French Meringue with Cream of Tartar
Classic French meringue made by whipping egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until foamy, then gradually incorporating granulated sugar. Beat on medium-low speed until soft or stiff peaks form, depending on your dessert application. A versatile base for cookies, pavlovas, macarons, and pie toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites, at room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar(optional)lemon juice1/8 teaspoon per 1/4 teaspoonacid stabilizerdairy-free
alternative acid option
Full guide → - ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ⅓ cup fine granulated sugarsuperfine sugar1:1texture
dissolves faster
- 2 tablespoon fine granulated sugarsuperfine sugar1:1texture
dissolves faster
Instructions
- 1
Combine egg whites in a clean mixing bowl with whisk attachment and beat on medium-low speed until foamy.
- 2
Add cream of tartar and salt to the foamy egg whites and continue whisking.
- 3
Slowly add sugar one tablespoon at a time while mixer runs, allowing sugar to dissolve after each addition.
- 4
Continue beating on medium-low speed until soft peak stage is reached, about 5 minutes, or stiff peak stage, about 10-12 minutes.
Tips
Use a clean, grease-free bowl and whisk to prevent egg whites from foaming properly.
Room temperature egg whites whip more efficiently than cold ones.
Good to Know
Meringue is best used immediately. If storing, place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though texture will decline.
Prepare meringue no more than 2 hours before use to maintain peak stability and volume.
Use as directed in specific dessert recipes such as meringue cookies, pavlova, macarons, angel food cake, or lemon meringue pie.
Common Mistakes
Do not use a greasy or wet bowl to avoid egg whites failing to foam properly.
Do not skip adding sugar gradually to avoid granules remaining undissolved and creating a grainy texture.
Do not overbeat beyond stiff peaks to avoid breaking down the foam structure.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
alternative acid option
Full guide →General Alternatives
dissolves faster