Chocolate Almond Meringues
Delicate chocolate almond meringues offer a crisp exterior with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for almond and chocolate lovers seeking a light, sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with ground almonds, cocoa, and cornstarch.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until frothy.
- Add cream of tartar and beat on high until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add vanilla or almond extract and remaining sugar, beating until stiff and shiny peaks form.
- Gently fold the cocoa mixture into the meringue.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until crisp, then cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use room temperature egg whites, as they whip up better and create a lighter meringue. If you don't have ground almonds, you can substitute with finely ground hazelnuts or walnuts. Ensure your mixing bowl is clean and free of grease to help the egg whites reach their full volume. For added flavor, consider folding in a pinch of espresso powder or a few chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Almond Meringues are delightful on their own or served alongside whipped cream and fresh berries for a light dessert. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a fun twist, try crumbling them over a Chocolate Sundae Cookies dessert for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture can make them chewy. If they soften, you can briefly re-crisp them in a low oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Almond Meringues contains roughly 47 calories, with 5g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meringues without cornstarch?
Yes, you can omit cornstarch, but it helps stabilize the meringue. If you prefer, you can replace it with a similar amount of powdered sugar, which will also contribute to a smoother texture.
What can I do if my meringue doesn't form stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn't forming stiff peaks, ensure that no egg yolk has contaminated the whites, as even a small amount can affect whipping. Also, make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Beating at a higher speed may also help achieve the desired consistency.
How can I flavor these meringues differently?
To change the flavor, you can replace the vanilla or almond extract with other extracts like peppermint or orange. You can also add a teaspoon of your favorite spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to the cocoa mixture for a unique twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).