Meringue powder is a common ingredient in creamy, smooth icings and frostings. It helps create silky texture and stabilizes whipped icings. But what if you don’t have meringue powder and need to make icing? There are a few easy substitutions you can use instead.
1. Egg Whites
Fresh egg whites are the base of meringue powder. They perform the same function in icings and buttercreams. Using raw egg whites is an ideal substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of meringue powder called for, use 2 tablespoons of egg whites instead.
First, separate eggs and reserve the whites. Let the whites come to room temperature so they whip up better. When ready to make your icing, beat the egg whites until frothy and soft peaks form. Then slowly beat in the sugar and other icing ingredients. This will give you a light, airy frosting.
2. Powdered Egg Whites
Powdered egg whites are made from real egg whites that have been pasteurized and dehydrated into a powder. Reconstituted, they can be used just like fresh whites. Powdered egg whites are handy for icing because they don’t require separating eggs.
Use approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of powdered egg whites for every 1 tablespoon meringue powder. Mix the powdered whites with water according to package directions. With the whites reconstituted, whip and add them to your icing as you would fresh egg whites.
3. Gelatin
In a pinch, unflavored gelatin can help provide some stability in lieu of meringue powder. Use 1/2 teaspoon of gelatin per 1 tablespoon of meringue powder called for. Mix the gelatin with 1 tablespoon cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Then dissolve over low heat and let cool slightly before adding to your icing.
The gelatin doesn’t replicate the airy quality of meringue powder. But it does help improve the icing texture. It works especially well in cream cheese frostings and buttercreams.
4. Whipped Egg White Powder
Whipped egg white powder is made from egg whites that have been whisked into peaks and dried. It’s basically meringue powder without the cream of tartar and stabilizers. You can often substitute it 1:1 for meringue powder in icing recipes.
Just mix the powdered whites with water or milk before adding to your icing. It will dissolve easily and provide billowy body, similar to fresh whipped egg whites. Make sure to get whipped egg whites, not just dried whites.
5. Marshmallow Creme
Marshmallow creme contains gelatin, sugar and vanilla for sweetness. By adding stiffness and fluffiness, it can help replace meringue powder in icings.
Use 3-4 tablespoons marshmallow creme per 1 tablespoon of meringue powder. Beat it into buttercream, cream cheese or whipped icings for extra smoothness and structure.
With egg whites, gelatin, or whipped egg white powder, you can make light, airy icing without meringue powder. Get creative and don’t let a missing ingredient stop you from decorating with delicious fluffy frosting.
