Description
Meringue Ghost Tarts are light, fluffy, and festive Halloween treats featuring charming meringue shaped like ghosts on crisp tart shells. Perfect for all skill levels, these spooky desserts combine airy meringue with a crunchy base and fun decorations to delight guests and kids alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue Mixture
- 4 egg whites (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Tart Shells
- 8 pre-made or homemade tart shells (store-bought or use your preferred recipe)
Decorations
- Black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips for ghost faces
Instructions
- Prepare the Tart Shells: Pre-bake your tart shells if homemade, or use store-bought ones. Ensure they are completely cooled before assembly to prevent sogginess and maintain a crunchy texture.
- Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the room temperature egg whites with cream of tartar or lemon juice to stabilize. Gradually add granulated sugar while whipping continuously until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
- Add Flavorings: Gently fold in vanilla extract to add depth and warmth to the meringue flavor.
- Pipe the Ghost Shapes: Using a piping bag with a round or star tip, pipe ghost shapes onto parchment paper, leaving space between each to allow even baking.
- Bake the Meringue Ghosts: Bake at 225°F (110°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours to dry out the meringue without browning, achieving a crisp and light texture.
- Assemble the Tarts: Once cooled, carefully transfer the meringue ghosts onto the tart shells. Use black decorating gel or mini chocolate chips to create eyes and mouths, giving each ghost a spooky expression.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
- Gradually adding sugar ensures a smooth, shiny meringue.
- Low and slow baking is essential to achieve crisp, not chewy, meringues.
- Fresh egg whites whip better than older ones.
- Test for stiff peaks by lifting the whisk; peaks should hold shape without drooping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: meringue ghosts, Halloween dessert, tart recipe, spooky treats, festive baking, gluten free dessert