Skip to main content

Mile-High Meringue Topping

This recipe yields an extraordinarily lofty topping. You may halve the recipe for a meringue with less volume. Either way, be sure to spread meringue until it completely covers the filling to prevent shrinking or “weeping.”

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes enough for one 9-inch pie

Ingredients

8 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add sugar. Increase speed and whisk until meringue is glossy and forms stiff peaks. Whisk in vanilla.

    Step 2

    Spoon meringue onto surface of the pie until it reaches the crust, then use an offset spatula to create a swirling pattern.

    Step 3

    If desired, use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue, moving flame back and forth until evenly browned. Or brown the meringue under the broiler, but keep an eye on it—a minute or two is all you need.

Martha Stewart's New Pies and Tarts
Read More
This isn’t competing with a brownie. It’s in a class of its own.
Fall dreams are made of this. Who are we to disagree?
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!
A few clever changes take classic Rice Krispies Treats to soaring new heights.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.
Enchiladas meet pumpkin in this cozy weeknight dinner.
The Thanksgiving staple makes for a stellar weeknight dinner.
This picadillo-inspired topping would taste good on a shoe.