Meringues Recipe - Baking with Granny (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making good meringue? ›

A meringue is done baking when it releases easily when gently lifted from the baking sheet. If it's close, keep checking every 5 to 10 minutes.

Gradually add the sugar, 1-2 tbsp at a time until it is all incorporated and the peaks become glossy. Continue beating until the foam forms stiff peaks and all of the sugar has been dissolved. To test if the sugar has dissolved, rub the beaten meringue between your thumb and forefinger.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is an excellent way to foolproof your meringue. Use it to create added fluff and keep your hard-won volume from shrinking. Cream of Tartar: Often added in when making meringues, acidic cream of tartar provides lift and stabilization.

The oven temp will drop when you open the door to put the meringues in there so this higher temperature helps to mitigate some of that heat loss. We then turn the heat down lower and bake for an hour. This ensures that they stay bright white and get crispy and dry throughout.

Any kind of grease ruins meringue. That means that your cooking utensils need to be immaculately clean. Even if you're sure they're clean but they've been sitting in your kitchen for a while, run some hot, hot water over them and dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel.

The difference between the different types of meringue is how the sugar and egg whites are combined. No matter the type, fat is the enemy to a strong meringue. I like to wipe my bowl and whisk down with a bit of vinegar to get rid of any residual fat or grease.

Meringues can crack because of the sudden change in temperature.

Can you open the oven when baking meringue? ›

Preheat the oven to 130°C /Fan 110°C/ Gas 1/2. Line 2 baking sheets with non-stick baking parchment. This type of meringue is 'dried-out' in the oven at a low temperature – you can open the oven door at any time without fear of them collapsing. Put the egg whites into a large, perfectly clean, grease-free bowl.

The sugar in the meringue pulls moisture from the air. Too much moisture means sticky meringues. Linda Jackson and Jennifer Gardner say the trick is to leave the meringues in the oven after baking. Turn the heat off and let the meringues finish drying, undisturbed, for three hours or even overnight.

Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, beat together the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt on medium-low speed until foamy–about one minute. Next, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 1 to 3 minutes until soft peaks form and the whites are shiny. Don't rush this step.

Once sugar has fully dissolved, remove the bowl from heat and whisk with a hand mixer or stand mixer on high until stiff peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.

Over-beating

It's possible to take it too far. After the stiff peak stage, egg whites will start to look grainy and dull. They will eventually collapse back on themselves.

Sugar coats the proteins so they won't dry out, stabilizing the egg whites. It also slows down the incorporation of air. Cream of Tartar / Lemon juice: An acid will stabilize the meringue.

Slowly stream in the sugar after the egg whites have been whipping for about 10 seconds. Add the sugar in thirds: 1/3 when the whites are a very pale yellow (about 10 seconds in), 1/3 when the whites begin to foam, and 1/3 just before the whites reach a soft peak. Add all of the sugar at once.

The cornflour and vinegar that is added strengthens the egg white and make it more stable and you get the marshmallowy centres from the shorter cooking time.