Meringue Ghosts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that adds a touch of whimsy to your dessert table, these Meringue Ghosts are just the thing! They are light, airy, and oh-so-fun to make. Perfect for Halloween parties or any festive gathering, these little ghosts will charm both kids and adults alike. Plus, the process of piping them into shape is a great way to involve your loved ones in the kitchen!

One of the best parts about Meringue Ghosts is how simple they are. With just a few ingredients you probably already have at home, you can create these adorable sweets that look as good as they taste. Let’s dive into why this recipe has become a staple in my home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have an impressive treat ready for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out with piping the ghosts and decorating them with candy eyes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These meringues can be made in advance and stored for up to two weeks—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Light and Airy Texture: The meringue melts in your mouth, making it a delightful end to any meal or snack.
• Customizable Shapes: Get creative with different ghost sizes and designs—no two need to look the same!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these adorable Meringue Ghosts, you’ll only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. I love how straightforward this recipe is—it makes baking feel accessible and enjoyable!

• 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and mix things up with these fun variations:

• Add Flavoring: Experiment by adding different extracts like almond or mint to change up the taste.
• Colorful Ghosts: Use food coloring to tint the meringue before piping for colorful little spirits.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate over the meringues for an extra treat!
• Spooky Sprinkles: Top your ghosts with festive Halloween-themed sprinkles for added flair.

How to Make Meringue Ghosts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature helps the meringues dry out slowly so they don’t crack. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats—this will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites

In a metal or glass bowl (avoid plastic!), add your egg whites and beat them at medium-low speed until frothy—this should take about 30 seconds. The frothiness is crucial because it sets the stage for those lovely peaks we want in our meringue.

Step 3: Add Cream of Tartar

Next, sprinkle in the cream of tartar while continuing to mix at medium-low speed until everything is combined. Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites as they whip up, ensuring our ghosts hold their shape.

Step 4: Gradually Add Sugar

Now comes the important part—gradually add in your granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time over 1-2 minutes. Take it slow! If you dump all the sugar in at once, you risk ending up with grainy meringue rather than smooth perfection.

Step 5: Whip It Good

Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase your mixer speed to medium and beat until stiff peaks form—about 3 minutes. The mixture should be glossy and smooth. To check if it’s ready, rub a bit between your fingers; if it feels gritty, keep mixing until it’s silky.

Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract

Gently fold in your vanilla extract until incorporated. This little addition enhances the flavor of our lovely ghosts without overpowering their sweetness.

Step 7: Prepare Your Piping Bag

Transfer your fluffy meringue into a large piping bag fitted with a 1/2” tip. A handy tip is to place the bag inside a tall glass while filling it; this keeps everything tidy and makes it easier.

Step 8: Secure Your Parchment Paper

To keep your parchment paper from shifting while piping, place small dollops of meringue on each corner of the baking sheet underneath the paper.

Step 9: Pipe Your Ghosts

Hold your piping bag perpendicular to the lined baking sheet and gently press out about a 1-inch mound for each ghost (think Hershey Kiss size). Feel free to vary their sizes slightly for character!

Step 10: Decorate Your Ghosts

Don’t forget to give each ghost some personality! Stick on candy eyeballs and use mini chocolate chips as mouths—a simple yet adorable touch that brings them to life.

Step 11: Bake Them Up

Bake in your preheated oven for about an hour or until they’re dry and crisp. Resist that urge to peek right after baking! Turn off the oven but leave them inside with the door closed for about 1-2 hours; this cooling time helps them set perfectly.

Step 12: Store Your Ghosts

Once cooled completely, transfer your charming Meringue Ghosts into an airtight container. They can hang around at room temperature for up to two weeks—but trust me, they won’t last that long!

And there you have it! These Meringue Ghosts are not just treats; they’re little bites of joy perfect for sharing with family and friends during any festive occasion. Enjoy every sweet moment!

Pro Tips for Making Meringue Ghosts

Creating meringue ghosts can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be sure to impress!

• Use room temperature egg whites: This helps the egg whites whip up to their full volume, ensuring your meringues are light and airy.

• Avoid grease at all costs: Make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean and dry. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from reaching the desired peaks.

• Be patient with sugar: Adding sugar gradually allows it to dissolve properly, which is crucial for achieving that smooth, glossy meringue texture.

• Keep meringues in the oven: Allowing them to cool inside the oven prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks. It’s like letting them relax after a hard workout!

• Store properly: To maintain their crispness, store your meringue ghosts in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them as moisture can ruin their texture.

How to Serve Meringue Ghosts

These delightful little ghosts not only taste great but also make for an adorable Halloween treat! Presenting them well will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of edible glitter or Halloween-themed sprinkles on top adds an extra festive touch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the tops can enhance flavor and create a spooky effect!

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These cozy muffins add a seasonal flair and complement the sweetness of the meringues beautifully.

• Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Crisp apple slices paired with creamy almond or cashew butter offer a refreshing contrast to the sweet meringues.

• Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: Light and crunchy, this snack brings in a fun element of crunchiness alongside your soft meringue ghosts.

• Caramel Dip for Fruits: A rich caramel dip makes for a delicious side that works wonderfully with fresh fruit and balances out the sweetness of the ghosts.

Enjoy serving up your Meringue Ghosts this spooky season! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or party. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Meringue Ghosts are perfect for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored easily. This way, you can enjoy them during Halloween parties or as a delightful treat anytime!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the meringues in an airtight container.
• Keep them at room temperature for optimal crispness.
• They can last up to 2 weeks if kept dry.

Freezing

• Meringue Ghosts can be frozen for longer storage.
• Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat meringues; just let them thaw at room temperature.
• Avoid microwaving as it will make them chewy rather than crispy.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Meringue Ghosts:

Can I use liquid egg whites for Meringue Ghosts?

Yes, you can use liquid egg whites, but be sure that they contain no additives. Follow the same instructions for whipping them until stiff peaks form.

How do I keep my Meringue Ghosts from being sticky?

To prevent stickiness, ensure that your meringues are completely dry before storing them. Bake until crisp and store in an airtight container away from moisture.

What can I use instead of cream of tartar in Meringue Ghosts?

You can substitute lemon juice or white vinegar in place of cream of tartar. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of either option per egg white.

What’s the best way to pipe my Meringue Ghosts?

Using a large piping bag fitted with a 1/2” tip allows for easier control while piping. Practice squeezing gently and evenly for the perfect ghost shape!

How can I decorate my Meringue Ghosts?

Feel free to get creative! You can use candy eyeballs, mini chocolate chips, or even colored icing to add more personality to your ghosts.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Meringue Ghosts! Not only are they fun and festive, but their light and airy texture makes them irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween or simply want a sweet treat, these little ghosts will surely bring a smile. Enjoy making them, and don’t forget to share with family and friends — after all, treats are best enjoyed together!