Step 1

Combine sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar in a bowl with a candy thermometer attached. Set the bowl over the top of a pot with 1 ¼ cups water covering the bottom. Place over medium heat.

Step 2

Stir constantly with a whisk until the mixture reaches 140°-160°  The sugar should be dissolved in the egg whites. You can test this by placing a drop on your fingertips and rubbing them together to ensure it’s completely smooth.

Step 3

Immediately place the mixing bowl on your stand. Using the wire whisk attachment, beat the eggs white on low for 2 minutes, then increase to medium-high. Beat for another 5 minutes (the frosting should have turned white and the body of the meringue starts to form). Add the vanilla extract and increase the mixing speed to high, beat for another 3-5 minutes until the bottom of your bowl is cool to the touch and your meringue has stiff peaks. Use immediately.