Whimsical Monster Meringues
Whimsical Monster Meringues are playful, colorful treats that will spark joy in both children and adults alike. Perfect for parties or a fun family baking day, these delightful meringues can be easily transformed into a colorful family of adorable monsters. They'll definitely bring a splash of creativity to your dessert table! Complete with vibrant hues, crunchy nonpareils, and cartoonish edible eyes, these meringues are not just tasty; they also make great edible art. Let your imagination run wild and create your own monster menagerie that will impress everyone at your gathering.
N/A
Servings
36
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
caster sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
egg whites
3/4 cup (none)
orange powder food coloring
to taste (none)
blue powder food coloring
to taste (none)
purple powder food coloring
to taste (none)
green powder food coloring
to taste (none)
orange nonpareils sprinkles
to taste (none)
blue nonpareils sprinkles
to taste (none)
purple nonpareils sprinkles
to taste (none)
green nonpareils sprinkles
to taste (none)
royal icing
for sticking (none)
edible eyes
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two flat baking sheets and a deep baking tray with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
2
Place the caster sugar in the deep baking tray and warm it in the oven for about 7 minutes. The sugar should be hot but not caramelized.
3
In a stand mixer, add the egg whites and begin whisking on the slowest speed. Gradually increase the speed until soft peaks form.
4
Once the sugar is warmed, remove it from the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (90°C).
5
Slowly add the hot caster sugar to the egg whites, one tablespoon at a time, while the mixer is on high speed. This process is essential to prevent the egg whites from deflating.
6
Continue whisking until the mixture is thick, glossy, and creates stiff peaks that hold their shape when the whisk is removed.
7
Carefully divide the meringue mixture into four bowls. Fold in the different powdered food coloring to each bowl until you achieve your desired shades.
8
Scoop each colored meringue into separate piping bags fitted with round and star piping tips. Get creative and pipe your colorful monster shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
9
Sprinkle the nonpareils on top of the piped meringues to add a bit of crunch and extra color to your monsters.
10
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meringues easily lift off the parchment paper cleanly and feel firm to the touch.
11
Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely, which will help ensure they stay crunchy.
12
Once cooled, use royal icing to attach the edible eyes to your monster meringues, giving them their final quirky look.
Nutrition Information
0
Fat
9
Carbs
0.12
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Whimsical Monster Meringues?
Whimsical Monster Meringues are playful, colorful treats made from meringue, decorated with nonpareils and edible eyes to look like adorable monsters.
What is the main base of these meringues?
The base of these meringues consists of caster sugar and egg whites whisked together to form a stiff, glossy peak.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 36 calories.
Is there any fat in this recipe?
No, these meringues contain 0 grams of fat.
Why do you need to heat the caster sugar?
Heating the caster sugar in the oven for 7 minutes makes it hot, which helps it incorporate more effectively into the egg whites without deflating them.
What oven temperature is used for warming the sugar?
The sugar should be warmed in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What temperature should the oven be for baking the meringues?
The oven temperature should be reduced to 200°F (90°C) for the actual baking process.
What type of food coloring is recommended?
Powdered food coloring is recommended to avoid adding extra moisture that could ruin the meringue consistency.
How many different colors does the recipe suggest?
The recipe suggests four colors: orange, blue, purple, and green.
How do I know when the egg whites are ready for the sugar?
The egg whites are ready when you have whisked them until soft peaks form.
How should the hot sugar be added to the egg whites?
The hot caster sugar should be added very slowly, one tablespoon at a time, while the mixer is running on high speed.
What is the target texture for the final meringue mixture?
The final mixture should be thick, glossy, and create stiff peaks that hold their shape.
How long do the meringues need to bake?
They should bake for 1 hour, or until they easily lift off the parchment paper and feel firm.
What should I do once the baking time is over?
Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely to ensure they stay crunchy.
How are the edible eyes attached to the monsters?
The edible eyes are attached using a small amount of royal icing as an edible glue.
What type of piping tips are used for the monster shapes?
The recipe suggests using a mix of round and star piping tips for creative shapes.
Are nonpareils necessary for this recipe?
While not strictly necessary for structure, they add essential crunch and vibrant color to the monster design.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of powder?
It is not recommended, as liquid can change the chemistry of the meringue and cause it to collapse.
How much caster sugar is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of caster sugar.
How many egg whites are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of egg whites.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as kid-friendly and family-friendly, making it a great baking activity for children.
What is the protein content?
There is approximately 0.12 grams of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including various colors and sprinkles.
What carbohydrates are in these treats?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the baking sheets be greased?
No, use baking parchment to line the sheets to prevent the meringues from sticking.
What happens if the sugar caramelizes while warming?
If the sugar caramelizes, it has been in the oven too long or at too high a heat; it should be hot but still white.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is a dessert recipe, specifically categorized under meringues.
Can I make these for a party?
Yes, they are described as perfect party treats and edible art.
What kind of mixer is best for this?
A stand mixer is ideal for achieving the necessary speed and consistency for stiff peaks.
What is the texture of the finished meringue?
The finished meringues are firm to the touch and crunchy throughout.