Hi Bold Bakers! WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: Delightful Meringue Mushrooms add the perfect whimsical touch to a Christmas Yule Log (Bûche de Noël). Use these sweet and crunchy treats as a fun garnish for any holiday dessert, or enjoy them on their own. Already have an account?
Their light and crunchy texture perfectly complements the rich Christmas Yule Log. Their creamy color is a gorgeous contrast to the chocolate cake.
Holiday baking usually focuses on the flashy—an extra-special cake, a gorgeously layered trifle—but the smaller special touches, like these Meringue Mushrooms, beautiful Peppermint Candy Spoons, charming Frozen Whipped Cream, or a batch of Homemade Fudge, are the special treats that add sparkle to the holidays.
Table of Contents
What are Meringue Mushrooms?
Meringue mushrooms are made from egg whites whipped with sugar and cream of tartar that are piped into mushroom shapes and baked. They’re dusted with cocoa powder for a mushroom-like hue and attached to the cake with melted chocolate. These confections are used to evoke a woodland scene and can be used to complete many winter desserts. They’re often paired with sugared cranberries, fondant or gingerbread, herb sprigs, and candy rocks or pebbles. In the 1800s, French pastry chefs started using meringue and were enthralled with its moldability and the airy, crisp results. Meringue mushrooms were a natural pairing with the rustic look of the French Bûche de Noel.
Tools You Need
Two baking sheets and parchment paper Mixing bowl Hand-held electric mixer Measuring cups and measuring spoons Large piping bag fitted with a ⅜ -inch (9 mm) round tip Thin, pointed knife
Key Ingredients and Why
Egg whites Egg whites are the main component of meringue. Whipping egg whites makes them foamy and aerates the whites. The protein structure in egg whites traps the air and expands the mixture. Cream of tartar Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) is an acid that helps egg whites reach their maximum volume. It also helps stabilize the whipped egg whites to make a light, fluffy meringue that holds its shape. Granulated sugar Sugar sweetens the meringue. Sugar also stabilizes the meringue and improves the texture. Bittersweet chocolate Melted bittersweet chocolate bonds the meringue mushroom caps and stems together deliciously. Cocoa powder A dusting of cocoa powder gives the mushrooms a more realistic look and a lovely flavor.
How to Make Meringue Mushrooms
Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Make the meringue: Whip egg whites on high for 30 seconds until foamy. Add cream of tartar and whip until whites reach soft peaks which flop over immediately when the beater is lifted. Continue to whip and add sugar one tablespoon at a time until egg whites form stiff, glossy peaks that stand straight up when the beaters are lifted. Pipe the meringue: Scoop egg whites into a piping bag. Pipe 25 mushroom stems onto the prepared baking sheet as directed in the recipe. Then, pipe 25 mushroom caps as directed in the recipe. Continue until you’ve used all of the egg whites.
Bake: Bake meringues for 90 minutes until they are dry. Let the meringues cool completely. Assemble: When ready to assemble, use the knife to make a small hole in the bottom of the caps. Fill with melted chocolate and insert the stems. Let the mushrooms set. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder.
Can I Make Meringue Mushrooms in Advance?
Yes, you can make Meringue Mushrooms in advance.
Meringue must be kept in a dry environment, or it will get sticky. Keep Meringue Mushrooms in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to three days. If you layer them in the container, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How to Store Meringue Mushrooms
Leftover Meringue Mushrooms will keep in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to three days.
Can I make these Meringue Mushrooms egg-free?
Yes, you can make these Meringue Mushrooms egg-free. For an eggless version, try making them with Aqua Faba.
How can I make sure my meringue is dry and crisp and doesn’t weep? Ensure that the mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean, dry, and free of any grease. Any oil or moisture can adversely affect the meringue. Also, separate your eggs carefully, making sure there are no traces of yolk in the egg whites. What can I use to substitute for cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar is a mild acid that strengthens the egg whites by giving them some elasticity.
White Vinegar: Substitute twice the amount of white vinegar for cream of tartar. Lemon Juice: Use the same amount of lemon juice as you would cream of tartar. Baking Powder: In a pinch, you can use baking powder. Use 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder for every 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Keep in mind that baking powder contains additional ingredients (such as baking soda), so this may affect the flavor slightly. Note that using a substitute may yield results that differ in taste and texture from those made by following the recipe exactly.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
Room-temperature egg whites whip up better than cold. To take the chill out of cold whites, place them in a bowl and rest the bowl in a larger bowl of very warm (not boiling) water for a few minutes. You can use ¼ teaspoon of vinegar if you don’t have cream of tartar. Although Meringue Mushrooms are the classic decoration for a Christmas Yule Log (Bouche de Noel), they are equally sweet on a holiday cookie platter. You can use this meringue batter to pipe any other shape you wish. You can flavor this meringue by adding a ¼ teaspoon of peppermint or almond extract to the whites once they are whipped to stiff peaks. Meringue Mushrooms are fabulous on a cookie platter or a Chocolate Charcuterie Board.
More Meringue Recipes
Christmas Wreath Pavlova Mile High Sweet Potato Pie Raspberry Meringues with Pistachios Meringue Roulade with Butterscotch & Bananas Heavenly MeringueNests with Mango, Strawberry, and Dairy-Free Coconut Cream
