Classic Meringue Pie Topping

By Diana Rattray

Updated 09/25/18

Classic Meringue
The Spruce
Ratings (280)
  • Total: 27 mins
  • Prep: 12 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yield: 8 Servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
73 Calories
0g Fat
16g Carbs
2g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This meringue pie topping is made with a French, or common meringue. It is typically a combination of egg whites whipped with sugar. 

We used cream of tartar in this version because it offers a little more stability. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can leave it out. If you can find superfine sugar, it is the best sugar to use in a meringue. 

It isn't always possible, but if it is, spread the meringue on a hot pie filling. And for safety, a meringue must be cooked to the safe minimum temperature of 160 F. For a two or three egg meringue, 15 minutes in a preheated 350 F oven should be sufficient. If you have pasteurized eggs, you can cook the meringue more quickly at a higher temperature. A meringue cooked at 425 F for a short period of time generally has fewer problems.

See the tips below the instructions for some common problems and solutions.

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Watch Now: Classic Meringue Pie Topping

Ingredients

  • Two-Egg Meringue
  • 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 4 tablespoons sugar (preferably superfine)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Three-Egg Meringue
  • 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 6 tablespoons sugar (preferably superfine)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Classic Meringue Pie Topping ingredients
    The Spruce

  2. In a mixing bowl -- preferably stainless steel or glass -- beat the egg whites and a pinch of salt on low speed of an electric mixer until they are frothy.

    Beat egg whites until frothy
     The Spruce

  3. Add the cream of tartar and increase the mixer speed to medium; continue beating until the whites are fluffy, with large bubbles forming around the edges. 

    Beat cream of tartar into egg whites
     The Spruce

  4. With the mixer running, add the sugar, a few teaspoons at a time, ​or until all of the sugar is incorporated.

    Beat sugar into egg whites
     The Spruce

  5. Continue beating until the peaks are firm, but still glossy. Add the vanilla.

    Beat eggs until firm and glossy
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  6. Spoon the meringue onto the hot pie filling. If you are topping an unbaked pie filling, have it at room temperature before you top it with the meringue. Spread the meringue to the crust edge to seal the filling in. Fluff it with the back of a spoon to make decorative peaks across the pie.

    Spread meringue topping on pie
     The Spruce

  7. Bake at 350 F (180 C/Gas 4) for about 12 minutes for 2 egg whites or about 15 minutes for 3 egg whites.

    Baked meringue pie
     The Spruce

  8. Serve and enjoy!

Common Problems and Solutions

Meringue is prone to problems. In some cases, it's the weather, and in others, it might be the baking temperature or the technique. Here are some typical problems and solutions

  • Weeping and Beading - Beading can come from sugar or moisture. It can happen if the meringue is refrigerated while still warm, or if it was cooked for too long or at too high a heat.

  • Shrinking - If it isn't spread all the way to the crust, the meringue might shrink on the filling. A cornstarch and water mixture is another way to provide stability to a meringue. Make a paste with 1/4 teaspoon of cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of water. Heat it in the microwave oven for 10 or 15 seconds, or until the paste is clear. Once peaks have formed on your meringue mixture, beat in the cornstarch mixture, adding 1 teaspoon at a time.