Meringue Ghosts

If you’re looking for a fun and spooky treat to delight your family or friends, these Meringue Ghosts are just the thing! Perfectly light and airy, they bring a touch of whimsy to any gathering. Whether it’s a Halloween party or just a fun afternoon baking session with the kids, these little ghostly delights will surely put smiles on everyone’s faces. Plus, they are a great way to use up extra egg whites!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up these charming ghosts. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself wanting to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: You can whip up these Meringue Ghosts in no time. They’re perfect for when you need a dessert fast!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love to help pipe the meringue and decorate with candy eyes. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together.
• Gorgeous Presentation: These cute ghosts make for an eye-catching dessert that will impress your guests without much effort.
• Make Ahead: They store well for up to two weeks, so you can prepare them ahead of time for busy days or gatherings.
• Delightful Flavor: Light and sweet with a hint of vanilla, these treat are simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful Meringue Ghosts, you’ll need just a handful of simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• candy eyeballs and/or mini chocolate chips

Variations

This recipe is flexible! Feel free to get creative with your Meringue Ghosts. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Some Color: Use food coloring to tint your meringue mixture before piping for a colorful twist!
• Flavor Infusion: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
• Change the Toppings: Instead of candy eyeballs, try using sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
• Make Monster Faces: Get creative with decorating! Use different candies to create monster faces instead of traditional ghostly looks.

How to Make Meringue Ghosts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is crucial for drying out the meringues without browning them. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Whites

In a metal or glass bowl (avoid plastic!), add your egg whites. Beat them at medium-low speed until they become frothy—this step takes about 30 seconds. Frothing adds air, which is key for achieving that light texture we love in meringues.

Step 3: Add Cream of Tartar

Next, sprinkle in the cream of tartar. This ingredient helps stabilize the egg whites as you beat them into fluffy peaks. Continue mixing at medium-low speed until well combined.

Step 4: Gradually Incorporate Sugar

Now it’s time to add the granulated sugar! Do this slowly—about one tablespoon at a time over 1-2 minutes. If you add it too quickly, it won’t dissolve properly, leaving you with gritty meringue. Patience is key here!

Step 5: Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form

Once all the sugar is added, increase your mixer speed to medium. Beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture becomes shiny—this usually takes about three minutes. To check if it’s ready, rub a bit between your fingers; if gritty, keep beating until smooth.

Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract

Gently mix in the vanilla extract just until combined. This adds that lovely flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Step 7: Pipe Your Ghosts

Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2” tip (a tall glass can help!). To prevent sliding, place small dollops of meringue under each corner of your parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape Your Ghosts

Hold your piping bag perpendicular to the baking sheet and gently press out about one inch (2.5 cm) mounds for smaller ghosts and larger ones up to 1.5 inches as desired. Vary their shapes slightly so they each have their unique character!

Step 9: Decorate Your Ghosts

Add candy eyeballs on top of each ghost and stick mini chocolate chips in for mouths—the pointy side goes in so we see the smooth side.

Step 10: Bake & Cool

Place your baking sheets in the oven and bake for about one hour or until dry and crisp. Don’t rush this part! After baking, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside until completely cooled—this helps them dry out further without cracking.

Step 11: Store Your Treats

Once cool, transfer your Meringue Ghosts to an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks! Just be sure not to refrigerate them; moisture will ruin their delightful crunch.

Enjoy making these adorable Meringue Ghosts! They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of joy that will brighten any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Meringue Ghosts

Making meringue ghosts can be a fun and rewarding process, and with these tips, you’ll achieve the perfect spooky treats!

• Use fresh egg whites – Fresh egg whites whip up better than older ones, ensuring you get more volume and stability in your meringue. This makes for light and airy ghosts that hold their shape beautifully.

• Avoid grease – Make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean and free of grease. Even a tiny amount of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly, leading to flat meringues.

• Slowly add sugar – Gradually incorporating sugar allows it to dissolve completely, resulting in a smooth, glossy meringue. This is key to achieving those stiff peaks you want for your ghostly shapes.

• Pipe with confidence – When piping, maintain an even pressure on the bag. This helps create consistent shapes and sizes for your ghosts, making them look professional and delightful.

• Cool slowly – Letting your meringues cool in the oven ensures they dry out evenly without cracking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crisp texture.

How to Serve Meringue Ghosts

These adorable meringue ghosts make for a delightful dessert at any Halloween gathering or themed party! Present them creatively to impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Edible glitter – A sprinkle of edible glitter adds a magical touch that catches the light beautifully, enhancing the festive spirit.
• Chocolate drizzle – Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the tops creates a fun contrast and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin spice cupcakes – Light and fluffy cupcakes infused with warm pumpkin spice flavors complement the sweetness of the meringues perfectly.
• Spooky fruit salad – A mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and grapes can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet ghosts while keeping with the Halloween theme.
• Caramel popcorn – The crunchy sweetness of caramel popcorn pairs wonderfully with the airy texture of meringues. It’s a treat that everyone loves!
• Cinnamon apple cider – A warm cup of spiced apple cider creates a cozy atmosphere when served alongside these ghostly delights. Perfect for chilly fall evenings!

With these ideas in hand, you’re all set to create an enchanting presentation that will delight both kids and adults alike! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful Meringue Ghosts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a spooky treat in advance for parties or gatherings! They maintain their crisp texture and adorable appearance, making them an excellent dessert option that can be enjoyed over time.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your meringue ghosts in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Keep them away from heat and humidity to maintain their crisp texture.
• They will last for up to 2 weeks if stored properly.

Freezing

• While it’s best to enjoy meringues fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage.
• Place the meringue ghosts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Meringues do not require reheating as they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If they lose some crispness after freezing, place them back in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F/90°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crunch.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Meringue Ghosts:

Can I use egg substitutes for Meringue Ghosts?

Yes! You can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as an egg white substitute. Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white.

What should I do if my Meringue Ghosts are sticky?

If your meringues turn out sticky, it may be due to humidity. Make sure to store them in an airtight container and keep them away from moisture. You can also re-bake them at a low temperature to help dry them out.

How do Meringue Ghosts compare to other meringue desserts?

Meringue Ghosts are unique because they are shaped like cute Halloween characters! They offer the same light and crispy texture as traditional meringues but add a festive twist that’s perfect for celebrations.

Can I decorate Meringue Ghosts differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with decorations. You can use different types of candy or even edible glitter for a fun touch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these charming Meringue Ghosts! They’re not only fun to make but also add a delightful touch to any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween or just looking for a sweet treat, these little ghosts will surely bring smiles all around. Enjoy the process, share with loved ones, and remember: the kitchen is where great memories are made!