Nuageux Meringue Towers
Light, airy meringue towers that melt in your mouth, inspired by the softness of a cloudy sky. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 95 minutes layers large egg whites, teaspoon cream of tartar, teaspoon salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 100 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a clean, dry bowl, beat 4 large egg whites, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt with an electric mixer on medium-high until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on medium-high until glossy and stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes more).
- Step 2: Sift 1 tablespoon cornstarch over the meringue and fold gently until incorporated, then fold in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Pipe the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in 8 mounds (each about 3 inches across), smoothing the tops with a spatula. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to form a skin.
- Step 4: Bake at 225°F (107°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until dry and firm. Turn off the oven, leave the meringues inside for 1 hour to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Nuageux Meringue Towers take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Nuageux Meringue Towers?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Nuageux Meringue Towers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Nuageux Meringue Towers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Nuageux Meringue Towers?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
