Categories: baking / meringue girls / everyday baking
Ingredients: What is in Meringue?
The main components of most meringue recipes are egg whites and sugar. Sometimes, like in our Lemon Meringue Pie, meringue recipes will call for an acidic ingredient such as cream of tartar as well.
Sugar’s Role in Meringue
When beaten, egg whites can expand to up to eight times their original volume. Sugar not only adds sweetness, it also stabilizes the egg whites by coating them with sugar so they can be beaten longer and don’t dry out as fast. Sugar also decreases the volume and lightness of the meringue, so it is important that the sugar be added gradually, and usually never before the egg whites have been whipped to at least four times their original volume.
How Much Sugar is in Meringue?
The amount of sugar and method used varies depending on the intended purpose of the meringue. Less sugar creates a softer meringue for toppings on cakes or pies; more sugar creates a harder meringue used for piping into shapes. For example, our Lemon Meringue Pie uses C&H® Baker’s Sugar™ to achieve a smoother, fluffier meringue topping.
Types of Meringue
There are three popular types of meringue: Swiss, French, and Italian. Let’s dive into the different types of meringue!
- Swiss Meringue: This is a type of meringue made by mixing the sugar and egg whites together over a double boiler. Once the ingredients are heated, then they are whipped into stiff, glossy peaks. Swiss meringue is especially tasty as a smooth swiss meringue buttercream and can even be made using C&H® Light Brown Sugar.
- French Meringue: Curious how to make meringue cookies? This recipe is an example of a French meringue where sugar is gradually whipped into room temperature egg whites. After stiff peaks form, this mixture can be piped into shape and baked.
- Italian Meringue: This delicious type of meringue is created by slowly beating hot sugar syrup into stiffly beaten egg whites, which results in a smooth, creamy meringue. Italian meringue is often used for frostings and other pie or cake toppings.
How to Make Meringue
To make meringue, you will need the following equipment on hand:
- Copper or stainless steel bowl
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Candy thermometer
- Double boiler
- Pastry bag for piping or a heavy plastic food-storage bag (Snip off a tiny corner. Make a larger hole in bag if you want a thicker drizzle)
- Chef’s kitchen torch (or oven broiler)
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