With its ethereal lightness and signature crisp shell, the Classic French Meringue is a timeless dessert that blends elegance with simplicity. Made with just five staple ingredients—egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt—this recipe showcases the delicate art of creating stiff, glossy peaks that melt effortlessly in your mouth. Perfect for entertaining or as a sweet treat for yourself, these airy delights are baked slowly to perfection, locking in their crisp exterior while maintaining a soft interior. Ideal for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or as a gluten-free dessert option, this recipe promises a stunning visual appeal and a satisfying sweetness. Serve them solo or pair them with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a divine presentation!
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add the egg whites, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt.
Begin beating the egg whites on medium speed using an electric mixer until they form soft peaks.
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the egg whites, one tablespoon at a time, beating constantly.
Increase the mixer speed to high and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Gently fold in the vanilla extract with a spatula.
Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe small to medium mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours until the meringues are crisp and sound hollow when tapped under the baking sheet.
Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely, to avoid cracks from sudden temperature changes.
Once cooled, store the meringues in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture until ready to serve.
Calories |
850 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 361 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 205.5 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 201.5 g | ||
| Protein | 14.1 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 10 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 719 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.