Crisp on the outside, soft and cloud-like on the inside—meringue is one of those magical desserts that feels fancy yet is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re topping a lemon pie, creating delicate meringue cookies, or building a show-stopping pavlova, this delicious meringue recipe you’ll love will quickly become your go-to.
With just a few ingredients and easy techniques, you can achieve glossy, stable meringue that looks bakery-perfect and tastes incredible.
What Is Meringue?
Meringue is a mixture of whipped egg whites and sugar, baked or torched until set. Its texture can range from crisp to soft depending on how it’s prepared. The key to perfect meringue is incorporating air into the egg whites while stabilizing them with sugar.
This recipe focuses on classic baked meringue, ideal for cookies, pie toppings, or decorative desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ tsp cream of tartar (or 1 tsp lemon juice)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Ensure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry
Even a trace of fat or yolk can prevent egg whites from whipping properly
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
Beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy
Add cream of tartar and salt
Increase speed to high and whip until soft peaks form
Step 3: Add Sugar Gradually
Add sugar one tablespoon at a time
Beat well between additions
Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form
The meringue should hold its shape and feel smooth, not gritty.
Step 4: Shape the Meringue
Spoon or pipe meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet
Create peaks or swirls for texture and elegance
Step 5: Bake Low and Slow
Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C)
Bake for 60–90 minutes, depending on size
Turn off oven and let meringues cool completely inside
This slow drying process gives you crisp exteriors and tender centers.
Practical Tips for Perfect Meringue
Use room-temperature egg whites for maximum volume
Add sugar slowly to avoid collapsing the foam
Don’t overbeat—stop once stiff peaks form
Low humidity works best when making meringue
Cool gradually to prevent cracks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using plastic bowls (they retain grease)
Adding sugar too quickly
Baking at high temperatures
Opening the oven door too often
Over-whipping egg whites until dry
Avoid these, and your delicious meringue recipe you’ll love will turn out perfectly every time.
Easy Flavor Variations
Vanilla Meringue
Add extra vanilla for a classic, sweet flavor.
Chocolate Swirl Meringue
Gently fold in melted dark chocolate for a marbled look.
Lemon Meringue
Add lemon zest for brightness—perfect for pies.
Peppermint Meringue
Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for holidays.
How to Use Meringue
Pipe into meringue cookies
Top lemon or key lime pie
Create a pavlova base
Decorate cakes and tarts
Storage Tips
Store baked meringues in an airtight container
Keep at room temperature
Avoid refrigeration, which causes moisture absorption
Conclusion
This delicious meringue recipe you’ll love proves that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, gentle baking, and a few smart techniques, you can create light, crisp, and beautiful meringue every time.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Once you try it, meringue will no longer feel intimidating—it’ll be your secret baking superpower ☁️🍰