Meringue Powder Uses: 4 Helpful Uses When Baking

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Last Updated on March 8, 2023

Many professional bakers always have meringue powder on hand. Meringue powder uses include royal icing, pie toppings, cookies, and more. It is a convenient ingredient that can be used for many different recipes. 

From icing to pies, meringue powder has many uses. Since it is a powder form, it can keep for a long time, which makes it convenient and practical. It is often sold in tubs or bags, which is particularly ideal for bakeries.

What is Meringue Powder Made of and What Does it Do?

Meringue powder is an egg white substitute primarily made of dried egg whites. It may contain other ingredients such as corn starch, sugar, citric acid, and potassium acid tartrate (cream of tartar) to help it maintain its freshness and flavor.

It is used as a substitute for recipes that call for egg whites beaten to a stiff peak.  In addition, it can also be used as a stabilizer in frostings, as well as preventing drooping in certain desserts. Unlike its counterpart egg whites, which are liquid, it is a fine, white powder.

Though using fresh egg whites is often the best option for recipes, meringue powder makes a wonderful substitute. It is easy to use and is convenient when you do a lot of baking. It is also ideal if you are considering any health issues when it comes to using raw egg whites.

 Meringue Powder Uses

Meringue powder is a versatile ingredient used in many desserts. It is most commonly used for royal icing, as it gives it a lovely stiff texture that is great for piping or pouring decorations on cakes and cookies.

Many choose to use it for meringue pie toppings and meringue cookies. It gives them a wonderfully fluffy texture, just like egg whites do. There are many meringue powders used that result in delicious desserts. 

Another common use for it is adding it to frostings. It makes frosting more stable, allowing piped designs to hold their shape without weeping. This is particularly helpful for warm days, as it can help prevent the frosting from melting.

 Meringue Powder Uses When Baking 

1. When you have a recipe you are looking to substitute egg whites a recipe, it is an easy replacement. Simply mix two tablespoons of meringue powder with two tablespoons of water for every egg white the recipe calls for.
2. For the royal icing, meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water are mixed. Depending on how much water you add, you can make it thin for pouring or thick for piping intricate designs.
3. For frostings, the amount you add will vary by type. Add about 1 tablespoon once the sugar and butter have been creamed together for buttercream frosting. When making whipped cream, you will want to add it after the cream starts to foam. Typically, you will add one tablespoon for every cup of whipped cream you are making.
4. Many suggest not using meringue powder as a baking substitute for eggs in a recipe. For cake, brownies, cookies, and bread, it is always best to use real eggs. It is made to be a substitute for eggs that are beaten to stiff peaks, not for desserts you bake.

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Try out this Delicious Wilton Buttercream Frosting Recipe with Meringue Powder

What Can You Use Instead of Meringue Powder?

If you run out of meringue powder, fresh egg whites are always the best option to use. They provide the best foaming capabilities and will create nice stiff peaks. If you are concerned about the safety of raw egg whites, you can buy pasteurized egg whites or even pasteurize them yourself.

You can also use powdered egg whites, but they will need to be rehydrated as they don’t contain any pre-added sugar or stabilizer. You may also use aquafaba, which is the liquid from leftover cooked chickpeas, but it may have a more savory flavor. Aquafaba is a vegan alternative to meringue powder.

Another option bakers have found that works are to use gelatin in place of meringue powder. Powdered gelatin can work in a pinch as a substitute for meringue powder in many recipes. Simply add three tablespoons of warm water with one tablespoon of gelatin powder for every two teaspoons of meringue powder your recipe calls for.

Agar-agar powder also works as a meringue powder substitute and it is vegan-friendly too. Combine one tablespoon of agar-agar powder with one tablespoon of water for a meringue powder substitute. 

While not as practical, flaxseed and chia seed are also two vegan alternatives to meringue powder. Combine three tablespoons of water with one tablespoon of flaxseed to make two tablespoons of meringue powder substitute. You can use the same measurements for chia seeds, however, it is important to note that the chia seeds will have a nutty flavor.

Read more about 4 Different Alternatives To Meringue Powder For Buttercream

How to Store It

Meringue powder should be kept in a cool, dry area. To prevent any moisture from getting in, it should be kept in an airtight container. Any moisture that seeps in can ruin it.

Since it is a dehydrated product, it does not need to be kept in the fridge. This also allows it to have a long shelf life, which when stored properly can last up to two years.

How Long Does Meringue Powder Last?

When properly stored, store-bought meringue powder can last for two years. Store your meringue powder in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. 

If you notice an off smell, taste, or appearance in your meringue powder it should be thrown out. Be sure to keep your meringue powder away from moisture and heat, as this may cause mold growth. If you notice any mold growth on your meringue powder throws it out. 

What is the Best Meringue Powder for Royal Icing? Meringue Powder Uses

Many bakers prefer to use Wilton meringue powder when making royal icing. It is specifically designed to be used for royal icing, meringue, and other recipes that call for egg whites. 

Wilton meringue powder comes in four-ounce, eight-ounce, and one-pound containers. The containers are resealable so your meringue powder will stay fresh when you are not using it. 

Wilton meringue powder is made from high-quality ingredients to give you the best results when making your royal icing. It allows your royal icing to have a flat, smooth finish with a glossy appearance. 

DIY Meringue Powder

If you are having trouble finding meringue powder at your grocery store or would like to save money, you can make your meringue powder. For DIY meringue powder, you will need: 

Ingredients 

• 3/4 cup of confectioner’s sugar
• 1/4 cup of dried egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch 

Equipment

• Two medium mixing bowls
• Flour sifter
• Whisk
• Airtight container

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Combine Ingredients 

In a medium mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine the confectioners’ sugar, dried egg whites, cornstarch, and cream of tartar.

Step Two: Sift the Ingredients

Using your flour sifter, sift the ingredients into the other medium bowl and then sift it back into the original. Repeat the process a total of four times for your meringue powder. Sifting the meringue powder is important as it provides uniform ingredient distribution.

Step Three: Store the Meringue Powder

Store your meringue powder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. If desired, you can add a ceramic desiccant disk to prolong the freshness. Before using, sift your meringue powder one more time. 

 Meringue Powder Uses for Desserts

Meringue powder is an egg white substitute that is great for royal icing, toppings for pies, and even cookies. It is also great for adding to different kinds of frostings, as it can work as a stabilizer.

Do you have any questions on meringue powder uses? If so, please ask them in the comments down below.

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