up a batch today and enjoy their delicate sweetness!

  • 05 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 90 min
  • Prep time 15 min
  • 2 Servings
  • 4 Ingredients

Basic meringues

Meringues are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth confections that make for a delightful dessert or a charming addition to any sweet table. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these classic treats that are sure to impress. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe will guide you through the simple steps to make perfect meringues every time.

Ingredients:

4 egg whites
130g
1 dash salt
1g
1 cup sugar
200g
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Egg Whites: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any grease or residue can prevent your egg whites from whipping properly. Separate the egg whites from the yolks, being careful to avoid any yolk mixing with the whites.
3. Whisk the Egg Whites: Place the egg whites and the salt into the mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, start beating the egg whites until they become frothy and form soft peaks.
4. Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. This allows the sugar to dissolve properly and helps in achieving a smooth, glossy meringue with stiff peaks. This process can take several minutes.
5. Incorporate the Vanilla Extract: Once the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture has stiff peaks, gently fold in the vanilla extract to evenly distribute the flavor.
6. Shape the Meringues: Using a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip (or simply a spoon), pipe or spoon small mounds of the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake: Place the meringues in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The meringues should be crisp on the outside and easily lift off the parchment paper. They should not brown; if they start to color, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
8. Cool Them Down: Once baked, turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar. This helps them dry out and become perfectly crisp.
9. Store and Enjoy: Once completely cool, transfer the meringues to an airtight container. They can be stored for several days at room temperature.

Tips:

- Ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease or oil to achieve maximum volume when beating the egg whites.

- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume and stability.

- Add the sugar gradually, allowing it to dissolve completely before adding more, to avoid gritty meringues.

- For extra stability, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch when adding the sugar.

- If you prefer a chewier center, bake the meringues at a higher temperature for a shorter period. For crisp meringues, bake at a lower temperature and for a longer time.

- Store your meringues in an airtight container to keep them crisp.

Making meringues is easier than it seems and can be a fun and rewarding process. With these tips and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create light, airy, and delicious meringues that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your delightful homemade meringues just as they are, or use them as a base for more elaborate desserts.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size170 grams
Energy
Calories 440kcal22%
Protein
Protein 7g5%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 100g29%
Fiber 0.00g0%
Sugar 100g100%
Fat
Fat 0.32g0%
Saturated 0.00g0%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 0.00ug0%
Choline 0.73mg0%
Vitamin B1 0.00mg0%
Vitamin B2 0.28mg21%
Vitamin B3 0.07mg0%
Vitamin B6 0.00mg0%
Vitamin B9 2.64ug1%
Vitamin B12 0.06ug2%
Vitamin C 0.00mg0%
Vitamin E 0.00mg0%
Vitamin K 0.00ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 6mg0%
Copper, Cu 0.02mg2%
Iron, Fe 0.10mg1%
Magnesium, Mg 7mg2%
Phosphorus, P 10mg1%
Potassium, K 110mg3%
Selenium, Se 12ug23%
Sodium, Na 300mg20%
Zinc, Zn 0.03mg0%
Water
Water 60g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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