Whip it real good! How to stiffen egg whites to soft, firm, or stiff peaks

Understanding egg whites

Egg whites are the unsung heroes of countless recipes, blessing us with structure, stability, and that dreamy light and airy texture. Before you start, it’s important to make sure your eggs are at room temperature. They whip up to a glossier shine and taller stature when you do, but here’s the catch—they are easier to separate when they’re cold. At room temperature, you’ll need the care and attention of a pro baker to avoid any unwanted traces of yolk that will flub your fluff.

Essential tools for stiffening eggs

Now that you've got your eggs in order, let's gather everything you need. Reach for your sturdy KitchenAid stand mixer, your fresh eggs, and a clean, dry bowl. If you don't have one of our signature food mixers, no worries! A hand mixer or hand blender will do the trick to nail that ideal peak stiffness, with a bit more effort. You can also use a food chopper or processor with a whisk attachment to do so.

You could also go old school and whisk it by hand, but let's be honest, a stand mixer makes life a whole lot easier. Don't forget to attach your whisk attachment for the best results with your stand mixer. Its precise stainless steel wires cut through eggs with ease, letting it breathe in the air that creates that lovely fluff. 

How to whip soft, firm or stiff peaks — step-by-step guide 

Off we go! Let’s start off with soft peaks and work our way up to stiff peaks. When you think you’ve hit that sweet spot for each, stop your mixer and lift the whisk out of the mix to check your peaks.

1. Whipping soft peaks

Picture this as the gentle warm-up before a vigorous workout. Set your mixer to a medium speed, and let the transformation begin. Gradually increase the pace as the egg whites start getting a cloud-like consistency. This stage is perfect for those lighter recipes—think mousses and chiffon cakes. Soft peaks are like the tender embrace your desserts have been waiting for.

2. Adding stability for firm peaks

Now, let's crank it up a bit! For recipes that demand a bit more structure, aim for firm peaks. Increase the speed of your mixer to fill the egg whites with more air. Stop when the peaks hold their shape, but still have a slight curve at the tip. This level of stiffness is your golden ticket to macarons and frostings that hold their own.

3. Reaching stiff peaks

Hold on to your chef's hat, because we're now reaching the summit of egg white excellence. When your recipe calls for the utmost stability, go for stiff peaks. Dial up the speed on your mixer until the egg whites stand tall and proud, holding their shape without any drooping. Stiff peaks are the secret to heavenly angel food cakes and pavlovas that'll leave your guests in awe.

Recipes to whip up with eggs 

Once you've mastered the delicate dance of whipping egg whites, it's time to put your newfound skill to good use on some of our delicious recipes. Here are a few to have a go at first.

1. Meringue for pavlova

Imagine a crisp and chewy meringue nest cradling a cloud of whipped cream and a cascade of fresh fruits. Our meringue for pavlova recipe will turn your stiff peaks into a splendid pavlova base, ready to be dressed up with your favourite toppings.

2. Easy chocolate mousse

Take your whipped egg whites on a velvety journey with this indulgent treat. This easy chocolate mousse recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the lightness of soft peaks, resulting in a decadent dessert that's sure to impress.

3. Soufflé pancakes

Elevate your brunch game with the airy magic of whipped egg whites in soufflé pancakes. These delightful pancakes get their fluffiness from soft peaks. Check out the recipe here and get ready for a breakfast experience like no other.

4. Meringues

Embrace the simplicity of whipped egg whites in this classic treat. The versatile meringue can be shaped into delicate swirls or crispy kisses, making it a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire. 

5. Raspberry macarons

Venture into the world of elegant French pastries with raspberry macarons. These dainty delights get their signature texture from some precise egg white whipping. It’s quite a trick, but this step-by-step guide will help you ace these colourful, melt-in-your-mouth treats.

This is just the beginning

As bakers, we really hit our stride once we realise that whisking is more than just a chore. It's a fun dance of technique and finesse—a game-changer for any baking enthusiast. 

Now that you've nailed the basics, why not get a little playful with it? Add a bit more sugar, throw in a few surprises, and let your KitchenAid stand mixer and whisk lead you to sweet new discoveries.