What ingredients do you need?
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup of caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Step 1: Preparing your equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent the meringues from sticking.
Step 2: Separating the eggs
Take your eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. You can do this by gently cracking the eggs in half and transferring the yolk back and forth between the shell halves, allowing the whites to fall into a clean mixing bowl. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites, as even a small amount can prevent proper whipping.
Step 3: Whipping the egg whites
Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites to help stabilize them. Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture forms stiff peaks. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Adding vanilla extract
Gently fold in the vanilla extract into the stiff egg white mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the mixture and result in flat meringues.
Step 5: Piping the meringues
Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a desired tip. Pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meringue to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 6: Baking
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes or until the meringues are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely.
Step 7: Enjoying your meringues
Once the meringues have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container for several days. Serve them on their own or use them as a topping for pies, cakes, or ice cream.
Now that you know the step-by-step process of making perfect meringues, go ahead and give it a try. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of creating these delightful treats that will impress your friends and family.