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Classic Swiss Meringue Recipe
The secret to a truly stable meringue is gently heating the egg whites and sugar over a water bath before whipping. This classic Swiss method ensures the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth, glossy base that won't weep or collapse. It's exactly what you need for piping crisp cookies, swooping over pies, or folding into delicate desserts. You'll know it's ready when the whisk pulls up a firm peak with just a slight bend at the tip.
Ingredients
- 35 g fresh egg whites
- 60 g superfine sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or other flavored extract
Instructions
- 1Combine the egg whites and superfine sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Make sure there are absolutely no traces of egg yolk in the whites, as any fat prevents the meringue from whipping properly.
- 2Pour about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- 3Set the mixer bowl over the simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water directly.
- 4Stir the mixture constantly with a spatula while monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer. Constant stirring prevents the egg whites from cooking on the bottom of the bowl.
- 5Remove the bowl from the heat immediately once the mixture reaches 115°F (45°C). The residual heat from the bowl will continue warming the mixture to 120°F (50°C).
- 6Continue stirring off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes to gradually cool the mixture. The sugar should dissolve completely, leaving a texture resembling thick syrup.
- 7Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer once the mixture cools to about 75°F (24°C). Beat on medium-high speed with a whisk attachment for 8 to 10 minutes until it turns white and thickens to the consistency of maple syrup.
- 8Fold in the vanilla extract with a spatula, then resume mixing on medium-high speed for 10 to 15 minutes. Stop when the meringue is smooth, glossy, and holds firm, stiff peaks with a slight bend at the tip when the whisk is lifted.
Notes
- Prep: Ensure absolutely no egg yolk mixes with the whites. Even a tiny drop of fat will prevent the meringue from reaching stiff peaks.
- Scaling: You can easily double the quantities of egg whites, superfine sugar, and vanilla extract to make a larger batch.
- Usage: Swiss meringue is most stable when used immediately after whipping for piping or folding into other desserts.