Spooky Sweet Delights: Easy Ghost Meringues for Halloween Fun!
These whimsical Ghost Meringues are a fantastic treat that not only beckons the sweet tooth but also brings a sprinkle of fun to your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip these delightful meringues up in about an hour while also involving your family in the Halloween spirit. Here’s a goofy and easy dessert that the kids can help with , who wouldn’t want to make some spooky treats this season?
As a child, I loved getting my hands messy in the kitchen while dreaming up ghostly desserts. These meringues remind me of those carefree days filled with laughter and creativity. They’re light, airy, and just perfect for any Halloween gathering or cozy family night in. Let’s dive into how to make these adorable little ghosts!
Ghost Meringues
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whimsical Ghost Meringues are a delightful treat perfect for Halloween gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 ounce dark chocolate (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar, whisking on medium speed until frothy.
- Gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while increasing the mixer speed to medium-high, whisking until soft peaks form (about 5 to 6 minutes).
- Add vanilla bean paste and continue beating until the meringue holds stiff peaks.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe 2-inch high mounds, spacing them an inch apart.
- Bake at 200°F for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the meringues to dry in the oven for another 1 to 2 hours.
- Once cooled, use melted dark chocolate to paint spooky faces on the meringue ghosts.
Notes
Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness. They last about a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Crafting Your Ghostly Treats
Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 ounce dark chocolate (melted)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar. Start whisking on medium speed until it’s frothy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while increasing the mixer speed to medium-high. Keep whisking until soft peaks form—about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add in the vanilla bean paste and continue beating until the meringue holds stiff peaks.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Hold the bag perpendicular to the baking sheet and pipe 2-inch high mounds, spacing them about an inch apart since they won’t spread.
- Bake at 200°F for 1 hour. After that, turn off the oven and leave the ghosts to dry in the oven for another 1 to 2 hours.
- Once completely cooled, use the melted dark chocolate and a small food-safe paintbrush to create spooky faces on your meringue ghosts.
Serving Up Your Ghostly Creations
These Ghost Meringues make for an adorable centerpiece for your Halloween dessert table. Arrange them on a spooky platter, or pop them in a jar and let the kids grab their ghostly treats straight from the cauldron! They also pair beautifully with hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a lovely and cozy treat.
Storing Your Ghost Meringues
To keep your meringues fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week, but let’s be real , once the kids get their hands on them, they might not last that long!
Tips for Perfect Ghost Meringues
- Egg Whites Matter: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature, as they whip up better that way.
- Avoid Grease: Ensure all your mixing equipment is grease-free. Even a tiny bit of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Cool Completely: Let the meringues cool down nicely to avoid them becoming sticky.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Consider trying flavored meringues by adding a drop of your favorite extract—almond, peppermint, or even caramel for a twist! You can also color your meringue mix with natural food coloring to create a playful rainbow of ghosts.
FAQs
1. Can I use carton egg whites instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but they might not whip up as effectively. Fresh egg whites provide the best volume and texture.
2. Why did my meringues crack?
Cracking can occur from excessive heat or humidity during baking. Make sure to bake at a low temperature and store in a cool, dry area.
3. How do I prevent my meringues from becoming sticky?
Ensure they are stored in an airtight container and avoid any moisture as much as possible. If they do get sticky, you can let them dry out a bit more in a gentle, warm area.
Whipping up these Ghost Meringues is not just about making a sweet Halloween treat; it’s about sharing joy, giggles, and a bit of spooky fun with your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, invite the kids to join in, and create some memories this Halloween season!
