Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by Lori Walker
Meringue is a light, airy dessert made by whipping egg whites and sugar until they form stiff peaks. It’s a classic dessert often used as a topping or filling for pies, cakes, and other baked goods.
But what does meringue taste like?
Read on as we explore the taste and texture of meringue, some common flavor variations, and ways to use it in your favorite recipes.
What Does Plain Meringue Taste Like?
Plain meringue has a sweet, delicate flavor similar to cotton candy or marshmallows. Its flavor is subtle and not overly rich or decadent, which makes it a great complement to rich, creamy fillings in pies and other desserts.
The sweetness comes from adding sugar, whipped with the egg whites to form stiff peaks. Vanilla extract is often added to the meringue, giving it a subtle, pleasant flavor.
“Sugar brings happiness. Eating it once or twice a week in a dessert that’s what life is about. There is nothing wrong with it.”
– Adriano Zumbo, Australian Pâtissier & Television Presenter
While the plain meringue is relatively neutral in flavor, it’s also a versatile base that can be flavored in many ways to suit your tastes and preferences. But what does a Biscoff cookie taste like?
What Is The Texture Of Meringue?
The meringue [1] texture is light and airy, with a fluffy and marshmallow-like consistency. When whipped, egg whites incorporate air into the mixture, causing it to expand and become fluffy.
As the sugar is gradually added, it dissolves into the egg whites, creating a stable foam that holds its shape. When baked, meringue forms a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and chewy interior.
The texture of meringue can vary depending on the recipe and how it’s prepared, with some meringues being denser and chewier than others. Learn what angel food cake tastes like here.
What Are Some Flavor Variations Of Meringue?
- Citrus meringue: Add lemon, lime, or orange zest to the egg white mixture before whipping. This will give the meringue a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with fruit pies and tarts.
- Chocolate meringue: Add cocoa powder to the egg-white mixture before whipping. This will give the meringue a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs well with chocolate pies and tarts.
- Spice meringue: Add ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to the egg white mixture before whipping. This will give the meringue a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs well with spiced pies and tarts.
- Fruit meringue: Add fruit puree or extract to the egg-white mixture before whipping. This will give the meringue a fruity flavor that complements fruit pies and tarts.
- Almond meringue: Add almond extract or finely ground almonds to the egg white mixture before whipping. This will give the meringue a nutty flavor that pairs well with almond-based desserts.
Read:
What Desserts Commonly Use Meringue?
- Lemon meringue pie: A classic dessert that features a tangy lemon filling topped with a fluffy meringue. The meringue is typically browned in the oven for a crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior.
- Baked Alaska: A show-stopping dessert made with layers of ice cream and cake, topped with a layer of meringue that is baked until golden brown. The meringue insulates the ice cream, keeping it from melting and adding a crispy texture.
- Pavlova: A light and airy dessert made with a meringue base topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. The meringue base is typically flavored with vanilla extract [2] and baked until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Eton mess: A British dessert made with crushed meringue, whipped cream, and fresh berries. The meringue provides a crunchy texture to the dessert, while the whipped cream and berries add a creamy, fruity flavor.
- Chocolate meringue pie: A decadent dessert that features a rich chocolate filling topped with a fluffy meringue. The meringue is typically flavored with cocoa powder to complement the chocolate filling.
Can Meringue Be Used In Savory Dishes?
Yes, meringue can be used in savory dishes to add a light and fluffy texture. Delicious meringues can be made by adding savory ingredients to the meringue base, such as herbs, cheese, or spices.
Delicious meringues are often used as a topping for soups, stews, and other savory dishes, adding a crispy texture and lightness.
Meringue can also be used as a base for savory dishes, such as a quiche or savory tart, where it adds a light and fluffy texture to the filling.
FAQs
Does meringue taste like an egg?
While the meringue is made from egg whites, it does not taste like an egg. The sugar and other ingredients used in the recipe help mask the flavor of the egg whites, creating a sweet, fluffy, and light texture often used as a topping or filling in desserts.
Plus, if the meringue is not prepared correctly or overcooked, it can have a slightly eggy flavor. But how does fruit cake taste?
Is meringue chewy?
When appropriately baked, the meringue can be chewy inside with a crispy exterior. But what does custard actually taste like?
In Conclusion
Meringue has a light and fluffy texture often described as marshmallow-like, with a crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior when baked. Plain meringue has a sweet flavor similar to cotton candy or marshmallows, with a subtle vanilla flavor.
However, meringue can be flavored in various ways, such as adding citrus zest, cocoa powder, or fruit purees to create a range of delicious flavors that complement a variety of desserts.
Whether you’re a fan of classic lemon meringue pie or want to experiment with new flavor combinations, meringue is a delicious and versatile dessert ingredient that adds texture and sweetness to various dishes.
References:
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/ultimate-meringue
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-vanilla-extract-1666074
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