Meringue Ghosts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for Halloween or just a fun dessert, Meringue Ghosts are the way to go! These charming little sweets are not only cute but also incredibly easy to make. With their crisp shell and light texture, they are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Plus, they can be made in bulk for parties or family gatherings, making them the ideal sweet treat for any occasion.

The best part? Making these ghostly delights is a fun activity that the whole family can join in on. You can get creative with shapes and decorations, making each batch uniquely yours. So let’s dive into this recipe that has become a favorite in my kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super simple: With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up these adorable meringues in no time.
• Family-friendly fun: Kids will love helping out by piping the ghosts and adding candy eyes—it’s an enjoyable way to spend time together!
• Make ahead convenience: These treats can be made in advance and stored at room temperature, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Crispy and delicious: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. They’re sweetened just right, making them an enjoyable treat for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Meringue Ghosts are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and decorations. Here are some ideas:

• Add flavorings: Try mixing in almond extract or lemon zest for a twist on the classic vanilla flavor.
• Colorful meringues: Add a few drops of food coloring to your meringue while beating for vibrant ghosts that pop on your dessert table.
• Shape it differently: Instead of ghosts, use the same technique to create meringue bats or pumpkins—just pipe them into different shapes!
• Top with sprinkles: For an extra festive touch, sprinkle edible glitter or Halloween-themed sprinkles on top before baking.

How to Make Meringue Ghosts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is crucial because it allows the meringues to dry out properly without browning. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats; this will ensure your meringues don’t stick.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a metal or glass bowl (avoid plastic!), add the egg whites from your two large eggs. Beat them at medium-low speed until frothy—this should take about 30 seconds. It’s important not to rush this step; frothy egg whites create the perfect base for our meringues.

Step 3: Add Cream of Tartar

Once frothy, add the cream of tartar. This ingredient helps stabilize the egg whites, which is key for achieving those beautiful stiff peaks later on. Continue mixing at medium-low speed until combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Sugar Gradually

Now comes the fun part! Gradually add your granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time over 1-2 minutes. Patience is essential here—if you dump all the sugar in at once, it won’t dissolve properly and could ruin your meringue.

Step 5: Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form

Once all of the sugar has dissolved, turn up the mixer speed to medium and beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is shiny—this will take about 3 minutes. To check if it’s ready, rub a small amount between your fingers; if it’s gritty, keep mixing until smooth.

Step 6: Add Vanilla Extract

Gently mix in the pure vanilla extract just until combined. The vanilla adds a lovely aroma that enhances our sweet little ghosts!

Step 7: Pipe Your Ghosts

Transfer your meringue mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a 1/2” tip. A great trick is to place the piping bag inside a tall glass while filling it—this makes it so much easier! Once filled, twist the top closed and get ready to pipe.

Step 8: Secure Your Parchment Paper

To prevent your parchment paper from sliding around as you work, place small dollops of meringue under each corner of the sheets.

Step 9: Pipe Ghost Shapes

Hold your piping bag perpendicular to the lined baking sheet and gently press out about 1-inch (2.5 cm) mounds for smaller ghosts or larger ones if you’d like! Varying their sizes gives each ghost its own personality—just be sure to leave at least 2 inches between them.

Step 10: Decorate Your Ghosts

Before baking, add candy eyeballs and mini chocolate chips as mouths on each ghost. For best results, stick them pointy side down so they look just right!

Step 11: Bake Time!

Pop those adorable ghosts into the oven for about an hour until they’re dry and crisp. Don’t peek too soon! After baking, turn off the oven but leave them inside with the door closed for another hour or two—this helps them cool slowly without getting soft.

Step 12: Store Your Meringue Ghosts

Finally, transfer your cooled ghosts into an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks (if they last that long!). Just remember not to refrigerate them—they prefer staying dry!

Enjoy sharing these delightful Meringue Ghosts with friends and family—they’re bound to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Meringue Ghosts

Creating these adorable Meringue Ghosts can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh egg whites – Fresh egg whites whip up better and create a fluffier texture. If your eggs have been sitting in the fridge for a while, consider getting new ones for the best results.

• Avoid any grease – Make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean and free from any grease or residue. Even a tiny amount can prevent your meringue from reaching its full potential.

• Be patient with sugar – Adding sugar slowly is key to achieving that glossy finish. Rushing this step can lead to a grainy texture in your meringues.

• Watch the oven temperature – Baking at a low temperature is crucial to drying out the meringues without browning them. If they start to color, it means they’re cooking too quickly.

• Let them cool in the oven – Allowing the meringues to cool gradually inside the oven helps maintain their crispness. This prevents sudden temperature changes that could cause them to crack.

How to Serve Meringue Ghosts

These whimsical Meringue Ghosts are not only tasty but also make for an eye-catching treat! Here are some fun ways to present them for Halloween parties or festive gatherings.

Garnishes

• Cocoa powder dusting – Lightly dusting cocoa powder over the ghosts adds a spooky touch and enhances their appearance without overpowering the sweetness.
• Sprinkles – Use black or orange sprinkles for an extra festive flair. They add color and fun, making your ghostly treats even more exciting.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Cookies – Soft and chewy pumpkin spice cookies complement the lightness of meringue ghosts beautifully, creating a lovely contrast of textures.

• Chocolate-Dipped Fruit – Fresh strawberries or bananas dipped in dark chocolate provide a delicious fruity balance alongside the sweet meringues.

• Apple Slices with Caramel Dip – Crisp apple slices paired with creamy caramel dip offer a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the airy texture of meringue.

These serving suggestions will undoubtedly elevate your Meringue Ghosts into a standout dessert at any gathering! Enjoy crafting these spooky delights!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful Meringue Ghosts are perfect for meal prep, making them a fun and easy treat to whip up in advance, especially around spooky season! With proper storage, you can ensure they stay crisp and ready to impress your guests or add a festive touch to your dessert table.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the meringue ghosts in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
• They can last up to 2 weeks if kept dry, so avoid refrigerating!

Freezing

• Meringue ghosts can be frozen if you want to prepare them well in advance.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat meringues; they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
• If they lose their crispness, place them back in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for a few minutes to refresh their texture, but keep an eye on them!

FAQs

If you’re curious about making these Meringue Ghosts or have some questions before diving into the recipe, here are some common inquiries answered!

How can I make my Meringue Ghosts more colorful?

You can add food coloring to the meringue mixture before piping it onto the baking sheets. Just a few drops will do! Mix gently until you achieve your desired color.

What can I use instead of candy eyeballs for Meringue Ghosts?

If you don’t have candy eyeballs on hand, mini chocolate chips work perfectly for eyes too! You can also use small pieces of dried fruit or even tiny bits of nuts for a unique twist.

Why did my Meringue Ghosts turn out sticky?

Sticky meringues usually indicate that they haven’t been baked long enough or weren’t dried out properly. Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and allow them to cool completely inside the oven after baking.

Can I make Meringue Ghosts without cream of tartar?

Yes! If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with lemon juice or white vinegar. Use about 1/2 teaspoon as a replacement.

How do I know when my Meringue Ghosts are done baking?

Your meringues should feel dry and crisp when baked. They should lift easily from the parchment paper without sticking. If they’re still soft or sticky, continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these whimsical Meringue Ghosts as much as I do! They’re not only fun to create but also sure to bring smiles all around—perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or just a cozy night at home. Don’t hesitate to get creative with different shapes and decorations; after all, each ghost has its own personality! Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with joy and sweetness!