Description
Delightfully festive and crisp, these homemade meringue candy canes combine the light sweetness of classic meringue with refreshing peppermint flavor and vibrant red and green stripes, perfect for holiday decorations and treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Egg Whites
- 2 large egg whites (keep yolks for another recipe)
Sugar and Flavoring
- 200g caster sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
Decoration
- Red food colouring gel
- Green food colouring gel
Instructions
- Whisk the egg whites: Using an electric whisk or stand mixer, whisk the egg whites for 2-3 minutes until very foamy and doubled in size to create volume for the meringue.
- Add sugar gradually: With the mixer running, add caster sugar one tablespoon at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next, to develop a smooth, glossy meringue.
- Add peppermint extract: Once all sugar is combined, add the peppermint extract and continue whisking for another 2-3 minutes until the meringue holds stiff peaks and has a thick, glossy texture.
- Prepare piping bags: Fit two piping bags with 1cm round nozzles and paint stripes of red and green food colouring gels inside the bags using a cocktail stick, alternating colors or assigning one color per bag for striped effect.
- Pipe the candy canes: Preheat the oven to 120°C (100°C fan)/gas mark ½ and line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the meringue mixture between the two bags and pipe 10cm-long, 2cm-thick cane shapes onto the sheets, leaving space between each.
- Bake until crisp: Bake the meringue canes for 50 minutes until they are dry and crisp to touch. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes.
- Cool completely and store: Carefully loosen the candy canes from the parchment with a palette knife and transfer to a wire rack to cool entirely. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whisking.
- Use a clean, grease-free bowl and whisk to achieve stiff peaks.
- The candy canes should be dry and crisp; underbaking may result in sticky texture.
- Handle gently when transferring to prevent breakage.
- Keep stored in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: meringue candy canes, peppermint candy canes, holiday meringue, Christmas candy canes, festive treats
