Whip Up Dreamy, Cloud-Like Meringue Recipe at Home

Sweet and airy meringue whispers promises of delicate culinary magic that dance on your palate.

Clouds of whipped egg whites emerge from simple ingredients through careful technique.

Professional bakers consider this delightful treat both an art and precise science.

Crisp exterior and pillowy center create a sensational texture that melts gracefully.

Light and elegant, these sweet peaks complement countless desserts with their ethereal charm.

Mastering meringue requires patience, a steady hand, and willingness to experiment.

Your kitchen adventure begins now – let’s create something wonderfully sweet together.

Why Nigella Meringue Is A Simple Delight

• Craft with Ease: This meringue recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Light, crispy, and sweet meringues are universally loved, suitable for parties, gatherings, and special celebrations.
• Quick Preparation: From start to finish, this recipe takes minimal effort with straightforward steps that deliver delightful results every single time.
• Versatile Treat: Meringues can be enjoyed alone, used as decorative garnishes, or transformed into elegant dessert components like pavlovas or cookies.

Everything You Need For Nigella Meringue

• Egg Whites: Fresh whites are the key foundation for creating light and airy meringue.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the meringue structure.

• Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize egg whites and create a more consistent meringue texture.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking during baking.

How To Prepare Nigella Meringue With Ease

Step 1: Crack and Separate Eggs

Gently crack eggs, carefully separating the whites from the yolks. Allow egg whites to rest and warm up to room temperature, which helps create a more stable meringue structure.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth and clean surface for your meringue.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites with cream of tartar. Start at low speed and gradually increase until soft, billowy peaks form that slightly curl when the beater is lifted.

Step 4: Add Sweetness

Slowly sprinkle sugar into the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat. Mix until the meringue becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks that stand up straight and hold their shape.

Step 5: Shape Meringue

Carefully spoon or pipe the meringue onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Create individual dollops or decorative shapes using a piping bag with a star tip for elegant presentation.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, watching carefully until meringues turn a delicate golden color and look crisp on the outside.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove meringues from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, gently lift from the parchment paper and serve or store in an airtight container.

Tips That Help With Nigella Meringue

• Stabilize Whites: Use cream of tartar to help egg whites hold their structure and prevent deflating during beating.
• Temperature Matters: Allow egg whites to reach room temperature for maximum volume and smoother meringue texture.
• Slow Sugar Addition: Gradually sprinkle sugar while beating to ensure proper dissolution and create glossy, stable peaks.
• Prevent Browning: Watch meringues closely during baking to achieve light golden color without burning.
• Moisture-Free Environment: Ensure all utensils are completely dry to help egg whites whip up successfully and maintain crisp texture.

Fun Variations Of Nigella Meringue

• Chocolate Chip Meringue: Fold in mini chocolate chips before baking for a sweet, crunchy variation.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top of meringues before baking for extra texture.
• Lavender Honey Meringue: Add dried lavender and a drizzle of honey to the egg white mixture for a floral, aromatic touch.
• Vegan Aquafaba Meringue: Replace egg whites with chickpea liquid (aquafaba) and use coconut sugar for a plant-based alternative.

Best Pairings For Nigella Meringue

• Sparkling Wine Complement: Pair crisp, light champagne or prosecco with meringue to enhance its delicate sweetness and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Fruity Berry Fusion: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries to add natural tartness that balances the meringue's sugary texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Decorate with dark chocolate sauce or sprinkle cocoa powder to introduce rich, deep flavor contrasts that elevate the meringue's lightness.
• Coffee Flavor Boost: Enjoy with a smooth espresso or cappuccino, which cuts through the sweetness and provides a sophisticated complementary taste profile.

How To Store Nigella Meringue Correctly

• Store meringues in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Warm gently at 200°F (95°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Let cold meringues sit uncovered for 15-20 minutes to regain original texture before enjoying.

Common Questions About Nigella Meringue

• Can I use granulated sugar instead of superfine sugar?

Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar, but pulse it in a food processor first to create a finer texture for smoother meringues.

• Why do I need cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize egg whites, allowing them to hold peaks better and creating a more consistent meringue texture.

• How do I know when egg whites are at the right stage?

Soft peaks should bend over when you lift the beater, while stiff peaks stand straight up and look glossy without appearing dry or grainy.

• What causes meringues to crack or weep?

Common issues include adding sugar too quickly, beating at too high a temperature, or not fully incorporating sugar, which can lead to weeping or cracking during baking.

Meringue Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet French “Classic Meringue” whisks egg whites and sugar into cloud-like peaks of delicate perfection. Light, crisp confections melt on your palate, promising a heavenly dessert experience that delights culinary enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large egg whites

Stabilizing Ingredient:

• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cream of tartar

Sweetening Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

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Instructions

1. Carefully separate egg whites from yolks, allowing whites to gradually warm to room temperature for optimal volume and texture.
2. Position oven rack in the upper third and preheat to 350F (175C), ensuring even heat distribution.
3. Using a clean, dry electric mixer, whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft, billowy peaks form and hold their shape momentarily.
4. Gradually incorporate sugar, continuously beating at medium-high speed until meringue transforms into thick, glossy peaks that stand upright and maintain pristine structure.
5. Gently transfer meringue mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, using a spatula to create elegant swirls or peaks as desired.
6. Carefully place tray in preheated oven, baking for approximately 10 minutes until edges turn delicate golden brown and surface appears crisp and light.
7. Remove from oven and allow meringues to cool completely at room temperature, which helps maintain their crisp exterior and tender interior, then store in an airtight container or serve immediately.

Notes

• Egg temperature matters critically for achieving perfect volume and stability in meringues.
• Use absolutely clean, grease-free bowls and whisks to ensure proper egg white whipping.
• Gradually adding sugar prevents deflating delicate egg white structure and creates smoother texture.
• Low and slow baking helps develop crisp exterior while maintaining soft, marshmallow-like interior.

• Prep Time: Time to bring egg whites to room temperature (approximately 30 minutes)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 192
• Sugar: 48 tsp
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 tsp
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg